Mayfield Bread & Rolls

Mayfield Bread & Rolls is the sort of bakery in Mayfield, New South Wales, where the pie warmer and the Vietnamese rolls sit side by side and nobody finds that strange. It's a takeaway spot with room to dine in, and there's a free car park, which makes a quick lunch run easy.

The banh mi is what gets the most talk around Newcastle. The crispy pork belly version is the one people keep ordering, with plenty of pickled carrot and daikon, chilli, coriander, pate and mayo packed into a generous roll. We've heard fans say it holds up against banh mi they've eaten overseas, and one local reckoned the crackling is properly crispy, unlike some other places. A fair note: one couple found the flavour a touch plain, and another said it leaned a little salty, so tastes vary. The roast pork roll and the chicken bun noodles also have their fans.

Pies and sausage rolls are the other draw. Locals are happy with the size for the money, and the curry pie gets a particular mention. Opinions on the fillings are a little mixed, with one visitor finding the pastry crisp but the filling mild, so it's best treated as a hearty, good-value bite rather than a gourmet pie. Pasties, cakes and slices fill out the counter, and the sandwich breads are handy for busy family mornings. On a cold day, the beef pho is what regulars come back for.

Portions and prices come up constantly, and people describe the place as good value, with food that tastes fresh from the oven and ladies behind the counter who are friendly and easy to deal with. Card and tap payments are accepted, which longtime customers appreciate.

It opens early and runs through the afternoon, including weekends, though it's worth checking the hours before you head in.