I love to drive through Abbotsford. There are many nice hidden places, a great mix of old and new buildings, and also many cool cafés. By coincidence, I stopped in front of a huge brick building. I could see the many guests enjoying lunch with a coffee through the windows. Yet, it took me a while to find the entrance. Once I found my way in, I felt chill in the relaxed environment: a lot of natural timber, painted brick walls, rough untreated metal, re-used street signs and cute little cups – upside down with a light bulb inside.

After six months in Australia, I start getting used to order my coffee first, and then - once the coffee is served - order my food. This is not at all common. I would say it is rather unique to Australia, to order coffee first and then lunch. In most countries I have visited, I would first order food, finish my plate and take my coffee to finish the meal.

I ordered a double single origin Espresso from Ethiopia and a flat white with the house blend, to make sure it will well cut through the thick Australian milk. The moment my two coffees arrived, DISCO 2000 from Pulp (Common People) came out of the speakers. A perfect song for a flat white! I loved the latte art and the milk was perfectly textured to the perfect temperature. One of the best flat whites I have had so far in Melbourne! WOOOOOW – THANK YOU SO MUCH! A true moment of happiness.

Again, the Australian coffee culture is not about coffee only, it is about design, architecture, great hospitality but also ABOUT FOOD! The THAI BENNY was also amazing. By coincidence, I found the perfect spot to have a super, super, super tasty flat white, a powerful Ethiopian espresso and a monster delicious lunch.