review

Darwin Bake House

Everyone at work seems to be in a great mood lately. Could be the great weather, could be the fresh and delicious fruit from the social club fruit bowl that I maintain (barely), but we all know the real reason is the bakery that just opened down stairs. Yep, Darwin Bake House has finally opened their doors after an eternity of construction.

It's a proper bakery too and not another Brumby's or Baker's Delight franchise outlet. They're doing it on their own which is great for all the little guys out there. You'll find freshly baked bread of various sorts, pies, biscuits, giant croissants, the biggest lamington slice the world has ever seen, cute Danish pastries, donuts and a few other goodies all for surprisingly cheap prices.

I've sampled a few of the above goodies and can attest to their tastiness and value for money. My carb quota is well and truly over the limit but despite knowing this, it is hard to resist popping down stairs for a little snack. However, the most awesome thing about Darwin  Bake House is that they're run by Vietnamese. And that my friends means Vietnamese rolls baby! Us Darwin folks finally have a 7 day a week source for these little rippers.

"Banh mi thit" in native toungue, these are the national sandwich of the Viets. Featuring the magnificent Vietnamese bageutte, first brought to Vietnam by the French eons ago, the Viets then mastered the French bageutte and made it even better. Its light and crispy exterior gives way to a white fluffy inside. Along with the famous bread, there's a meat filling of your choice - steamed red pork with pork ham (cha lua), BBQ  pork, lemon grass chicken and finally roast chicken. They're all good but the first one is the best. To go with the protein is pate, cucumber, pickled carrot, coriander, chilli and a splash of soy sauce. Doesn't sound like much, or it may sound down right weird, but one bite and you'll be converted. Converted into the religion of the Vietnamese sarnie that is. The whole office has been eating these for breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner and it's only a matter of time before the vegetarians cave in too. Best of all, they're only $8 which is the bargain of the century in this day and age where a bottle of tap water will cost you $4. I had 19 in the first 9 days of opening and could never tire of them (which should explain the lack of food reviews lately).

Pop on down to 24 Cavenagh Street and show this little bakery some lovin. The "Special Vietnamese Rolls" are not to be missed.

80c for a sour dough roll. My epic lunch sandwich just got upgraded.