Chu Bakery

If social media has to answer for anything, it’s the queue at Chu Bakery. With a few snaps posted on Instagram, husband and wife Ryan and Seren Chu’s dream of a low-volume, high-quality bakery became an overnight success.

Designed by hospitality stalwart Mata Design Studio, the bakery’s clean lines and carpentry bring the rows of baguettes, spelt and organic sourdoughs into sharp focus. It’s a snug space but with Hyde Park across the road, it’s a no-brainer. We highly recommend grabbing a French pastry, perhaps a kaya, coconut and almond croissant; or one of the caneles that are regularly pulled out of the oven.

A play on the choux puff, the matcha yuzu “Chu” puff is one gorgeous pastry with a surprise of yuzu jelly inside, and a bonus Pocky stick. Toasts with savoury toppings – avocado, prosciutto and hummus – are a showcase of Ryan’s self-taught talent with sourdough.

Filter, espresso and cold brew are from Melbourne’s Dukes Coffee Roasters, with freshly made in house almond milk and Valrhona hot chocolate to supplement.