A Day In Colour With Tokyo Lamington

Thursday 7 November 2024

By Lisa Gorman, Creative Director of kikki.K

Way before we tasted a Tokyo Lamington creation, Eddie tells us that Min slid into his DM’s to discuss a collaboration idea between Min’s (then) gelato business N2 Extreme Gelato and Eddie’s prior workplace, Black Star Pastry, after a meeting at a little shin-dig in Newtown, Sydney.

This was the beginning of Tokyo Lamington, the partnership between a pastry chef and gelato master who’ve since added ‘magnificent lamington makers’ to their CV’s.

We went to visit Tokyo Lamington founders Min & Eddie (photographed below) in their Carlton-based café to find out more – and took our new kikki.K PIKNIK Ball along for the ride so our colourful sphere could meet their delicious cubes. A match made in heaven.

From pastries and gelato, we have Lamingtons. How did this happen Min?

The idea of Tokyo Lamington came from a very drunk night in a park in Tokyo with Eddie. We were joking about selling lamingtons in Japan, we even drafted the concept the same night in a drunken haze.

Lamingtons have been a big part of the Australian afternoon tea for decades now, so where have you taken this classic, Eddie? My personal favourite is the Matcha Strawberry Lamington.

We fuse Aussie nostalgia with Japanese flavours, we always choose flavour over trends.

Min, Eddie explains that he is inspired by nostalgia, which I think many of us relate to when we hear the word Lamington, right?

We draw inspiration from our life experiences and fond memories but more importantly we draw most inspiration from the diverse background of our team.

As guests on our Days in Colour series I have to ask you, what does colour mean to you?

We live our world in colours, everything we do involves colours, and so very often we take them for granted.

Tough question, but favourite flavours guys?

Eddie: Sesame & Wattleseed.

Min: Fresh Grapes & Grape Aeroplane Jelly. It’s crazy good.

So, Min, what do you get up to when you’re not in the kitchen?

I love to knit when I have a bit of free time on my hands. I started this about 5 years ago and have not stopped.

Min does not just casually knit, he’s a serious knitter. See the photo below of the Tokyo Lamington family photoshoot. He knitted all (yes, all) of these items for his team for Christmas. When I ask him about his knitting style and the inspiration behind the photo, he says “think Schitt’s Creek crossed with Succession”.

You’re going on a picnic with our PIKNIK Ball, which Tokyo Lamington creations do you take? (and they don’t just do Lamingtons folks.)

Eddie: Miso Mushroom Quiche, OG Lamington, Iced Matcha Latte, and a Kimchi & Cheese Croissant. Why? ‘Cause this makes me happy. And it’s delicious.

Min: It has to be our Tuna Yuzu Mayo Onigiri, Corn & Gruyere Quiche, and definitely a Japanese Forest Lamington.

What are some things that sweeten your world right now, Eddie?

Okie (Labrador), Naomi (4 yr old daughter), and Min. Chai iced lattes, oh and of course onsen.

Onsen! I share your love here Eddie.

Min and I are currently the highest rated onsen masters, we will be heading back to Beppu to complete the process to become Black Level onsen masters.

Wow.

In terms of what’s next for the Tokyo Lamington team, Eddie says to stay tuned for their especially curated Christmas menu coming up for the festive season… and I can only hope Min adds a knitwear store to this team’s list of artful achievements.