Jung Eun Chae is one of the best chefs in the country. She and her partner Yoora Yoon run the inimitable six-seat Cockatoo restaurant Chae, where the menu centres around traditional Korean fermentation and preservation techniques.

We took five minutes with the chef to find out where (and what) she’s eating in Melbourne and Cockatoo.

What’s your go-to for takeaway?
Banh mi. My go-to is roasted pork with chilli at Bun Bun Bakery in Springvale.

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And for a drink and snacks?
Public Wine Shop in Fitzroy North. The owner is very knowledgeable and suggests amazing wine to pair with snacks. The food is great, too.

Best place for a sandwich in Melbourne?
Stefanino Panino. We recently discovered this place and immediately fell in love with the chicken schnitzel sandwich.

If it’s a special occasion where do you go?
O My. I can’t speak highly enough of what Blayne and Chayse [Bertoncello] are doing at this amazing farm-to-table restaurant. I have dined here three times including a birthday celebration and every time, I’m blown away.

If you’re looking for inspiration?
O My, especially their farm. They’ve already set a high bar for what I want to achieve.

Where’s the best place to eat around Cockatoo?
The Independent Gembrook. We visited this Argentinian restaurant soon after we moved to Cockatoo, and we still talk about it.

Do you ever go out for Korean food? If so, where do you go?
We often visit Namoo on the corner of Queen and Bourke for their gopchang (beef intestine) hotpot. It’s also an ideal spot to catch up with friends over good meals and some soju.

Best comfort food?
Lanzhou beef noodle soup – never disappoints.

Where do you go for a big meal?
Chopstick Delight in Mulgrave. Authentic Chinese restaurant serving generous portions. I like going with a big group of friends so I can order various dishes to share.

If you’re recommending a spot for a first date?
Bar Liberty. This place is really cute with an intimate and friendly vibe. And I love Zack [Furst]’s cooking.

What’s your go-to hangover food?
Shin Ramyun with an extra tablespoon of gochugaru [Korean chilli flakes].

Where did you go for your last birthday?
It was my birthday a couple weeks ago, but we didn’t go anywhere to celebrate because I was too busy working. The year before however, I went to Gimlet. Always good ambience, amazing food and service.

What’s your favourite ice-cream or gelato?
Haagen-Dazs strawberry and cream. Yum.

Where can you find your favourite dessert or sweet treat?
The Flour in North Melbourne and Madeleine de Proust in Carlton. April [Yoonhee Bae] and Ju [Park] are the best at what they do.

Best meal you’ve had this year?
Kazuki’s. Unparalleled attention to detail and exceptional flavour.

Bucket-list restaurant?
Onjium in Seoul.