From scrolls topped with Hainanese kaya, to corn matcha lattes and an Okonomiyaki financier, Melbourne’s Lilla Bakehouse is redefining Asian-inspired bakes.

The brainchild of Bamboo Yue and Shi Yi Sim, the newest kid of the block opened its doors in late August and is already making waves.

Bamboo and Shi Yi met in 2023 while working as baristas at the popular gluten-free bakery Kudo and studying at William Angliss Institute.  It wasn’t the first venture for either of them, with Shi Yi having previously run a Brisbane-based online micro bakery specialising in macarons while Bamboo started a coffee shop in 2019 in Shanghai, China, called A Calling.

After teaming up to create Lilla Bakehouse, the duo now take nostalgic Asian flavours to create a unique food and beverage range.

Shi Yi told Broadsheet, “I want [the menu] to feel fun and familiar, so people get excited just reading the names.”

When announcing the opening, the duo shared that they were two girls just trying to bring the big dream alive.

“Think matcha scrolls, sesame prawn toast shio pans, puddings, cakes, sandwiches and more… flavours and ideas inspired by our Malaysian and Chinese heritage, bringing you a taste of home with a twist,” they wrote on Instagram.

“…we will continue to grow, improve and bring our very best to our community. We hope you will be there with us every step of the way.”