Mabu Mabu

Update 18/06/2023: Mabu Mabu has shifted focus to a restaurant in the city, Big Esso.

April 11, 2021

   

Visiting Yarraville café Mabu Mabu has been on my wishlist since we were deep in lockdown. The business is headed by Nornie Bero; she's from Mer Island in the Torres Strait and showcases native ingredients in her cooking. In addition to this Tuck Shop, Mabu Mabu offers catering services and a suite of native ingredients and condiments to take home and cook with yourself. 

The all-day menu's got a bit of everything for everyone, with vegan and gluten-free options clearly marked. There's emu fillet, kangaroo tail, seafood, chicken and sides of bacon for those who eat meat; and for those of us who don't: damper, eggs, green tomatoes, mushroom larb and purple cauliflower. Beverages from coffee to kombucha to non-alcoholic beer are spiked with native spices and fruits like wattleseed and finger lime.

   

We arrived ready for a hearty breakfast, so Michael took on the hot eggs ($18.50). He loved the spiciness of the house-made chilli paste, and the seaweed was an unusual and welcome source of greens.

   

From the first time I saw the menu, I was set on the chocolate and wattleseed waffles ($18). They're part of a very busy plate with a great proportion and variety of fruits. Amongst the blackberries, raspberries and blueberries were what I think are muntries. The perfectly poached pair was doused in a  syrup that included some little dried fruits, possibly quandong. The plate was piped with strawberry gum cream, and I took my time happily picking across the plate, with every mouthful bringing a new combination of flavours.

I'm keen to go back at a later time of day to dig into the more vegetable-centred dishes, try the damper and drink a smoked lemonade. For now, we're stocked up on sauces and spices to play around with at home. 

____________

Mabu Mabu has also received a positive write-up on Mamma Knows West.

____________

Mabu Mabu

13 Anderson St, Yarraville

0438 860 013

menu

https://www.mabumabu.com.au/

Accessibility: Entry is flat but the door sticks a bit. Tables are low, chairs have backs and furniture is densely packed, with a moderately wide corridor through the middle. We ordered at the table and paid at a low counter. We didn't visit the toilets.