A Sweet New Corner in Hobart
On the corner of Harrington and Bathurst Street, a hidden gem awaits! Warm scents of pastry, matcha and freshly baked dough drift from the ground floor of the chic new The Commons apartment building. Meet your new go-to spot for something sweet – Doux Cafe.
After craving desserts she couldn’t find in Hobart, owner and baker Alex took matters into her own hands – literally.
“I started making them for my friends,” she says. “They asked me, ‘Why don’t you sell it?’ And I was like, oh, maybe there’s a market.”
From Accounting to Pastry
Alex’s path into hospitality wasn’t conventional. Originally from China, she began her career as an accountant – but quickly realised something was missing.
“I just started cooking at home, and I realised that I really enjoyed it,” she says. “And then I was like, maybe I should try this for a living.”
So she did – quitting her job and moving to Melbourne to pursue a career in cooking.
Over five years, Alex worked across multiple sections in restaurant kitchens, seafood, meat, pasta – before discovering her true passion – baking!
“When I moved to pastry, I felt a spark. I wanted to learn more.”
Pastry, she explains, was a completely different discipline.
“With baking and pastries, you have to follow the recipe carefully. If you make a mistake, you can’t fix it.”
Finding Her Style
That challenge became part of the appeal. Alex began experimenting more at home, testing recipes and refining her skills.
“I started doing tests at home. I wanted to put more energy into baking.”
After relocating from Melbourne to Hobart – a city she felt had become too busy – Alex found both creative focus and a supportive community.
“The people here are so supportive, especially with small businesses,” she says. “In my first week of opening, people from the industry came in to check on me, asking how everything was going. It was so nice!”
Her experience in fine dining kitchens like Frogmore Creek and Fico helped shape the Doux philosophy – minimalist presentation with maximum flavour.
“My philosophy is to keep dishes not too complicated, but to really experience the flavour.”
The Secret Ingredient
At Doux, Alex uses new techniques to create an explosion of sweet flavours. Her secret weapon? Chocolate!
“There’s no chocolate on the menu,” Alex says, “but I use a lot of white chocolate.”
Instead of gelatin or stabilisers, she uses chocolate to create structure and depth. “It acts as a stabiliser, but it adds more flavour. When it’s hot, the chocolate melts, and when it’s back to room temperature, it sets again. It works the same, but tastes a lot better.”
What to Expect at Doux
At Doux, the menu is ever evolving. Expect rotating specials that showcase seasonal produce – from ripe figs to whatever inspires Alex next.
“I want to keep trying new things,” she says. “I have a recipe book full of ideas I want to explore.”
For Alex, Doux is more than just a café – it’s deeply personal.
“I put my heart into my work and this café,” she says. “I want people to come here, relax, and forget about the stress and pressure of their day.”
Get your sugar fix now at Doux Cafe, located on the bottom floor of The Commons, 126 Bathurst Street.