Industrial chic décor, the smell of strong, earthy coffee, bright sun shining overhead and a big plate of smashed avocado on toast. Does this sound like your ideal Sunday set up? Well, the Aussies agree.
Australian style brunch appears to be taking over the world, one poached egg at a time. It is even recognised as its own ‘brunch culture’ these days, but where did it come from and why is it so great?
Although brunch actually originated in England among the upper class in the 19th century, it didn’t become mainstream until the last two decades. It was for the rich, the famous and those allowed to break the rules of dining outside of the historic three meals a day.
Nowadays, it is for everyone.
The concept eventually flew overseas to Melbourne where millennials made brunch famous due to a preference for a more chilled dining experience. It allowed people to socialise and enjoy a leisurely weekend treat outside of regimented mealtimes- because who wants to be waking up early to squeeze in breakfast on a weekend or starve themselves through until lunch?
Laid back brunching is the modern solution to this modern dilemma. Restaurants began offering brunch menus and the trend quickly took the rest of Australia by storm.
Mark Williams, an Australian pro baker and chef at Eat Kanga shares his thoughts on brunch with Behind the Bite. He explains that particularly in the last year, Australian brunch has grown in popularity, with cafes offering creative and out-of-the-box brunch menus.
“This trend all started with, and is driven by a growing interest in healthy, fresh and locally sourced foods, as well as a desire for a more relaxed dining environment.”
Williams believes the brunch boom reflects changing consumer preferences and a desire for new culinary experiences.
He says: “As a proud Aussie chef and baker, I am proud to contribute to this trend and offer delicious and innovative brunch dishes that showcase the best of Australian ingredients and flavours.”
Seeing as the Aussies can’t claim to have created the concept; it leads to question what makes Aussie brunch so much more iconic than the original?
Content Creator Jason King, who runs online foodie platform, Spooning Australia, explains why he thinks Australian brunch culture is a cut above the rest: “It is mid mornings with friends and sunny days with wonderful coffee and food. To me, it is also a spiritual part of being Aus.”
King details the Australian sun, surf, and sand- a triple threat that pairs idyllically with good café food. His personal favourite brunch spots include Speedo’s Bondi, The Lion and Buffalo in South Coogee, Bermi’s Beachside in Bermagui, Leura Gourmet in Leura and finally, ‘anything near a beach that has good coffee’.
I don’t know about you, but that alone has sold me a one-way flight down under. Perhaps the dreary British weather doesn’t pair quite so nicely with an egg’s benedict after all.
Australian style brunch cafes are cottoning on globally, with cafes situated in even the most remote locations. In San Sebastian, Spain- the gastronomical capital of the world, Sakona Coffee serves up an Aussie inspired brunch menu.
Even in the UK, the founders of brunch are making room for their Aussie competitors, such as Tamper Coffee in Sheffield and Daisy, situated in London’s lively Soho area.
Behind the Bite challenged King to name one brunch he had devoured outside of Australia’s boarder- one which came close to his beloved countries renown brekkie. He told us of Guzu Guzu just out of Niskeo in Japan- “They made the best Dutch Babies I have ever eaten, there was so much snow when we were there and I bought this hideous beanie that I just adored, I would go back to Japan just for that place.”
For those curious like myself- a Dutch Baby is a German style pancake, baked in the oven and traditionally served with mixed berry compote and a delicate dusting of icing sugar. My mouth is watering too.
Another reason millennials seem to love a brunch is the aesthetic aspect, which the pretty cafes and wholesome food lends itself so perfectly to. In the age of social media, particularly Instagram, a huge part of any cafes appeal is how well it photographs for that mouth-watering ‘Insta pic.’
Small quintessential elements that scream brunch, such as complimentary water served in dainty glasses from clear glass vases whilst you are surrounded by botanical décor, all make for the perfect pic. As a content creator, King agrees that good looking food paired with great coffee is an absolute must.
So, if your stomach is gargling for granola, or your mouth salivating for smoked salmon, why not book yourself in to your local brunch café to soak up some of that Aussie culture wherever you are on the globe- hopefully the sun and surf is there for you to enjoy alongside it too.
Or, why not have a go at recreating Mark Williams favourite brunch recipe at home: