Melbourne - Brother Baba Budan

Melbourne is known as the coffee capital of Australia, with every other shop a cafe, competition is keen and yes, they do take their coffee seriously. So on this short visit to the city, I wanted to get a sense of how good it really is.

First stop, Brother Baba Budan - an eclectic place on Little Bourke Street, where all the action is centred around the espresso machine, amidst spartan to no decor, just some stools along the wall and a bench where customers can just grab a quick seat, sip and go.

But as you sit and sip, remember to look upwards - although the sight of the guhzillion chairs might make you uneasy, since they look to be just precariously glued to the ceiling and may fall into your coffee any minute.

My choice of the flat white was mistaken since I couldn't really taste the coffee through all that milk.. I really should have gone for a black to get a better taste for the beans and their roasting skills. I will go back since it's close enough to the hotel. The pastries look dismal but don't be fooled, they were quite good, in particular the chocolate brioche. Soft, chocolatey and perfect with the cuppa, not overpowering it.

And if that isn't enough, Little Bourke is a great collection of little delis and smallish restaurants where you can find interesting eats for brunch/lunch.

359 Little Bourke Street

Melbourne 3000

Australia

Telephone: +61 3 9606 0449