National Fritters Day on Friday, 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 four of our favourite cafes to get your fritter on:
Fun vibes, delicious food and sunny mornings are on the menu at Frankies Café on Clarence Street in Port Macquarie. Expect a bright and breezy vibe of white and blond wood table settings, terracotta walls and cane chairs in keeping with the coastal lifestyle, while vibrant abstract artwork adorns the walls and exudes a calming ambience.
Early risers can stop in on Friday after a beach walk for corn fritters, rocket, avocado, feta, smoked salmon, herb dressing and tomato relish; or smashed avocado, poached eggs, feta, roasted red pepper hummus, cucumber and dukkah, on sourdough.
Converted from an old seed drying shed, The Brookfield Shed on Channel Highway in Margate is a hit for organic produce and fare with flair in country surrounds. A wide outdoor garden area is an ideal place to enjoy warm rays of sunshine through Summer, while inside this popular dining destination offers enough space for functions and all manner of celebrations.
Sweet corn and zucchini fritters are sure to tempt breakfast-goers, served with halloumi, bacon, a poached egg and relish; or devour pancakes, housemade lemon curd, fresh berries, vanilla ice cream, meringue crumb and Persian fairy floss.
Eat, drink and indulge at Riba Kai on Newspaper Place in Maroochydore, a unique space designed to bring people together over amazing food and drinks. A seasonal menu bursting with fresh flavours, a European flair and a little Asian inspiration, offers fresh and wholesome breakfast dishes, daily lunch specials, tapas with wine and beer in the afternoon coastal sun and freshly roasted coffee all day long.
Try weekly specials such as okonomiyaki fritters, with seared salmon, Kewpie tonkatsu, avocado, fried egg, pickled ginger and wakame; or pesto-infused scrambled eggs, fried kale, blistered cherry tomatoes and housemade dukkah, on a sunflower and rye bagel.
Celebrate all things fritters on Friday in a light-filled heritage-listed building in the heart of Parkside at East Borough Eatery on Glen Osmond Road, where modern twists on brunch and lunch dishes are sure to tempt. Archways, wall murals, polished wood floors and cabinets overflowing with all manner of treats are sure to entice; sit a spell and ponder a menu with vegan and vegetarian options along with café classics.
Sweet corn fritters, with beans, spring onion, Parmesan and capsicum, hit the breaky mark, served with a poached egg, smashed avocado, minted yoghurt, mint and coriander salad.
For more cafes near you to get a fritter fix, click here.
