Halaya

Halaya is a Filipino-inspired cafe celebrated for its vibrant ube-infused specialty drinks, cakes, and cheesecakes. Alongside its standout purple-hued baked treats, the spot also offers a curated selection of brunch fare.

Audience reactions surrounding the venue's inclusion in cafe roundups sparked debate regarding whether such spots genuinely reflect Melbourne's cafe scene or cater primarily to aesthetic, Asian-inspired TikTok trends. Featured cafes expressed gratitude for the recognition, while patrons chimed in with enthusiasm for standout signature items across the list.