Japanese fusion dishes at Penny University

With a quirky, retro fit out and a uniquely delicious menu, it’s easy to see why Penny University is one of Canberra’s most popular brunch spots. It’s also a favourite with the stars like Adam Goodes, former Sydney Swans player, who stop by to get a taste for themselves. Their menu changes seasonally and we recently tried a few items from their summer menu. The menu features a few Japanese inspired dishes, alongside classic brunch items with a Penny twist. If you want try some of these dishes then you need to get in quick because a menu change is coming….

My partner and I ventured here on a Thursday morning and were seated at a quaint table by the entrance. The staff were very friendly and attentive, but I had to request extra time to make my decision because ordering is not something an indecisive foodie can rush!

We started with drinks and I ordered the salted caramel popcorn shake. It. Was. Incredible… I finished it almost instantly! A beautiful sweet and salty shake with little chunks of caramel popcorn and pretzels. My partner tried an iced coffee which featured that unique Penny twist I was talking about. It had orange rind and house-made panela syrup (we didn’t know what it was either?) but we found out later that panela is unrefined whole cane sugar – it was light and tasty.

After arguments over what each other should order (since we would obviously have to taste test each others), I decided to try the black sesame crepes. Firstly because you can not go wrong with crepes, and secondly, I felt adventurous trying black sesame! My partner, who had been saying all morning he only wanted a light meal, ordered the fruit plate, and much to his displeasure got exactly what he wanted. The meal was very small and actually lacked fruit big time, only being decorated with a few berries. But it did come with a deliciously fragrant coconut panna cotta and a lovely slice of fruit toast. My crepes were delightful! They were’t too sweet and were very refreshing, packed with mango, kiwi fruit and strawberries. The black sesame flavour was very mild and went perfectly with the fruit.

Penny University overall was a great place for a morning out in Canberra and we can’t wait to get back and try the other quirky menu items. The Banoffee Croissant French Toast sounds amazing! Get in quick to try the menu because they’ll be releasing a new one soon.

Feature image is from @pennyuniversityroasters on Instagram. Yuzu and miso pears on Three Mills Bakery quinoa and walnut sourdough with fresh berries, nuts and mange and berry rippled fool. 

Amelia Bidgood

Amelia is the Founder and Editor of Eat Canberra and the Founder and Managing Director of Eat Canberra Food Tours. She's a qualified journalist, presenter, freelance writer and also runs a boutique communications agency working with small business owners on all things social media, content creation and marketing. She's taught cheesemaking classes, judged hospitality and tourism awards, completed the WSET Level 1 Award In Wines, loves to cook and has travelled to 23 countries. She's also passionate about mental health and has recently started studying to become a Counsellor.