Stripped-back classics star at Yeerongpilly’s slick new cafe Figtree Social
Is brunch undergoing an identity crisis? These days, it seems our social feeds are becoming increasingly congested with one new viral food trend after another, each one more over the top than the last. When Figtree Social opened at Yeerongpilly Green Riverside Village in August, it felt like a breath of fresh air. Here, you’ll find contemporary brunch classics made with native ingredients and a laid-back atmosphere grounded in the spirit of suburban Australia.
If there’s one thing Tze-Huei ‘TH’ Choo knows, it’s brunch. As one of the brains behind cherished Mitchelton cafe Mitch & Antler, TH helped invigorate Brisbane’s brekkie scene with a morning menu that elevated classic Australian cafe fare with an array of Japanese-inspired culinary sensibilities.
With his next venture, brand-new Yeerongpilly eatery Figtree Social, TH is partnering with accomplished chef Libbie Butler (ex-Kedron Farmhouse and Oh Boy, Bok Choy!) to deliver a modern take on crowd favourites.
“We wanted to create a modern Australian cafe that blended stripped-back classics with native ingredients and honest cooking,” TH explains. “We’re honouring the familiar favourites while reinterpreting them through a contemporary lens – eschewing trends in favour of authenticity, quality and simplicity.”
The 55-seat nosh spot, nestled in the heart of Yeerongpilly Green Riverside Village, sees the duo taking over an existing pre-fitted cafe. After adding some new aesthetic touches to its light-filled interiors – think native fauna, soft country-chic accents and marble detailing – the crew has created a space that’s bright, welcoming and matches Yeerongpilly’s suburban charm and tight-knit community.
“We want every guest to feel like they’re stepping into a friend’s home for a relaxed get-together,” says TH. “From the very beginning, we wanted to create more than just a cafe. Our vision has always been to build a space where locals can come together to eat, drink, and connect with one another, and more importantly, one that feels like home.”
In the kitchen, Libbie has devised a menu that TH describes as “nostalgic, comforting and full of subtle surprises.” Figtree Social’s menu is couched in an ethos that celebrates what’s uniquely Australian. To do this, Libbie is wielding an array of native Australian ingredients – the kind typically seen in high-end restaurants – in ways that feel approachable and familiar to diners.
Menu highlights include a kangaroo pot pie (an homage to Australian bush tucker), avocado toast with zingy finger lime and whipped fetta cream, mushroom damper cob with chimichurri butter, and fluffy pancakes with golden syrup butter and roasted macadamia crumb. Of special mention is the Figtree Pastrami Platter, which TH singles out as a personal favourite.
“I’ve always been a fan of small bites and grazing-style dining, and this platter is our take on the classic Aussie Ploughman’s lunch – which, of course, has its roots in England,” TH tells us. “What makes ours special is the mix of locally sourced cheeses, our house-made pastrami and a variety of pickles that bring it all together. It’s the perfect option for sharing or for those who love to graze their way through a meal.”
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Figtree’s menu also features meals for the little ones (including dippy eggs and toast soldiers), as well as hot and cold drinks. Passport Specialty Coffee’s Departure blend is Figtree’s day-to-day pour, with the cafe serving both espresso and filter brews for the pick-me-up seekers – and we hear that there’s a secret single-origin espresso menu in the works.
“Libbie has always been a fan and supporter of Passport Specialty Coffee – their values matched ours regarding quality,” says TH. “They use the best single origin coffee they can source and roast their beans to suit both black and white coffee drinkers. We will have specials and events with Passport Specialty Coffee down the track once we’ve settled in.”
Figtree Social is now open – head to The Directory for operating hours and menu info.