Bottari is a Korean practice of wrapping or bundling goods in traditional cloth. True to its name, Bottari on Elizabeth Street – the latest addition to Melbourne’s Hallyu scene – bundles trendy Korean snacks, drinks and cafe culture into one thoughtfully designed hangout next to KT Mart.

“Cafe culture, similar to Melbourne, is huge in Korea,” owner and chef Jiwoo Kim tells Broadsheet. “But it’s different. Over there, it’s normal to go to a cafe after dinner. Cafes aren’t just about coffee, it’s about the vibe, the atmosphere. You go to hang out, catch up with friends, just kill time.”

It’s this relaxed, social spirit Jiwoo brings to student-friendly Bottari, which offers a contrast to Melbourne’s fast-paced, takeaway-focused coffee scene. “I want to offer that, too – good coffee – but also the vibe from Korea and all the cultures I love.”

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The drinks menu reflects what’s trending in Korean cafe culture. Standouts include the ah-shot-chu – an iced peach tea with a shot of espresso – and doughnut lattes in chai cinnamon, chocolate or matcha, which are topped with caramel cream to achieve their signature doughnut look. There’s also the popular Ferrero latte, a coffee made with peanut butter for a perfect balance of sweetness.

Bottari also offers Korean baked goods that complement its specialty drinks. There are the black sesame cookies, made with Asian soy milk, and Jiwoo’s personal favourite, kkwabaegi: chewy, twisted Korean doughnuts dusted with soybean powder. It’s the item she’s most proud of and one she travelled back to Korea to master last year, spending weeks learning directly from local kkwabaegi makers.

Classic coffee options like iced coffees, long blacks and batch brews round out the menu. For non-caffeine drinkers, there’s yuzu mint tea and the misugaru latte, a multigrain drink inspired by a childhood breakfast staple, as well as a selection of cold-pressed juices. It’s all part of Jiwoo’s vision to create a welcoming, all-day hangout.

“Cafes in Korea close at 9pm or 10 pm,” she says, reflecting on the tradition of visiting cafes after dinner to unwind with friends. “But when I moved here from Korea, I found it hard to find a spot to work or do group projects. You have to be really quiet in libraries. So, we’re hoping to extend our business hours, probably during winter, to cater to that demographic too.”

Adding a visual layer to the space are the cafe’s namesake bottari bundles: packages beautifully wrapped in both traditional and modern Korean fabrics. “The name Bottari was inspired by my love for the beauty of traditional Korean wrapping cloths,” Jiwoo says. “I wanted to blend that with Korea’s vibrant coffee trends and share it with the people of Melbourne.”

Bottari is constantly evolving; with its trend-driven menu and eye for detail, expect changes and seasonal specials, but never in lieu of its dedication to bringing Korea’s cafe culture to Melbourne.

Bottari
600 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne

Hours
Mon to Fri 8.30am–4.30pm
Sat & Sun 9.30am–5.30pm

@bottari.melb