If we believed in gatekeeping, we’d keep this one to ourselves. Hani Eatery may be the most underrated on this list: an all-day, light-washed neighbourhood joint in Lucky Garden, with striking wall features and warm wood accents.
Most people come for the coffees—which are excellent, the Hani gang really know their stuff—but we’re here to spotlight the food. The menu strays from standard café fare. There are buns and toasts, but theirs are stacked with deep-fried buttermilk gochujang chicken or topped with pesto smoked duck, dressed with drizzles of orange. A fan favourite is the Japanese-inspired ebi bisque udon: udon, swimming in thick prawn broth, served with deep-fried breaded prawn, wanton, and naruto fishcake. The ricebowl of salmon and sauté vegetables in a dashi soup is also a winner. Don’t leave without sampling the desserts: the matcha and houjicha roll cakes are the fluffiest we’ve ever had.