These lamingtons might be worth flying to Sydney for. At least that’s what Tokyo Lamington co-owner Eddie Stewart (former Black Star pastry chef) said Melburnians were doing when lockdown ended.

Luckily, we no longer have to go to such extremes. Stewart and co-owner Min Chai (founder of N2 Extreme Gelato) finally brought their cult-followed Sydney lamington bakery to Melbourne in 2022. The team settled on a small, slate-fronted shop on Elgin Street, Carlton which is signposted by a colourful Lego-style sign in the front window. They completely refurbished the interior with pale timber tables and window seats around the perimeter of the room, as well as a full-service baking operation out back.

Lamingtons are all made in-house daily and many are filled, dipped and dressed to order – with yuzu curd and cream, plus a sheath of torched meringue; or vegan chai-spiced cream and agar jelly.

There are usually around nine flavours on offer including the constant OG and fairy-bread popcorn (white sponge and popcorn buttercream dipped in white chocolate and rainbow hundreds and thousands). You might also find favourites like the finger bun or pandan kaya toast in the rotation.

The savoury range holds its own. Find pork-katsu sausage rolls with a lightly crumbed top; aromatic mapo-tofu pies; and made-to-order onigiri filled with bacon and egg, or cream cheese and umeboshi (Japanese pickled plum).

To drink, there’s Single O coffee and lavender-laced matcha lattes, strategically paired to tone down the tea’s bitterness.