Be the Duck

This is a bright, 35-seat daytime eatery on a small strip of shops between a drycleaner and Love Thai Hand massage parlour.

Menu options range from grab-and-go staples such as takeaway rolls and bacon, cheese, tomato and kale pastizzis (similar to a pasty), to intriguing, quality sit-down dishes.

The hearty and slightly spicy Asian Chilli Eggs is scrambled eggs mixed with Korean chilli paste, tender pork lardons, broccolini, spring onions and king brown mushrooms that are steeped in master stock. It comes with two large prawn crackers in lieu of bread.

The Veggie “Burger” Stack is a breadless wonder of braised field mushrooms topped with egg wash and sesame seeds (to look like buns), a chickpea veggie patty, salad and caramelised onions. This comes with seasoned whipped tofu and sweet-potato crisps.

There’s also a “More” menu, which includes twice-cooked pork belly with fermented apple cabbage slaw, and a vegan bolognese with minced mushrooms and zucchini spaghetti.

The build-your-own Your Food Plate menu lets you pick from eight proteins, such as beef sirloin or golden tofu, and lots of sides, such as sweet-potato mash or ancient grains with goji berries.

The drinks menu includes [Proud Mary coffee] (https://www.broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/cafes/proud-mary-café), juices, smoothies, cocktails and fresh coconuts, which you can order with a shot of espresso.