Last year, after selling the burger shop they ran together, Esther Sun and her mum Rita Sun opened Potluck in Caulfield. We named the suburban Chinese restaurant one of Melbourne best new restaurants of 2024 – largely because of Esther’s fresh culinary perspective and new-gen spin on classics like mapo tofu and smashed cucumbers. (The restaurant also hosts events including tonight’s Chinese New Year karaoke party). We caught up with Esther to find out where (and what) she’s eating in Melbourne these days.

What’s your go-to spot for breakfast?
It has to be a Mabels breakfast. New Zealand pies and coffee, smashed avos, chilli scramble and probably the best baked goods selection in Melbourne. Everything looks as good as it tastes – Mabels’ windows go harder than Myer’s windows at Christmas. My go-to is a steak and cheese pie and a cupcake.

What about lunch on the go?
Tabac Bakery in Springvale. I always go grocery shopping in Springvale, and my on-the-go snack is a banh mi. It’s a pretty close call between Bun Bun and Tabac, but Tabac takes the lead because of the fresh tiger buns. They’re crisp and flaky outside, but soft and fluffy inside. My order is a Vietnamese iced coffee and a crispy pork banh mi with chilli.

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What your favourite place to go for a snack
Cafe Carpenter in Malvern East. It’s a cosy Korean cafe on an unassuming strip. It’s dog-friendly, there are great vibes all year round and it feels like you’re eating and drinking at someone’s house. It’s a great place to catch up on paperwork, too. My order is usually a bibimbap or some takoyaki, with edamame and herb chips. (Yes, that’s a snack).

What’s the best place to go for dumplings
Ramen & Dumpling House in Carnegie. The dumplings have a unique open shape, but the filling is still juicy. It’s kind of a mix between a dumpling and a gyoza. I could eat the pan-fried pork and cabbage dumplings all day.

What your favourite place in your neighbourhood?
My day feels incomplete unless I’ve paid a visit to Uchu. It’s my morning matcha destination and the salmon bento has resurrected me from the dead a few times. It has a thoughtful menu and cute jazzy music.

What’s the best place for a late-night feed?
Najimil Restaurant. I’ve tried every Afghan kebab in Dandenong and I must say, this spot’s my favourite. They’re open till midnight and sometimes if we pack down early enough I can get my late-night protein fix here. Order the mix platter kebab plate – don’t trip out when the salad arrives undressed in cling film, it’s all part of the experience. You cannot pass on dessert here, order the sheer yakh, it’s texturally out of this world – probably my favourite dessert ever.

What’s your favourite bakery?
Kerrie Road Bakery in Wheelers Hill. This spot hasn’t changed much since I was a kid and I’m glad. I’ve been going to this bakery since I was in kinder and I still get excited every time. I always have to get something salty – either a pie or schnitzel sandwich with beetroot and heaps of onion – then end it with something sweet like a vanilla slice or cupcake.

Favourite place to eat with your mum?
Dakao Hoang in Springvale for sure. The OG spot, the weekly ritual, the meeting point. We get broken rice and prawn spring rolls. Basically all of the smoothies there are good too.

What’s your favourite ice-cream or gelato shop?
I think it would have to be Augustus Gelato. I get one scoop of mango gelato and one scoop of pistachio ice-cream.

What spot have you visited most in the last 12 months?
Simons Peking Duck in Box Hill South, for sure. This is hands-down my favourite restaurant in the world. I ate here by myself once and ordered the banquet without reading the menu – ate the whole serve of duck and pancakes then realised there were still two courses. The owners watched me eat till I couldn’t move. When I eat here I get emotional. My goal in life is to work hard so I can eat at Simons as much as possible.

Favourite boba spot or juice bar?
Agha Juice in Dandenong. I love Middle Eastern flavours and they have date, fig and pistachio smoothies, falooda, and fresh juices. They’re open late too, and definitely worth the drive.

Best place for burgers?
The best burger I’ve had in Melbourne was at Fat Bob’s in Moorabbin. A good honest burger in the middle of an industrial area. Order the Jackie-O and chuck a fried egg in there.

Bucket list restaurant?
I would love to eat at Jay Fai’s restaurant in Bangkok. Watching wok chefs is like cinema to me – so much heat and speed.