MELBOURNE | Hidden down Madame Brussels Lane, in the north east of Melbourne’s CBD, you’ll find new Vietnamese cafe, Crackle Bae. It’s been a hit with nearby office workers since opening in October, and I popped in for What’s on Melbourne to take a look.
Co-owner and chef, Hannah Nguyen, moved to Australia from Vietnam, 12 years ago. After spending the past decade working in hospitality, she decided to take the plunge and start her own venue. The menu features a selection of bánh mì and other favourites like bún chả hà nội, and rice and vermicelli noodle bowls with your choice of protein.
Bread is baked on site daily, with that external crunch and airy inside that’s essential for a good bánh mì. Fillings include things like the classic mixed ham thịt nguọi, crispy pork, and lemongrass chicken. The pâté is the star of the bánh mì at Crackle Bae. The pâté recipe was passed down to Hannah from her grandmother, and she’s been making it for years for members of the local community.
For a different take on bánh mì that’s not often seen in Australia, try the bánh mì chả. It’s a deconstructed bánh mì that sees egg, pate, and beef sausage cooked on a frying pan in a tomato-based sauce. It’s served in the pan it’s cooked in, with bánh mì on the side to mop up the ingredients and sauces.
Out of the other options, it’s hard to go past the bún chả hà nội – a generous bowl of rice vermecelli, grilled pork meatballs and pork belly, fresh herbs and chillies, and a tangy fish sauce-based dipping sauce.
To drink, it’s a full selection of espresso-based coffee drinks, Vietnamese coffee, and fruit iced tea and milk tea with your choice of toppings.
Crackle Bae
7/50 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia
Telephone: (03) 9256 0263
E-mail: n/a
Website
Open
Mon – Fri: 7:00am to 3:00pm