Embracing Aussie Breakfast Culture At This New Spot

In a quiet corner of Alabang’s foodie capital, Molito Lifestyle Center, you’ll find Crown Street Kitchen by Chef Miko Aspiras—an ode to Australian café culture and giving Pinoys a taste of the unique all-day Aussie breakfast.

Chef Miko shares his insights with Metro.Style on the culinary journey that led him back to Manila, blending Australian-inspired dishes with a touch of local flavor. He also reflects on the positive experiences in Australia, citing personal and professional growth. 

The renowned Filipino pastry chef’s decision to move to Australia four and a half years ago was driven by a desire to experience life down under. Accompanied by his husband JV, the move also provided an opportunity to collaborate with the Visum Ventures Restaurant Group. Despite being miles away, Chef Miko found himself working again with the renowned group, bringing his culinary expertise to Crown Street Kitchen. 

The decision to open restaurants in Manila represents a dream come true for him, allowing him to share his improved skills and knowledge with his most loyal audience: Filipinos. It's a homecoming of sorts, blending the lessons learned in Australia with his love for Filipino culture.

The Aussie concept found its home in Molito Lifestyle Center, a unique area with a captured market and loyal customers. The pre-existing restaurant allowed Chef Miko to align the menu with Sydney's all-day dining culture, making it a perfect fit for the Australian-inspired concept.

“I think this is a very unique area. It has a captured market and loyal customers, I guess that's why Visum or John Michael Hilton chose this area because it comes out like a neighborhood café,” he shared. 

Australia's vibrant café culture, especially renowned for its breakfast items, inspired Crown Street Kitchen’s main focus. Chef Miko emphasizes the use of high-quality ingredients and simplicity in preparation, steering away from a strict definition of cuisine. 

“I wanted to expand on the idea of bringing a stronger café culture concept to the Philippine market,” he explained. “I don't really want to define it by choosing one cuisine. Because Australia, obviously, is a melting pot of different cultures. So I don't think I can really just say it's Asian or European. It's a mix of different cultures and different types of cooking, but the most obvious common denominator is having really good ingredients. Simple, simply made, nothing too complicated. So that's what Crown Street Kitchen is all about. And that's also what I keep in mind when creating a new menu.”

The reception to the Aussie style dining has been positive, with supportive customers and a strong sense of community. While there are ups and downs, Crown Street Kitchen’s best sellers reflect the essence of the Aussie culinary experience—simple, flavorful, and made with the finest ingredients.

Here are some must-tries at Crown Street Kitchen:

If you want to enjoy some cocktails with your meal (as most of us do), you can cross-order from Salt & Ice—a bar concept by Visum Ventures just upstairs. 

As Crown Street Kitchen continues to evolve, Chef Miko envisions it only getting better. With just a few months under its belt, Crown Street Kitchen aims to develop recipes and dishes that will become staples in the years to come. Chef Miko promises to deliver authentic Australian flavors, creating a unique culinary experience that sets his creation apart from other restaurants.

Crown Street Kitchen by Chef Miko Aspiras is more than a restaurant; it's a cultural bridge bringing the best of Aussie breakfast to Filipino tables, creating a culinary experience that transcends borders.

Crown Street Kitchen | Call: 0969 382 0210 | FB: @crownstreetkitchenbychefmiko | IG: @crownstreetkitchenbychefmiko | Molito Lifestyle Center, Alabang-Zapote Road, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Photography by Ching Dee