With his Little Collins Street restaurant Doju, Mika Chae is one of several chefs redefining Korean food in Melbourne. Chae opened the Korean fine-dining restaurant at the end of last year, and it was recently named one of Broadsheet’s best new restaurants of the year so far.
Chae majored in journalism and broadcasting at university in Korea, but fell for the chef’s life when he moved to Australia in 2013 and found work as a kitchen hand.
“When I was a kitchen hand, I helped the chef caramelise a crème brûlée. I saw people taking pictures of the dessert I helped make and I felt some special feeling that gave me happiness. After that, I wanted to be a chef,” Chae tells Broadsheet over email.
Never miss a Melbourne moment. Make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter today.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
We took five minutes to find out where the chef eats around town.
What’s your go-to for lunch on the go?
Shoya. I have been going there for many years. There is a lunch special chirashi set that is really good value. I love sitting at the sushi bar and having that set menu for lunch even if I’m by myself.
And for a drink and snacks?
Carlton Wine Room. My favourite is the anchovy toast. Maybe also the rum baba.
If it’s a special occasion where do you go?
Recently, I visited Atria for my wedding anniversary. It was Sunday night and I really wanted to find a calm place as my life has been so hectic. Everything was perfect from the entrance to the atmosphere, environment and service. Perfectly shucked oysters, with that view – you can’t go wrong.
Where do you go for casual Korean food?
I will go to Ondo for brunch. I like the pork galbi with banchan. On weekends I occasionally go to Mr Lee’s in Ringwood for gukbap [rice mixed into a hot soup] and a sundae. After work, I like going to Sool Tong on Queen Street to have fish bone soup.
If you’re looking for inspiration?
O.My restaurant. The team has its own farm to source ingredients and it’s just stunning. I love the philosophy of food and creativity with seasonal produce. It definitely gives me a lot of inspiration every time I have a meal over there. I also get lots of inspiration in regard to restaurant culture – how they talk with staff and customers – love it.
If you’re recommending a spot for a first date?
On a first date, I like to go for an easygoing meal to make it comfortable. My last first date was successful, apparently, as I got married to her. We went to Simply Spanish at the South Melbourne Market and had paella for lunch. I really love this big pot paella, especially when the weather is cold! After lunch, we went to coffee and sweets around the corner.
If you have visitors from out of town?
Embla. I think it’s a very Melbourne vibe. I love the food, drinks and atmosphere. I usually go with daily specials on the chopping board. You can never go wrong. Also, the location is really good to go somewhere afterwards.
Where did you go for your last birthday?
My last birthday was pretty sad actually, I was so busy as it was right before opening Doju (I couldn’t have been a busier human that day). My wife was in Tassie so I was by myself. I went to the Westfield Doncaster food court and had six dumplings and sweet and sour pork from a bain-marie. And that was the only meal I had on my birthday. At least I had some beer before I went to bed.
Where can you find your favourite dessert or sweet treat?
Madeleine de Proust. I never knew that I loved madeleines so much before I tried theirs. There are lots of flavours there, but for me it doesn’t really matter which flavour I choose. The base of the madeleine is so good, so it’s perfect all the time.
Bucket list restaurant?
Asador Etxebarri in Spain. I read the Etxebarri cookbook and it really gives me lots of ideas about what to do with grill. When I look at the food, it looks very simple. I admire that a world-class restaurant can be that simple. I really want to go and try – maybe soon!
