Mibo

Mibo’s name means “bread” or “bun” in Shanghainese, says owner Emma Zhao. And that’s a good indication of what you’ll find at this ivy-covered bakery. Zhao, who also owns nearby neighbourhood cafe Benedict’s, grew up in Shanghai and missed the flavours of the pastries she ate there. After a period of experimentation, she and her team came up with clever ways to incorporate Chinese and Japanese flavours into traditional European pastries and viennoiserie.

The results are delicious and original, and while the flavours change, they might include pastries such as a danish topped with naisu paste (a sweet, buttery, milky paste that is popular in China), caramel sauce and caramelised apple. A savoury brioche bun could be filled with spring onion, white sesame and a mayonnaise filling, topped with pork floss (also known as rousong). Black sesame croissants are another popular creation, and matcha red bean danishes. You’ll also find classic pastries including plain, almond and pistachio croissants, pies, sandwiches with house-made focaccia and blueberry lemon friands.

Coffee is from Birkenhead-based roasters Be Specialty, and there are cold-pressed juices and matcha lattes.

Mibo is a lovely space, a corner site boasting wraparound glass windows with small tables out the front. Its interiors were designed by local firm Mille (which specialises in hospitality fit-outs), with warm slatted wood counters and glowing orb lights hanging from the ceiling.