Charcoal lattes on offer at Second Chapter in Box Hill

We’ve had matcha, beetroot and turmeric lattes, now charcoal is the latest flavour on the menu in Melbourne’s thriving coffee scene. The new beverage from a Box Hill cafe may not look that appealing, but it has plenty of health benefits.

Challah French Toast is popular at new cafe Second Chapter.

A new cafe and bar has opened in Box Hill’s centre, offering a mix of Malaysian and modern Australian dishes for breakfast and lunch and a signature charcoal latte.

Located on Main St in Box Hill Central shopping centre, Second Chapter is also the suburb’s new hotspot for after work drinks.

Experienced chef Allan Hwang has just taken over the space, which formerly hosted cafe and bar Platform 3, eager to let his passions for food run free after years working in commercial kitchens at hotels and casinos around Melbourne and the world.

He’s put an eclectic range of dishes on the menu, including Sambal chill eggs, chicken soba noodles and traditional Malaysian breakfast dish Kaya toast with 63-degree eggs.

The crispy Sichuan style chicken burger is already popular.

Second Chapter offers ‘grab and go’ acai bowls.

But he said his Challah French Toast, Wagyu beef burger and crispy Sichuan style chicken burger were leading the way with popularity in the cafe’s first month.

Mr Hwang also makes a range of ‘grab and go’ options for breakfast and lunch, such as sandwiches, paninis, bagels and acai bowls.

Chef Allan Hwang with his favourite five dishes.

And being health focused, he’s working on establishing his signature charcoal latte as a popular beverage in Box Hill.

Made with espresso, milk and coconut activated charcoal powder, the drink is designed to cleanse toxins from the body.

Second Chapter’s Kaya Butter toast and 63 degree eggs is a traditional Malaysian dish.

He has urged customers to try the “earthy, dense” drink and enjoy the health benefits.

After brunch and lunchtime is over, Second Chapter becomes a thriving bar, serving a range of beers, wines and spirits.

Second Chapter sells its signature activated charcoal latte.

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Mr Hwang said in the bar was already “pretty hectic” after 4.30pm, particularly on Thursdays and Fridays, when customers enjoyed after work drinks along with popcorn chicken, citron-style calamari, wedges and chips.

Second Chapter is open seven days a week.

More info: facebook.com/2ndchapter.boxhill