Brother Hen

For a quirky take on the thriving Moonee Ponds café scene, locals drop into Brother Hen on bustling Pascoe Vale Road. This surprising café looks unassuming from the street, but step inside and discover a large open dining space leading out to a spacious courtyard with thriving vegetable garden and friendly hens, Dovey, Lacey and Blacky. Serving a seasonal menu with all day breakfast options, early risers can choose from perky plates such as Middle Eastern baked eggs with harissa, eggplant and peppers, or ham hock benny with slow braised hock, organic apple cider and sourdough. Those feeling peckish later in the day can tuck into steamed prawn gyoza with soy vinegar dressing and scallions, before moving onto steamed soft shell crab bao with house pickled carrot, cucumber and gochujung mayo.