CHAE

What a beautiful experience we had at CHAE! Food was as authentic as one can get. Everything was meticulously prepared and made in house by the chef. The space itself is beautiful and serene. You'll get a very zen feeling inside. One word summarizes our visit. Amazing.

We finally got a booking at Chae (after what felt like forever trying the lottery) and when a last-minute Friday spot opened up at the end of August, we said 'cancel whatever plans you had'. Set in Chae’s own kitchen in Cockatoo, the dining experience feels incredibly personal and wholesome. There’s this quiet rhythm in how she moves around the space, preparing and plating each dish with care. It’s homely but so refined at the same time. The food leans into comforting Korean dishes elevated by her in-house ingredients, everything from the sesame oil to the soy sauce and pastes are fermented and made by Chae herself. You can really taste that depth in the simplicity of her flavours in majority of courses. We ended on her glutinous donut and it was just unreal, what a highlight. It’s an intimate and thoughtful dining experience that feels unlike anywhere else in Melbourne. The price point of $140 is so reasonable given a drinks pairing is included. So glad we finally ticked this one off our list!

After so many unsuccessful ballots, we were finally able to come to Chae, one of my Melbourne Bucket List items. Your first impression when entering Chae is that everything revolves around the food. You see lots of different items fermenting, there are pots inside and out, soy blocks are hanging to one day create some of the finest soy sauce. This meal brought a whole new appreciation to Korean dining, where the delicate nature of dishes were highlighted by the different side dishes served in unison. My favourite dish for the night was the pumpkin congee, it was sweet enough to be a dessert, but the depth of flavour had this savoury taste that kept drawing you back for another mouthful. This was an unforgettable experience and one I highly recommend.

After countless ballot entries over the past year, I finally managed to secure a spot at this stunning two-hatted fine dining restaurant. Chae is renowned for their unique six-seater dining experience situated in their beautiful family home in Cockatoo. The courses served are heavily focused on traditional Korean fermentation and slow foods which I have a newfound appreciation for now. Chef Jung Eun Chae also makes the condiments used in her meals from scratch and you can even purchase these separately after your meal which we ended up doing. The menu is priced at $140pp which consists of an entree, two starters, two mains (with a palate cleanser in between) and dessert. And in addition to the food, there were four beverages served throughout various parts of the course. I personally thought it was the perfect amount of food and the service pace was so seamless that I didn’t even realise we were there for two hours! The menu is seasonal and I believe it changes monthly based on available produce. Highlights for me have to be the ginseng tea, hobak-juk (pumpkin porridge) and the gaeseong juak (glutinous rice donut dipped in rice syrup) with date tea. And as simple as each of these dishes sound, the food really did warm my soul like no other. It is the epitome of comfort food that’s elevated to a whole new level. I honestly can’t recommend this experience enough and I am so grateful to have ticked this one off the bucket list. Thank you to the lovely Chae & Yoora for an unforgettable experience.

It took us forever to get a booking but when we did, we worked around the reservation that was given to us and boy, was it worth it! I rarely say this but even the price and travel time was worth it too! It's such a unique experience dining with only 5 other people in a cosy house and watching Chae prepare the menu one by one. I've been to a lot of Korean restos but the flavours in every Chae's dish is distinct and flavourful. I am so amazed about their concept and how she made every condiment herself and came up with such delicious food!

My partner brought me here for my 30th birthday. Just an awesome dining experience. Highly recommend 🥰

Dining at Chef Chae’s home restaurant was an unforgettable experience. From the moment we stepped in, it was clear we were in the presence of someone with unwavering precision and intention. Watching her work quietly in the open kitchen added an intimate, almost meditative quality to the evening. Each course was elegant, balanced, and deeply thoughtful—showcasing a rare finesse that speaks volumes without ever needing to shout. A truly special and considered dining experience.

I would double the stars if possible! This private dining experience was everything we expected and more. With nearly everything made from scratch on site, it is truly an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere was the most cozy and relaxing, the food was delicious and impressive. Watching Chae putting together each dish like it was art work was simply devine. It was one of the best dining experience and it certainly made my husband's birthday celebration special.