Pawpaw Cafe

Brisbane brunch crowds are notoriously tough to please, yet those dialed into the Woolloongabba scene make a beeline straight for Pawpaw Cafe. A masterclass in bold Asian fusion colliding with classic Aussie brekky culture—vibrant, bustling, and completely unapologetic. Secure a weekend booking (it gets wildly busy) and grab a sunny table. The insider move? Start with a perfectly pulled espresso, then dive straight into the signature hash. The city's weekend dining brigade consistently packs the tables for the legendary cinnamon rolls—served warm with a decadent hit of soft serve, they are an absolute non-negotiable order. Savory cravings demand the bacon and egg muffin elevated by a punchy spicy aioli, or the rich massaman beef cheek curry if you’re leaning into lunch. Sure, the weekend rush means service can occasionally ebb and flow, but the sheer quality of the fluffy pancakes, standout Bennie muffins, and fresh fish tacos easily eclipses any wait. Snap a quick pic by the neon sign on your way out—this is peak East Brisbane dining.