A close and neighbouring cafe with high quality and unique food.
Their Japanese Pancakes and Dutch Baby are one of a kind and intricately combined.
The Japanese Pancakes were soft and simple in taste so that when mixed with the syrup it creates a balanced combination of the two flavours.
The Dutch Baby had a crispy crust and had scattered blueberries in the soft centre. The jam and cream mixed with the soft pastry brings together the entire dish.
The final dish, included scrambled eggs and a coleslaw salad. It’s combination allowed the taste of the corn and red cabbage to shine through.
The service was fast even with constant take away orders. Overall a fantastic experience whether it is for the food or the conversation.
Overall really happy with this place, deserves a 4.5, popped in on drive to work, nice staff and really nice coffee and food. New take on eggs benny was dam good! Perfectly cooked eggs too!
Located in the quiter, less caffeinated side of Balwyn, is Travelling Bandit where you can find coffee that's just good enough to satisfy your caffeine needs.
I have been here twice over the course of a month. Once, for brunch with a friend and once while in the area and craving a coffee. From my second visit, you can probably tell that my first visit went down pretty well.
This is the type of cafe I can see myself frequenting if I lived in the area. The inside area gives of those warm, comforting, 'your local cafe' vibes while the outside seating gives you a little more space on the days you need it.
The food is also at the standard you would except from a local cafe but with a bit more variety in terms of menu options which is great. The food has just enough taste, flavour and visuals so you dont feel like you should have saved those dollars and ate at home. Same goes for the coffee.
On the downside, there isnt anything particularly 'wow' about the place in terms of food, coffee or interior to bring the crowds in or to make it one of the 'must try places for brunch'. But I don't think that's what the owners want. From my visits, I felt the cafe provides great friendly service and food with the aim to keep their regulars returning and leave a pleasant mark on new customers so they might return a second time. I didn't get vibes of wanting to make instaworthy dishes to gain more customers or anything along those lines on either of my visits which was ... kind of nice and well suited to the demographics of that area.
Back to the comment of friendly service. The highest praise point of this place has to be the friendly staff. One of the nicest, considerate staff I have ever encountered and I appreciate how patient yet attentive they are with their customers (I am quite indecisive when it comes to choosing my food..). I never felt rushed to order or felt the staff were annoyed at me. I hope they never lose this side of them.
Unfortunately, on both of my visits I missed the opportunity to take some photos (the second time I didn't feel like it was worth it considering we only ordered coffees and a bowl of chips). However, if you are in the area, I recommend you give this place a try and hopefully you will experience a similar experience as I did.
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