Cham is more than just a cafe. Everything from the coffee to the menu to the artwork is in celebration of Vietnamese culture and fostering community.

Crisp, chewy Korean potato pancakes are the draw at this hole-in-the-wall spot near Queen Vic Market.

It’s all about congee at this bright spot near Queen Vic Market. The Chinese dish is on full show – from savoury versions with pork and seafood to sweet bowls with goji berries. Plus, find plenty of dim sum staples.

Opposite the Queen Vic Market you’ll find vegan, pork or slow-braised beef curry, served over rice or stuffed into deep-fried kare pan. The curry shop also has house-made mochi cookies and canelés, as well as specialty-coffee tonics and Japanese craft beers.

Two ex-Long Chim chefs are behind this cosy Thai spot, which offers standout breakfasts, snacks and sweets. Come for congee, and green curry with fried chicken. Afternoons call for milk tea and a slice of pandan cake.

A Thai cafe serving Chiang Mai-style coffee, Thai toast with coconut jam, durian rolls and other sweets. It also has some of the best – and most unique – pies in town: glorious parcels of pastry with fillings inspired by Thai staples that might include chicken green curry and pork larb.

This corner cafe specialises in modern takes on traditional Japanese sandwiches and excellent filter coffee. For dessert, grab a Mochinut (a mochi doughnut) or a black tea creme brûlée.

A twist on traditional Greek loukoumades doughnuts.

The West Melbourne bakery blends Asian flavours and native Australian ingredients with French pastry technique. Come for its popular chestnut-loaded Mont Blanc, pistachio-cardamom madeleines, specialty brews and more.

This beer bar stocks limited release and hard-to-find brews, as well as funky, mostly local, wines. Designed by an alumnus of legendary restaurant Yardbird, it punches well above its weight.

Wine and literature, together at last.

After a holiday to Mexico, housemates Scott Witham and Andrew Wilson brought Tulum beach back home to Melbourne. Their taqueria and bar is in part a tribute to José, a local beach bar owner Witham met in Tulum. The “tacky disco” décor is reminiscent of the seaside bars they frequented together, and Wilson hand-presses tortillas each day.