Oxenford Bakery

If you're hunting for a bakery in Oxenford, Queensland, this one sits just off the M1 and does a steady trade from early morning, so it suits a quick stop on the way through as much as a local run.

Pies are what many people head here for. We've heard the steak and double cheese version rated right up there with the best on the Gold Coast, and one local praised a chunky steak pie with plenty of meat, good gravy and pastry that was just warm enough to bite straight into. One person found a mushroom pie's pastry thick and a bit short on gravy, but the general word is that the pies are a good reason to call in. Everything comes fresh from the oven, and the sweet side gets its share of praise too, from a passionfruit custard square to a neenish tart with a soft mock cream filling.

The other big draw is the Vietnamese-style rolls. The banh mi with crispy pork has plenty of fans, with a choice of sweet chilli or hot chilli, and people describe the roll as soft and the pork generous with a nice crackle. Hot roast pork rolls and a country fried chicken roll get a mention as well. One first-timer found the banh mi filling choices a little limited, so go in knowing the range is short and simple.

Beyond that, you'll find coffee, breakfast options, muffins (carrot is a favourite), quiches and ready-made sandwiches, all available as takeaway. Prices are generally thought of as good value, and the staff come up repeatedly as friendly and helpful. One regular said a staff member named Ned went out of his way to help a customer trying a banh mi for the first time.

A few locals feel things have changed since the bakery changed hands, mentioning the odd item running out later in the day, so if you have your heart set on something, it's best to go earlier. There's a free car park, wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance, and a shaded outdoor seating area for a relaxed break. They take cards and mobile payments. Check the hours before you head in, as weekend trading is shorter.