[Melbourne] Melbourne is not always all about the coffee. Actually, a decent part of the city has some influence from Asia. What better way to show it than to reflect it in food?
Humble Rays is the best representation of that.
The popular café down in Carlton should be marked on your itinerary.
It is a stone’s throw away from the iconic Queen Victoria Market, that you can make it a perfect after-market lunch spot.
Humble Rays sports an iconic mint green and off-white throughout the spacious enclave.
The casual outfit has more than enough sits most of the time, although the alfresco tables are parked on the asphalt outside.
For once, food is the main draw. They deal in Asian-inspired brunch and dessert, available “all day” (but only from 8am to 3pm).
While the menu is split between savoury and sweet plates, the breakfast items are particularly eye-catching.
The Crabmeat Scramble (AUD 24) is a signature. The lump of scrambled eggs were interspersed with crab meat and rice crackers, with extra spice coming from red chilli and chilli oil.
Take it with some of the sriracha mayo, the breakfast is rich and punchy.
It comes served with a croissant too.
Their Egg Benny (AUD 24) is another well-received dish.
Not your usual eggs benedict, this rendition focuses on a cut of ginger braised pork belly to go with the poached eggs, complete with nice touches of lotus chips and bacon jam.
On the sweet side, a must-get is their French Toast Forever (AUD 23). The deep-fried bread is stuffed with dense vanilla cream cheese, so every bite is really more like having a cake.
Throw in the fruits and coulis and ice cream and fairy floss, dessert for brunch will leave no regrets.
Croffles (AUD 12) are available, coming in a Belgium Holiday (biscoff, salted caramel, vanilla ice cream) or Hello Tokyo (red bean, matcha anglaise, black sesame ice cream).
There is much more to explore, like their Granola Bowl (AUD 15.50), Duck Congee (AUD 22), Wagyu Burger (AUD 21), and Lemon & Blueberry Pancakes (AUD 20).
To pair with the food is the coffee, brewed with the city standard ST. ALi roasted beans. Either a Black Coffee (AUD 5) or a White Coffee (AUD 5), depending on your tastebuds.
Out of curiosity (as every other table seemed to be having this), I ordered the Iced Thai Milk Tea (AUD 7.50) – probably one of my most expensive cups ever.
But the rich creaminess of the milk and the distinct Thai-tea leave taste worked so well, and they also moderated the sweetness level – enough to be delightful yet not overly for sugar-intake-watchers.
Humble Rays will be a great choice for something a little different in your Melbourne brunch options.
Humble Rays Melbourne
71 Bouverie Street, Carlton VIC 3053
Opening Hours: 8am – 4pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Humble Rays
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* Written by Daniel Ang and Dean Ang. Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
