Vandels Bakery

Sydney Road’s buzziest new obsession demands an early alarm—those pristine glass cabinets are routinely pillaged by 8 am. Trust the early risers; the viennoiserie here is next-level. Pastry purists are collectively losing their minds over the signature bee sting croissant. A masterclass in lamination. Deeply golden, shatter-crisp layers holding a cinnamon-laced crema catalana, crowned with a crunchy almond Florentine and a slick of honey syrup. Phenomenal. The savory crowd is equally rabid. That fiercely herbaceous sausage roll with its house-made sauce? Savvy pastry hounds boldly declare it the absolute best in the country. Everything hits. A smoked ham, cheese, and onion creation shaped like a flawless pain Suisse. Tangy apple, rhubarb, and ginger cream buns. Chicken and mustard pies wrapped in sheer, buttery perfection. Throw in a wildly creative horchata custard tart or a perfectly balanced maple salted choc chip cookie. Pair it all with a remarkably good chai. Stylish interiors. Friendly crew. Get in now—before the inevitable weekend queues permanently snake down the Brunswick block.