It’s where chef Eric Luong found the perfect spot after three years of building his dream of going out on his own as he plied his trade at Canterbury cafe The Maling Room.

He has converted a vacant shop — a South African beef jerky store in a former life — into a pleasing local hangout called Humble Creatures, which opened late last year with his partner Tiffany Vong running the floor.

The menu is a sizzle reel of cafe classics and clever twists, with accents of Asia and Mexico and loads of variety. Dishes are well-made and thoughtful, prettily presented and, most importantly, served with good coffee.

Prepare to be humbled.

The Japanese fritters ($18) bring okonomiyaki pancakes to the breakfast table with a good stack of pea- and cabbage-loaded fritters topped with bacon and a poached egg.

Fine fishy bonito flakes dance with the heat of the plate, which is also given a sprinkle of edamame (soy beans) and a swipe of horseradish mayo. Balanced, beautiful and interesting eating.

The chilli eggs ($15) is a high-piled scramble laced with bacon, spring onion and chilli slices with just the right amount of warmth, all on a doorstopper slab of Noisette toast. Grated manchego cheese and fried shallots boost the taste and texture. A fab dish.

The waffles ($17) are light and fluffy as they should be, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with melted Callebaut chocolate. It’s accompanied by a cheffy crumble of honeycomb, cookies and pistachios with segments of fig, bringing freshness to this sweet sensation.

An ancient grain salad with smoked salmon, prawn tacos on corn tortillas and a cheeseburger with grass-fed beef in a brioche bun add to the crowd-pleasers.

Ready-made sweets and pastries line the glass cabinet at the counter.

Milk coffee is from Symmetry Coffee Roasters, with a rotation of single-origin brews. Hot drinks also extend to teas and matcha, chai and turmeric lattes.

Cold-pressed juices are from Ayomo and milkshakes will excite with the usual suspects, as well as Oreo and salted-caramel pretzel varieties.

Service is warm, attentive and present without being obtrusive.

Like the name, interiors are humble. A pot plant here, a wall print there, with white-painted brick walls, wood-topped tables and concrete flooring for a minimalist look almost bordering on bare.

Being in the family belt, this place caters for kids with a quality junior menu and plenty of high chairs.

Gourmet brekkie for less than a lobster is a good proposition.

A quietly cool lo-fi local that comes with the care of owner-operators. A win for the area.

This review originally appeared on heraldsun.com.au.