A Korean Dining Experience Tucked Deep in the Dandenongs

An hour from Melbourne, Chae feels like a world away. Set in a quiet home in Cockatoo, among the trees and birdsong of the Dandenong Ranges, it’s one of the city’s most intimate and sought-after dining experiences — run by chef Jung Eun Chae and her partner Yoora Yoon, who live on-site.

From Brunswick Apartment to Forest Hideaway

Chae began in a one-bedroom apartment in Brunswick, where just six guests sat at the kitchen bench for a multi-course Korean meal. After moving to Cockatoo in 2021, the couple recreated the experience in a more spacious, peaceful setting, complete with a fermenting room, vegetable garden, and their dog Haru, who often greets guests.

Only 24 Seats a Week — and Every One is Personal

With only four sittings per week and six diners per sitting, Chae serves just 24 guests a week. The single L-shaped table offers full view of the kitchen, where Chae prepares and plates each dish with precision and calm focus. Bookings open monthly and fill quickly.

Traditional Korean Techniques, Made From Scratch

The seasonal set menu weaves traditional Korean flavours with meticulous care. Think: chicken skewers brushed with house-made gochujang, cold kongguksu (soy milk noodle soup), or a warming sundubu (spicy soft tofu stew) with grilled fish and handmade banchan.

Chae’s pantry is deeply personal — her doenjang, ganjang, and fruit vinegars (like persimmon and plum) are all fermented in-house, using recipes inspired by her mother.

Teas and Rice Wines, Fermented In-House

Instead of a wine list, Chae offers modest pours of homemade drinks like barley tea, lemon-ginger enzyme, and house-fermented makgeolli and chungju. Everything is designed to support the food, not steal the spotlight.