National Fritters Day on Saturday, December 2 allows for no frittering away of time – make haste and get these morsels while they are hot!
Fritters come in a variety of forms, from morsels dipped in flavourful batters to bits of dough stuffed, or filled with delicious surprises. All are deep-fried and served with dips, drips or dustings of seasonings, sweets and sauces.
Found in cuisines all around the world, fritters are believed to have first been consumed by ancient Romans, who then introduced them to Europe. The first historical record of a fritter dates back to 1665, when Samuel Pepys – an English Member of Parliament – noted in his diary that he would be enjoying some fritters before Lent.
An extremely popular roadside snack all over South Asia, they are commonly referred to as pakora; while in France they can be called beignets. Whatever the name, these taste temptations can contain any ingredient you like - savoury or sweet – making them an extremely versatile meal choice whatever time of the day.
Here are six places to get your fritter fix:
For a modern fusion take on Indian fare, head along Vernon Terrace in Teneriffe to find Aji Café Bar Kitchen. Nestled in the heritage-listed Australia Mercantile wool store dining precinct, Aji’s lunch and dinner menu is unlike anything you’ll find anywhere else in Brisbane – highly refined Indian and Southeast Asian dishes that are well worth crossing town for.
From Nepalese pork momos to vegetable pakoras, there are small plates to suit all tastes, perhaps devour corn fritters with coriander and a hint of chilli, topped with two perfectly poached eggs, grilled halloumi, avocado purée and beetroot relish; or a barramundi paratha pocket with chilli lime mayo and tabasco sauce.
Take a break from daily hustle and bustle at Gamble & Brown on Park Avenue in Kotara. Located in the Homemaker Centre, this café and bar boasts old-fashioned service and delicious dishes in a modern, stylish vibe of blond wood, worn brick, black leather and geometric hanging lights.
A trellised façade leads to an inviting indoor dining haven, or take a seat alfresco under the pergola and sip a cappuccino, while eyeing a menu full of robust flavours, such as sweet corn fritters topped with crispy bacon, poached egg, housemade relish and seasonal greens.
Fusion fare, all-day brunch, patisseries and specialty coffee have Camperdown foodies returning time and again to The Twelve Café on Barr Street. Take to the alfresco high recycled timber tables to people watch with a caffeine of choice as potted greenery creates a calming vibe; or linger over a meal indoors where cabinets are full of temptations and tantalising aromas waft in the air.
Perhaps devour corn fritters, poached egg, kimchi, avocado, sautéed spinach, tomato relish, fresh herbs and dukkah; or delve into seasoned smashed avocado, semi-sun-dried tomatoes, pickled Spanish onions, Danish feta salad and dukkah, on toasted sourdough.
Synonymous with Geelong for many years, Soft Café on Minerva Road in Herne Hill is renowned for great quality food, drink and friendly service in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Pumping out amazing Inglewood coffee and brunch seven days a week, there are multiple spaces to chill out with a children’s play area, meeting room, dog-friendly alfresco and plenty of room for large groups.
After a morning stroll, stop in to refuel on plates like sweet potato and quinoa fritters, herb aioli, poached eggs, pickled red onion, pomegranate seeds and marinated goats’ cheese, or chilli chorizo scramble with cheese, tomato sugo, spring onion and cheese crisps.
For the best fritters in Wyong, head down Dulmison Avenue to discover locally-loved café North Grounds Co for fresh fare with flair. Take to the balcony on balmy Central Coast days with an aromatic coffee of choice and watch the world pass by, or meet family and friends indoors where an industrial-style vibe of exposed brick, polished concrete and cosy table settings beckons for lingering over a meal.
Housemade corn fritters with smashed avocado, tomato salsa, fresh spinach, poached egg and a balsamic drizzle are just waiting to be devoured, alongside other breaky offerings such as a smoked salmon and avocado roll with spinach, egg and Hollandaise, on a milk bun.
Bringing a bite of colour to Bronte, head to The Coop on Bronte Road for simple fare beautifully made. You can’t get much closer to the golden sands of the beach than this café, making it an ideal spot for a quick snack in between swimming and surfing, or a ‘grammable’ meal with friends.
A pink and white vibe indoors, along with recycled timber floors and white subway tiles, creates a chilled-out ambience for lingering over plates like corn fritters, poached egg, avocado, housemade relish, greens and balsamic; or a bacon and fried egg roll with cheese, aioli, relish and a hash brown, on a milk bun.
