Monk Bodhi Dharma — Restaurant in Melbourne

HIDDEN MONK

This is about us discovering one of those truly hidden gems that you really do not want to miss. Thanks to an article on the Man of Many website, find it here, we journeyed to Balaclava’s Carlisle Street and made the stroll down the rocky laneway alongside 202 Carlisle to the rear to find Monk Bodhi Dharma hidden in what appears to be a converted garage.

You need to look carefully because this doesn’t stand out with bright lights or anything like that. You have to make the effort to find it, and people certainly do because the place was full when we arrived.

The article recommended the Banana Dharma Pancakes so I gave them a try and anytime I feel like pancakes in the future I will be heading here. Absolutely delicious. Buckwheat banana pancakes served with dulce de leche ice cream, maple syrup and fresh banana chips. The pancakes alone were so flavoursome and the ice cream just added to it. A must try!

My partner will always choose the smashed avo dish when trying out a new cafe and The Avocado did not disappoint. A very generously sized serving of avocado tossed with almond, feta, mint, chilli and lemon was served on organic sourdough bread. It was thoroughly enjoyed.

The coffee is good although I would personally go the double shot next time. That is about the only change I would make.

The menu is all plant-based but has plenty for everyone, the setting is interesting and the team looking after us were very cool with lots of smiles. I even took home a coffee scroll for my afternoon tea.

Find the laneway, take the stroll and you will not be disappointed. Monk Bodhi Dharma should be added...

This is one of Melbourne's hidden coffee gems

Look it is a little difficult to find but that's not a bad thing as it only attacks true lovers of good coffee and good food

Hidden behind a car park, or down a cobble lane between buildings or houses depending on which way you enter. Your faced with a metal cage holding gas canisters, an unassuming car park and then this delicious smell of coffee (especially first thing when there roasting)

A little white shack, with the door propped open by empty can. WALK IN, it will be the best descision you ever make

Its small and very cosy, especially as the seats are at a premium, but it's worth it I assure you

The quirky staff can accommodate almost any coffee desire you have and we hand you the small menu

Small but jam packed with delicious food, trust me I have tried! The mushrooms on toast still is my all time favourite but i can safely say I have never had a bad meal from them, sweet or savoury they have you covered

Unfortunalty with covid and the subsequent cessation of freedom as we know it, it is good to still see the place open and not only that a hoard of people in the little unassuming car park. Exchanging pleasantries all from afar and the staff dutifully serving them the coffee there known for, also keeping a few sweet offerings availabe for us

I cannot wait until restrictions are lifted and it is back to full...

Monk Bhodi Dharma is a seriously quirky, and alternative, vegetarian cafe which is literally located smack bang in the middle of a Woolworths car park - just off Carlisle St, Balaclava near the corner of Chapel. Twosheds popped in solo on a Friday for a late breakfast. The coffee here is superb - organic milk - no skinny allowed. These people care for their coffee, with four different origins on offer. Rich, creamy, smooth and strong - thoroughly enjoyable. They also do a variety of “pour over” coffees. For food, I ordered the zucchini hot cakes. They arrived promptly and were delicious - topped with shaved cucumber and served with a coconut cream with a piquant, sour finish. The fritters themselves were fresh and crispy, but a touch under seasoned (Twosheds fixed this with the classic wooden salt and pepper shakers on offer). On the side was a grated beetroot relish infused with whole cardamom seeds. Fantastic flavour and texture, and a very filling dish. Patrons and staff are denizen of the roots of the cafe: friendly, quirky and alternative. I had troubling choosing what to eat, and got a great steer in the right direction from the fantastic waiter. Recommended for your weekly dose of vegetarian...