Kurumac - Marrickville, Sydney

Kurumac in Marrickville brings an East-West fusion to the suburb, serving up Japanese comfort food for breakfast and lunch. Business partners Eugene Leung and Dika Prianata have decorated their new inner west cafe with a colourful mural from local artist collective Ar-chive, which celebrates both old and new Japan by combining a traditional food stall with a vending machine selling gyoza, bonsai and sneakers.

The all-day meals at Kurumac are light and emulate the morning staples found in family-run joints all over Japan. Dishes include onigiri (rice balls) packed with pickled mustard greens, mixed vegetable tempura with green tea soba noodles, and the spicy cod roe melt on toasted shokupan (Japanese milk bread) topped with cheese. Lunch options range from salads to heartier rice dishes like the ox tongue curry and tempura eel served with a green tea broth.

Chef Junichi Okamatsu delivers unique and comforting dishes inspired by childhood favorites. The menu features twists on traditional Japanese dishes, such as the udon bowl with wagyu beef and sesame, and the thick-cut toast topped with curried scrambled eggs and tempura prawns. Kurumac’s dedication to blending old and new Japan is reflected not only in its menu but also in its contemporary space, which offers a serene and welcoming environment for patrons.

Kurumac’s modern yet calming atmosphere extends from its sleek black front-step to its minimalist interior featuring dove-grey walls, soft raw-wood furnishings, and a muted pastel wall mural. Located amidst Addison Road’s eclectic mix of cafes and shops, Kurumac stands out as a unique destination for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts in Marrickville, offering a modern twist on traditional flavors in a serene and inviting setting.