Sake Launches Miniature Spinoff Sake Jr in the Melbourne CBD

Swish Japanese joint Sake is launching a pint-size spinoff specialising in build-your-own bowls. Opening this week on Bourke Street in the CBD, Sake Jr. will offer rice, noodle, salad and bao bun-based bowls, along with breakfast options, 'grab and go' items, smoothies, coffee, kombucha and beer.

Open 7am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 8pm on Saturday, Sake Jr. sells itself on a healthy menu that is "honest, sustainable, affordable and convenient — and absolutely packed with flavour."

For example, workers blazing through the CBD at breakfast time grab an acai, seasonal fruit or berry and yuzu muesli bowl, and wash it down with a cold press juice or smoothie.

Later in the day, you can make your own lunch. Just choose a base (like mix greens, udon noodle sticks or brown rice), decide on a protein (be it grilled chicken, popcorn shrimp, wagyu beef or tofu and shiitake), chuck in some veggies (such as wakame seaweed, steamed edamame, charred corn with garlic shots or crispy Brussels sprouts) and your choice of sauce and garnish. Voila!

Further beverage options include nut milk, craft beer, house wine on tap, and sake (of course) by the glass.

And if you're not sold on the idea, why not try it for free? To mark their grand opening, the first 500 people through the door after 11am today (Wednesday, September 14), will receive a complimentary bowl. You can also swing past again on Thursday from 7am when the first 100 customers get a free coffee and porridge bowl, and again on Friday after 5pm, when another 100 customers get a free bowl and beer.

Find Sake Jr. at 555 Bourke Street, Melbourne. For more information visit www.sakejr.com.au.