Sometimes you just want a bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese, or a toasted chicken, cheese and avocado sanga to beat off ravenous hunger – right?
The origin of the bagel we know today dates back to 1683 as a salute to King Jan Sobieski, who had just successfully led Poland against Turkish invaders, all from the back of his favourite horse.
To honour the known equine enthusiast, a Polish baker shaped his obwarzanek into circles meant to resemble boot stirrups, for which the German term is ‘beugel’.
These days, the humble bagel has become an iconic New York street food and made its way to delight us Down Under. Here are five joints to find your perfect bagel or sanga:
Family-friendly Local Cafe
Those seeking a relaxed, family-friendly local café in Coburg head to Crossroads Diner on Sydney Road. On balmy Melbourne days take to the alfresco area, where graffiti-style wall murals and blue picnic tables beckon for all-day breakfast dining with friends; or head indoors where rustic brick, blue accents and potted greenery set the mood for chilling out with a brew of choice.
Wrap your hands around a freshly made slow-roasted lamb shoulder roll with gravy, smoky capsicum sauce and a side of chips, or chow down on a sausage butty with soft-fried egg, cheese and tomato sauce; perhaps a chicken schnitzel roll hits the spot, with bacon, coleslaw and sriracha mayo, or a battered fish burger with housemade tartar, coleslaw, cheese and a side of chips.
All-day Fare with Flair
For all-day café fare with flair, head along Merlyn Street in North Coburg to find That Coffee Shop. This well-loved local hangout is light, bright and breezy indoors, with greenery adorning the walls, exposed brick and monochromatic artwork setting the scene for catching up with family and friends over brunch and lunch dishes.
Stop in on your way to the train station for a coffee and fresh turkey breast, lettuce, spinach, tomato and cucumber sandwich, or a Cuban roll with pulled pork, ham, cheese, pickles and mustard; the lunch crowd opts for a crispy fried chicken tender sub with chilli mayo, lettuce, tomato, red onion, cheesed and pickles, served with fries, or a salami, cheese, olive paste and rocket panini.
Brunch Classics on the Menu
Brunch classics await hungry foodies at Meli Annandale on View Street. This aesthetically pleasing local café boasts alfresco dining under striped umbrellas on balmy Sydney days, or head indoors where white subway tiles, potted greenery and recycled timber set the scene for inspired dining as natural light pours in through large glass windows.
From an all-day breakfast and lunch menu, get your day started with double egg, bacon and hash brown breaky roll with housemade tomato chutney and Kewpie mayo on a milk bun; while the gang at lunch tucks into a signature low and slow beef brisket roll on a sesame seed bun with slaw, caramelised onion, whisky sauce, aioli, fries and ‘dunk sauce’.
Every Cup Tells a Story
More than just coffee, Bambino Espresso on Miles Street in Mount Isa is where every cup tells a story of passion, tradition and excellence. Founded on the principles of quality brewing, expect the finest coffee beans sourced from around the world, expertly roasted and brewed to deliver a taste that transcends the ordinary, along with brunch fare with flair.
A bright and breezy vibe of blond wood table settings, neon signage and potted greenery sets the scene for lingering over a breaky bagel with bacon, egg, cheese and BBQ sauce, or a Benny roll with bacon, egg, spinach and Hollandaise on Turkish bread. Perhaps devour a slow-braised brisket sandwich with slaw and blue cheese dressing, or a chicken, cheese, avocado and aioli toastie on multigrain bread.
Sweet Dreams Are Made Here
Just as magical as it sounds, Cocoa Moon Cafe in Warrandyte is where sweet dreams are made – both proverbially and literally. Cosy and contemporary in design, this charming cafe on Yarra Street takes away your worries with a simple sweep of its surrounds: wooden tables, floor-to-ceiling windows and clear cabinets showcasing mouth-watering treats.
Photo credit: Joseph Lam.
Serving handmade Belgium chocolate, ice cream, macarons and fresh treats along with fair trade organic coffee, this cafe is bound to have any sweet tooth in seventh heaven; while those with serious hunger pangs order a Porterhouse steak sandwich on Turkish bread with bacon, caramelised onion, Swiss cheese, rocket, aioli, BBQ and tomato sauce, or a Reuben on sourdough with beef pastrami, red cabbage sauerkraut, pickles, Swiss cheese and Russian sauce.
