Trang Bakery & Cafe

Trang Bakery & Cafe is a banh mi bakery in Camberwell, Victoria, and the roll is clearly the reason people come. Ask around and the crispy pork banh mi is the one that gets named first, with locals praising the crackling skin and the pickles that still have some crunch. The barbecue pork and the house special get regular mentions too, along with the pate, which people rate highly, and the seasoned meat and soy sauce that give the fillings their flavour.

If you'd rather skip the roll, there's a banh mi wrap with the flatbread warmed through. One local called it lighter than the regular roll but just as fresh, and plenty of people order both on the same visit. Vegan options are on the menu as well, and breakfast and coffee are on offer for anyone not rushing off to lunch.

Everything is takeaway, which suits the way this place runs. It gets busy at lunchtime, with a queue that can stretch out along the footpath, but the team works through it quickly and people tell us the wait is usually short. Staff are described as friendly and efficient even at the busiest point of the day, and rolls come out fresh from the oven and generously filled. Value is a regular talking point, with the rolls priced fairly for how packed they are.

One local told a good story about a mix-up with an order. They had accidentally walked off with someone else's roll, and the owner insisted on making them a fresh one with everything they'd originally asked for. The odd person has found a roll heavier on salad and oil than they'd like, but the weight of local opinion is firmly positive.

If you're after the crispy pork at its best, locals suggest going when it has just been cooked and is still warm. You can pay by card or phone, and there's free street parking and a car park nearby, which is handy so close to Camberwell Junction. Check the opening hours before you head over, particularly if you're planning a weekend visit.