[Melbourne] Sold out, sold out, sold out.
Do not be surprised if you find all your favourite pastries gone even if you arrive ‘early’ enough to Bakemono Bakers at Drewery Lane.
Of all the popular cafes in Melbourne CBD, Bakemono is an interesting one.
Located in the side street of Little Lonsdale Street, the young bakery is simultaneously one half of a pair, and a whole in itself.
This is because it is hard to speak of Bakemono Bakers without bringing up Little Rogue, which sits just a few steps away.
After Little Rogue exploded in popularity, Bakemono Bakers was created as a sister bakery to supply bakes next door when diners ask for it.
(So, the one good thing is: even if the items you want are sold out at Bakemono, you MAY still find it across at Little Rogue. Keep fingers crossed.)
Even by itself, however, the Japanese and Korean inspired café draws a good crowd. Its wooden latticed shopfront is reminiscent of a traditional Japanese sliding door, or shoji, where a queue often snakes out.
Inside is a totally different story, as the space opens up into a high ceiling, long benches, and wooden panelling.
However, take note that there is not sitting area inside, though you would find customers outside hanging around to chat with a pastry in their hand.
The space where the actual baking is done takes an open concept, and you can peek at the busy bakers pulling out trays upon trays of fresh bakes.
Pastries available for the day are laid out in their full glory on a rack, which sits on the front counter. When they are gone, it means you will have to come back tomorrow for it.
Some of the most aesthetic pastries begin with the Mixed Berries Danish (AUD 7). The thick slab of puff pastry is filled with a rich vanilla custard, at a proportion perfect for getting some in every bite.
The alternative is a simple Chocolate Danish (AUD 5.5).
I managed to get my hands on a Strawberry Nutella Custard Cream (AUD 7). With several delicate crispy layers. I imagined the Nutella custard to be a lot richer and sweet, but this was not – in a good way.
Consider the Almond & Yuzu Croissant (AUD 7), again a fluffy classic that has a tangy yuzu custard filling. It also comes in a Plain (AUD 4.8) form or a Ham & Cheese (AUD 7).
Several people like to compare this and Lune Croissanterie (which is slightly more expensive) – and I can understand why.
I actually enjoyed both Almond Croissants in very different ways.
Bakemono’s had a very tasty, crunchy and fragrant almond nuts layer on top that gave it that edge, with light citrusy yuzu flavours to balance it all. (But I liked Lune’s frangipane better.)
Specialties are worth going out of your way for. This includes a nice Canele (AUD 4.50 – AUD 5.30), that is a little pastry flavoured with rum and vanilla, with a custard center.
Or the Shokupan (AUD 10.30), a soft Japanese milk bread that comes as a whole loaf.
Some other bakes come and go once in a while. Again, if they are gone, they are gone – always get to Bakemono early enough, or head over to Little Rogue.
Bakemono Bakers
273 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 3pm (Mon – Fri), 8:30am – 3pm (Sat – Sun)
Google Maps – Bakemono Bakers
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The Hardware Société (Hardware Street, Melbourne)
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* Written by Daniel Ang and Dean Ang. Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
