A Japanese-inspired café in Mile End, is launching monthly ramen specials this April and the latest is a Yakiniku bowl loaded with grilled Wagyu beef and soy-marinated egg yolk.
Yuna Cafe and Restaurant is led by sibling duo, Mia and Sam Zhang, both experienced hospitality gurus who only really travel to get their hands on the best foodie finds. Over the years, Mia has owned multiple venues while Sam has worked across different specialty coffee-focused cafes, and together the cafe is a reflection of everything they’ve learned thus far.
Now, the venue is bringing a rolling menu to Henley Beach Road, an approach that will see their popular fresh made ramen take on a new flavour each month.
“Last year we introduced our monthly Studio Ghibli (Miyazaki-inspired) specials as well as Yoko Ramen nights, both of which were very well received,” Mia said.
“We’ve been fortunate to have many customers asking when these would return, so this year we thought it would be a great opportunity to combine these ideas.”
“By doing so, we can continue exploring a wider range of ramen flavours while keeping that sense of creativity and storytelling that our guests enjoyed.
“At the core of it, we’re simply passionate about food and always looking for ways to evolve what we offer, while still staying true to the comfort and familiarity of Japanese cuisine.”
Yuna has made a name for itself in Adelaide’s growing matcha scene, whisking it by hand the traditional way and introducing elevated drinks like the cloud-like matcha foam latte and Mont Blanc matcha creation.
“We were one of the first to bring Melbourne-style drinks culture into Adelaide, things like Magic, Mont Blanc, Matcha Cloud and more,” Mia said.
“At the same time, we’re constantly experimenting with new coffee-based signature drinks, always focusing on balance and flavour rather than just novelty.”
Since opening over a year ago, the most popular drinks on the menu include their specialty coffee and matcha, including the very special matcha flights which have different grades of matcha in partnership with a local Japanese brand.
As for the food offering, the ramen isn’t the only thing flying off the shelves; their Japanese sando with their signature milk bread being a go-to for many regulars. Just think of a crispy garlic and ginger karaage chicken, with shredded cabbage, soft Shokupan and house made Japanese style hot sauce.
“We focus on creating a cohesive experience rather than just a place to eat or drink,” Mia said. ” The combination of Japanese-inspired elements with specialty coffee and quality matcha culture gives us a slightly different perspective compared to traditional cafés.”
Yuna’s new monthly ramen series gives locals another reason to keep coming back each month, and is coming just in time to enjoy the comfort of a well-made warm bowl of ramen for winter.
Keep an eye out on Yuna’s socials to see what special flavour is hitting the menu each month.
Yuna Cafe
When: 7:30am to 3pm weekdays and 8am to 2pm
Where: Shop 7/34 Henley Beach Rd, Mile End, Adelaide, South Australia 5031
For more information, click here.
