Where Chefs Eat: The Three Pecks Road Founders All Have the Same Favourite Ice-Cream Spot

Brothers Albin, AJ and Arbi Lawang are behind Filipino doughnut and sandwich shop Pecks Road. The trio opened first in Caroline Springs in 2022 and quickly gained a following for triple-ube doughnuts and a take on a McMuffin where baked egg, Filipino longanisa (sausage), American cheese, house-made Southwest and barbeque sauces are served on an English muffin. They followed it with a CBD location earlier this year and plan to take it even further. We caught up with the brothers to find out where (and what) they’ve been eating in Melbourne lately.

What’s your favourite bakery?
Albin: Small Batch in North Melbourne has an immaculate pastry range on top of their coffee. If and when I’ve got a day off from Pecks, I’m there for sweet and savoury goodies.

AJ: I love popping into Bread Club on a cold autumn morning. The quality and attention to detail is guaranteed every single time. My favourite pastry is the green tea-infused plum danish.

Arbi: Candied Bakery was the GOAT of my lockdowns. Catch me there on any given weekend smashing some OG vanilla slice doughnuts.

What’s your go-to for breakfast?
Albin: Convoy in Moonee Ponds. It’s a beautiful ambient spot, and the prawn rolls are a must-try.

Arbi: Dumbo in West Footscray has these rotating specials that often feature Filipino influence. Like the arroz caldo (chicken and rice soup) with braised ginger chicken and rice. Heartwarming, nostalgic and delicious.

Where do you take visitors?
Albin: Shanghai Village in Chinatown. It’s an old boy, but it has so much life and character. I love the quick service, and the ‘80s playlist on repeat has grown on me over the years.

AJ: Askal. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and is a good representation of Filipino cuisine – but just on another level.

Arbi: The Paddock Bakery in Geelong is the perfect road trip pit stop. The doughnuts and pastries are always on point – not to mention a solid brunch offering.

What’s the best place for a drink and snacks?
AJ: Inuman for a cosy rooftop vibe and Filipino bar snacks. The barbeque skewers are a family recipe that you just can’t get anywhere else.

Where do you recommend for date night?
Albin: Capitano in Carlton is a beautiful intimate spot. The pizza and vodka sauce pasta are insane.

Arbi: DOC hands down. Everyone already knows about their amazing pizzas, but I could throw a dart at the wine menu and always end up with something banging. I love this place.

What’s your favourite ice-cream or gelato spot?
Albin: Kariton ’s ube and turon gelatos have special places in my heart.

AJ: Kariton. I get the choc nut.

Arbi: It’s gotta be Kariton for the watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew sorbet.

Where do you go for special occasions?
Albin: Hazel. There’s always incredible service, very knowledgeable staff and a high quality seasonal menu.

What’s the best place to eat with a big group?
Arbi: You can’t beat St Burgs in Caroline Springs on a Friday night. American Filo-style burgers and barbeque and cold San Miguels – what’s not to love?

What’s the most underrated restaurant in Melbourne?
Albin: Tom Toon. It’s a Thai restaurant in Abbotsford and an authentic hidden gem with service that’s second to none.