Yugen Tea Bar Gets A Complete Refresh, Now Offering Specialty Coffee, Tea and Elevated, Asian-Inspired Eats
This March, YTB opens its doors to offer a fresh approach to South Yarra’s brunch scene. Located on the bustling corner of Chapel Street and Toorak Road, YTB will serve up Asian-inspired dishes across breakfast and lunch, alongside specialty coffee, teas and matcha. Designed for both grab-and-go efficiency and relaxed, all-day dining, YTB will also offer a curated selection of fresh flowers, locally crafted ceramics and even housemade dog treats.
Catering to office workers, locals and brunch lovers, the menu created by LK Hospitality (Omnia, Yugen) Culinary Director, Stephen Nairn, includes seasonal dishes suited to every craving. For those after something leaner and cleaner, fresh, colourful salads and made-to-order sandos will be on offer, whilst those looking to indulge can opt for decadent sweet treats and fresh-from-the-oven pastries baked in house. Highlights include:
- Buckwheat Taiyaki – YTB’s signature dish, a traditional Japanese fish-shaped waffle, filled with miso egg, aged cheddar togarashi and served with pickles and a pickled ginger dressing ($10.50)
- Caramelised Shokupan – Toasted Japanese milk bread, served with caramelised banana, bacon and maple butter ($15.50)
- Japanese Baked Eggs – YTB’s rich, umami take on shakshuka includes wakame, eggs, pickled shishito peppers, tomatillo sauce and whipped silken tofu ($19.50)
- Crispy Somen Noodle Salad – A light and refreshing bowl of crispy somen noodles, rare beef, salted cucumber, Thai basil, and zesty lime dressing (Small, $15, Large $19.50)
- Cucumber, Heirloom Peppers, Sushi Rice, Yuzu dressing – Zesty yuzu dances through sweet sushi rice, dotted with the fresh crunch of cucumber and capsicum (Small, $15, Large $19.50)
- Prawn Scallop Toastie – Inspired by Yugen’s cult-favourite prawn toast, this sesame-glazed shokupan toastie features Hokkaido scallops, prawns, yuzu and fresh shiso($22)
- Ramen Egg Salad Sandwich – Rich ramen-laced boiled eggs, layered with beetroot, coriander and pickled carrot ($16)
- LK Hospitality Culinary Director, Stephen Nairn shares the vision behind YTB’s refreshed offering.
- “With YTB, we wanted to create a space where every dish feels considered – fresh, vibrant, and layered with flavour — where specialty coffee, tea, and thoughtful dishes come together in a welcoming, vibrant setting. It’s a place designed not just for one visit, but to return to time and time again, whether for a quick morning matcha and snack or a leisurely brunch. We want YTB to feel like a part of the community — somewhere familiar yet always exciting.”
- For those with a sweet tooth, Yugen’s acclaimed Executive Pastry Chef, Kay-Lene Tan, brings a selection of irresistible, house-baked delights, including:
- Bruce The Cake – Inspired by the iconic Bruce Bogtrotter’s cake from Roald Dahl’s childhood classic novel, Matilda, a rich Valrhona dark chocolate cake wrapped in a silky ganache ($14)
- Matcha White Chocolate Cookie – A soft, gooey cookie loaded with chunky white chocolate chips and earthy matcha ($6)
- Calamansi Olive Oil Cake – A delicate, one-handed indulgence, that is light and citrusy;topped with whipped mascarpone cream and an aromatic kaffir lime zest($9)
Behind the coffee machine is Head Barista Alec Guerzoni (CIBI, Fieldwork, Path Coffee, Allpress), who brings expertise and passion to every cup. YTB proudly serves specialty coffee by Brunswick-based ONA Coffee, alongside a selection of house-blend teas, ceremonial matcha, Hojicha, and matcha lattes.
For those looking for something stronger, YTB also offers a refined selection of wine, beer, sake, and house cocktails – including an Oriental Bloody Mary and Seasonal Spritz.
Stepping off the bustling corner of Chapel St and Toorak Road, guests are greeted by YTB’s interiors from Melbourne-based interior studio, Curious By Design. The dining room’s rich, moody tones are punctuated with touches of fresh greenery from the bonsai plants dotted in the space. Velvet banquettes create intimate spaces for work meetings, casual lunches, and social gatherings, which will soon be joined by outdoor tables and chairs for alfresco dining.
Upon entry, guests are greeted by a grab and go wall of delights, ensuring busy patrons can pick up their favourites in a flash. Items include a selection of ONA coffee, wares by Daylesford based ceramicist Minna Graham Gaiwan, a daily selection of florals supplied by Carlton based florist Allie Greaney from Bloom Republica and even dog treats made by Kay-Lene herself, perfect for a furry friend.
YTB is now open Monday – Friday 7:30am – 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 8:00am – 4:00pm.
605 Chapel St at the Capitol Grand, South Yarra VIC 3141
Website: https://www.yugenteabar.com.au/
Instagram: @yugenteabar
Facebook: @yugenteabar
Image credit: Jana Langhorst