Menu of Taiyo Sun in Fitzroy North, Victoria, Australia

Menu Overview

Taiyo Sun is a small Japanese cafe tucked away in Fitzroy North, Melbourne. This hidden gem offers a unique culinary experience that artfully blends comforting Japanese flavors with inventive twists, particularly shining through their diverse toast selections and curry dishes. The atmosphere is intimate and cozy, although seating is limited, making it a perfect spot for takeaway or a quick, flavorful stop.

The crown jewel of their menu is undoubtedly the Curry Cheese Toast. Imagine a thick, fluffy shokupan—soft and slightly sweet—carefully hollowed out and filled with a savory Japanese curry packed with tender vegetables, then topped with a generous layer of melted cheese. This combination delivers a harmony of textures and flavors, with each bite offering a rich, warm, and satisfying experience. It's no surprise that this item lingers in customers' memories long after their visit.

Equally impressive is the Honey Cheese Toast, which balances the sweetness of honey with a savory cheese layer atop perfectly toasted shokupan. The bread itself stands out, deftly baked to retain a fluffy, pillowy inside with a subtle sweetness in the dough, offering a comforting base for toppings like azuki paste and butter on their Azuki Butter Toast or the velvety Tamago & Cheese Toast.

Taiyo Sun’s proficiency extends beyond toast. The Dry Curry Fried Rice with Egg is a flavorful and hearty dish, with the dry curry providing a warm spice mellowed by the richness of the fried egg on top. The Today Curry Rice and Curry Croissant further demonstrate the kitchen’s flair for harmonizing curry’s complexity with different textures, ranging from flaky pastry to fluffy rice. Although portions might feel modest, the quality and authenticity of flavors present a fulfilling experience.

Matcha enthusiasts will find much to love here. Offerings like the Strawberry Matcha Latte, Matchaccino, and Matcha Pudding are crafted with a deep respect for the subtle bitterness and earthiness of matcha, balanced expertly with sweetness and creamy textures. However, some patrons have noted that the cold matcha drinks sometimes skew too icy, which can dilute the intensity of flavor. Still, items like the Matchaccino receive high praise for their richness and smoothness.

Additional highlights include their Corn Beef on Toast, which layers savory, tender corned beef atop fluffy bread, and the Red Bean Bun and Matcha Donut, which act as delightful Japanese-inspired pastries to complement the café’s excellent coffee selections—especially the flat white and cappuccino.

Customer testimonials reinforce Taiyo Sun’s charm and quality. The thick, soft texture of the shokupan and the delicious synergy between red bean paste and butter create memorable bites. The café’s cozy ambiance and the adorable Beard Edward mascot add to the welcoming vibe, inviting patrons to return despite limited seating.

While some drinks like iced coffee and iced matcha latte have drawn mild criticism regarding ice-to-flavor ratios, the overall menu is a well-crafted celebration of Japanese café culture, offering a rare blend of comfort and innovation. Whether you’re craving a rich curry snack or a sweet matcha treat, Taiyo Sun delivers a distinct and satisfying experience worth seeking out in Melbourne’s bustling café scene.