CIBI
45 Keele Street
Collingwood, VIC 3066
03 9077 3941
www.cibi.com.au
GoogleMap
Having visited (and enjoyed) the somewhat recently opened Mina No Ie, I was keen to try out the ‘original’ CIBI. I caught up with Leaf and partner (Simon) here one Sunday after work.
“Cortado con heilo” – CIBI iced coffee 3.5
I liked CIBI’s fit-out better than its spartan-modern sister branch in the same neighbourhood. Here it was warmer, woodier, and full of character, with an array of old furniture and mis-matched chairs. A gallery shop full of Japanese knick knacks lies further inside the warehouse space.
Simon’s iced coffee turned out like a 2/3 latte served with a glass of ice.
CIBI tofu burger – house made tofu pate with light teriyaki sauce, coriander leaves, cucumber & green leaves 10
This sweetish vegetarian burger is a favourite dish of Leaf’s. Simon had it this time and was pretty satisfied, the tofu had nice texture.
CIBI “Traditional Japanese breakfast” plate
Grilled sliced salmon fillet, Free-range egg omelette – Tamagoyaki, Seasonal green vegetables, Potato salad served with organic brown rice 17.5
Leaf and I could not go past the weekend’s offering, which was CIBI’s equivalent of a ‘big breakfast’. According to the menu, this dish is based on CIBI grandmother’s breakfast – called asa goan.
Light, delicate, healthy and beautifully cooked…
and heartful miso soup
… and it came with pretty good miso soup. We enjoyed it a lot!
It’s a short, simple post. A cosy warehouse space with delicate, Japanese-style brunch dishes that I’m starting to like more and more. Portion sizes can be on the small side and you can get peckish quite quickly after. But that’s perfect, because you can then visit somewhere else in Collingwood with space for coffees, teas and sweets. Which was exactly what we did!
On a final note, I think it’s time to announce a few blog changes. As the author of this two year-old “adolescent”, I plan to slow down my posting frequency and streamline my words further. The long, colourful stories of old have now given way to a style that’s almost like a photo ‘gallery’ with longish captions. I’ll also welcome unique voices and guests posts more. My life circumstances may be changing soon… I’ll be busier, and will probably find it hard to keep up without burning out. I hope you’ll understand…
I miss delighting in such breakfasts when I was travelling in Japan! If only every morning could start with pickles.
Hannah recently posted..Sublets, Green and Black’s Ginger Dark Chocolate, and Theo Salted Almond Dark Chocolate
I’d be happy starting each morning with miso soup! =)
Woah a Japanese breakfast – that sounds fantastic! Really would love a place like this in Sydney!
Christine @ Cooking Crusade recently posted..Yogurberry, Epping
I’m sure there are some places, just have to dig deeper. I still don’t know Sydney very well at all, but hope to discover it better next time I visit!
That was a lovely lunch! :)
Definitely take care of yourself so you don’t burn out. Hope life is treating you good. :)
leaf (the indolent cook) recently posted..much ado about matcha… weekend baking adventures
Thank you! Lets do it again!
Cibi looks wonderful and I love a good homely and simple meal. These days, many dishes are overly complicated so I crave simplicity.
What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger. Hoping all the best with the new year and coming changes :)
Catherine recently posted..St ALi North
Thanks for your kind words, Catherine.
I do crave simplicity too, that’s why I like restaurants that allow the natural ingredients to speak for themselves.
Hahaha what a name! Can’t help it :P. I wouldn’t mind trying that tofu burger. The Japanese breakfast almost always features salmon huh?
Lol, I never thought anything of the name until you all started laughing at it! ;)
That big breakfast looks like a dream, a beautiful, light and balanced meal to start the day. And am I the only one who reads CIBI as CBF?
Ming @ sweetandsourfork recently posted..+39
Good meal indeed. And yes you are probably the only one to read it that way, the rest seem to have naughtier things in their heads! Hahaha!
Beautiful photos! I haven’t been to Cibi in ages, but I remember loving their Japanese breakfast, although the service was super slow the morning I was there. Must make a trip back soon. :) (PS Japanese potato salad is the best!!)
Sarah recently posted..Christmas 2012: Christmas Dinner
Haha, thanks Sarah. Actually, Japanese anything is the best when it comes to their cuisine. :)