December 11, 2023
Shop stories: Explore Dawn Eatery in Elsternwick Village
L-R: Allan Hwang and Jun Hwan Woo of Dawn Eatery in Elsternwick Village.
Melburnians love to brunch – and Elsternwick Village’s Dawn Eatery is a disrupter on the scene.
Their Japanese and Korean inspired menu is bringing us brunch as we’ve never had it before.
Co-owner Allan Hwang said the elements of a classic Aussie brunch are there in some of the dishes but with a delicious twist.
“We love brunch as much as everyone but we’ve spiced things up a little and your taste buds won’t be disappointed,” he said.
Embracing cultural heritage
Mr Hwang said Melbourne is a melting pot of people from different places and cultures.
“My business partner and I are driven by our cultures and backgrounds. We’ve brought them right to the breakfast and lunch lovers,” he said.
“We have added Asian influences making what’s on offer stand out from other cafes.”
For example, Dawn Eatery still serves smashed avocado but their way to have it is with crispy tofu, kale, pickled cucumber and radish, brown rice and Shichimi mayo.
Mr Hwang is a seasoned hospitality professional with experience at Crown Melbourne, Luca Group and Only Hospitality Group under his belt.
He runs Dawn Eatery with chef Jun Hwan Woo, and the Glen Huntly Rd cafe attracts attention with its bold Japanese-Korean menu.
Getting social media excited
Foodies have been raving about dishes such as the Galbi Sando – slow braised Korean beef brisket between fluffy Japanese milk bread Shokupan. Diners have also been enjoying beef on corn croquettes with eggs for brunch.
The fresh daily canelé and madeleines, made by Mr Hwan Woo’s wife Bo, have set social media buzzing too.
Mr Hwang said they did plenty of research before settling on the Glen Huntly Rd location for their cafe.
“This a great area,” he said.
“It’s a bustling place and that’s what we wanted. We wanted to add to the eateries here, giving people a fresh approach to breakfast and lunch – something not on offer elsewhere.”
The decor at Dawn Eatery was also carefully considered.
“We have kept it as simple as possible,” Mr Hwang said.
“We didn’t want to overcrowd the space or put people off with too much clutter. It is simple and clean and lets the food speak for itself.”
A Perfect Match
Japanese and Korean food are a natural partnership, Mr Hwang said.
“Many if the ingredients used in Japan and Korea are the same, so it’s easy to blend the styles,” he said.
Chef Hwan Woo appreciates the unique flavours, influences and ingredient combinations that make the two cuisines distinct but can confidently bring them together in a well-crafted, delicious dish. Both cuisines emphasise the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
If you feel like a break from your usual eggs benny and fancy a culinary brunch adventure, be sure to give Dawn Eatery a visit.
“We haven’t forgotten we are in Elsternwick. We know you love food and we are offering exciting breakfast and lunch that is a bit different from the norm,” Mr Hwang said.
“I’m sure we’ve created an Asian inspired classic brunch that everyone will love.”
