Images: Late Mornings Cafe (Supplied)
When I first tried bingsu, the Korean milk-based shaved ice, I thought it was one of those under-the-radar desserts that hadn’t hit the West yet. But most capital cities across the nation now have at least a handful of shops specialising in the fluffy dessert. Its Japanese cousin, dango – sweet, chewy rice dumplings often served on a skewer and a guaranteed cameo in any Japan-trip Instagram carousel – has also quietly found a home on cafe menus from Melbourne to Sydney. But in Adelaide, both have been surprisingly hard to find.
That changes today with the arrival of Lumi Dessert Bar, a new project from the team behind the Late Mornings Cafe on Wright Street. The same space that brightens Adelaide’s mornings with matcha flights and onigiri breakfast sets will now transform into a dessert bar serving bingsu, dango and other handmade Japanese sweets.
“Late Mornings Cafe is an authentic Japanese cafe, but we don’t do many desserts and that’s such a huge part of Japanese culture,” shares Meidi, Late Mornings’ social media manager.
“Summer is coming, so [we] thought it’s the best time to open up a late-night dessert bar, especially since there isn’t one on the street already.”
The team describes Lumi as a relaxed afternoon-into-evening spot and a place where the lights dim, the courtyard glows, and people can hang around over desserts as the warm weather finally starts to show face.
“It’s quite similar to the cafe, but lighter at the back,” Meidi says. “We have the courtyard lit up with lights, so it’s nice in the evening time.”
The focus is squarely on bingsu and dango. Unlike Japan’s kakigōri, which uses a water base, Lumi’s version of bingsu is made from soy milk, creating a creamier, more decadent snow-like texture.
“In Japan they call it kakigōri, but that’s water-based,” Meidi explains. “Because we use soy milk, that’s why we call it bingsu – it’s more like Korean style.”
Five flavours will feature during the soft opening – classic matcha, strawberry matcha, taro, mango (which will rotate with the seasons) and Oreo tiramisu – each layered with ingredients like red bean, cream, or chocolate syrup.
“The Orea tiramisu is really good – it has an espresso shot, chocolate powder, and chocolate syrup,” raves Meidi.
They’re not afraid to get creative with it either, so you can also expect things like a rich bingsu-dango strawberry fusion.
The dango themselves are handmade, with flavours including classic brown sugar and red bean, matcha cream, taro cream, and strawberry and cream. “People love that chewy texture,” says Meidi.
Late Mornings regulars will recognise a few daytime favourites sticking around, like the cafe’s onigiri (Japanese rice balls). There’s both the traditional style – mixed with fillings like salmon or tuna and wrapped in nori – and a newer grilled version topped with chicken karaage or teriyaki.
“It’s nice to have a savoury option if you’re not in the mood for something too sweet,” Meidi says.
And while the focus is on dessert, the team plans to keep its usual drink menu – so yes, the matcha flight will still be available. “You might not sleep after a matcha flight and dessert,” Meidi laughs, “but it’s perfect for the weekend.”
Lumi Dessert offers a sweet alternative to the traditional nightcap, one that swaps cocktails for fluffy ice and gooey, play-doughey Japanese deliciousness. As Adelaide’s tastes continue to move toward health – and we eventually grow tired of our full-blown frozen yogurt obsession – it feels like the next hit, sitting somewhere between reward and restraint. Something unique, and just the right side of guilt-free.
Launching November 7th, from 3pm. Stay updated on @latemorningscafe.adl
Lumi Dessert
When: Fri – Sun, 2pm-10pm
Where: 43 Wright St, Adelaide
For the Late Mornings Cafe website, click here.
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