Five years ago, Herry Chung saw an opportunity to bring something new to the charming shopping and dining area of Balmain, one of Sydney’s vibrant harbourside suburbs.
“Balmain is popular for its cafés, and some cafés have been here for more than 20 years,” Herry says, explaining the location choice for her venue, Mr.H Café and Bar.
Compared to other traditional venues in the area, Mr.H Café and Bar does things a little differently, serving a fresh internationally- inspired menu and organic specialty coffee from Paradox Coffee Roasters. Paradox Coffee Roasters’ house blend Purple Rain Organic is one of its best-selling blends, known for its smooth flavour profile with tasting notes of almond, chocolate, brown sugar, and apricot.
Herry speaks highly of her experience with the Paradox Coffee Roasters’ team and their passion for roasting quality coffee, when explaining her decision to partner with the roaster five years ago. “I could see that they were a serious roaster with coffee that tasted great,” she says.
The choice to use Paradox Coffee Roasters Purple Rain Organic blend is also aligned with Mr.H Café and Bar’s environmental values and natural stylings.
“I wanted to use an organic coffee blend because I loved the theme of sustainability,” Herry says.
Moreover, the venue’s indoor and large outdoor spaces are filled with plants and timber accents, including a living green feature wall.
“I want people to feel like they are in nature,” she says.
Herry says her Korean background and hospitality training in Spain has also contributed to the café’s menu, featuring Asian and European influences. A favourite dish is the Korean Beef Rice Bowl, served with Bulgogi beef, wild black rice, edamame, seaweed salad, and slaw.
While Herry is passionate about food and coffee, she says the best part of owning Mr.H Café and Bar is building relationships with the Balmain locals.
“I love to talk to people, and it’s great when people come in and appreciate what we do,” she says.
Mr. Café and Bar
11/418 Darling Street, Balmain, New South Wales, 2041
Open Monday to Sunday 6:30 – 3:00pm
0432 937 103
This article appears in the October 2022 edition of BeanScene. Subscribe HERE.
