Pandesal Bakery

Pandesal Bakery in Meeniyan is the sort of country-town bakery people plan a detour around. Travellers heading for Wilsons Prom pull in here, and it's a regular stop for anyone wanting a proper breakfast or lunch on the road through South Gippsland.

The display is a big part of the appeal. Locals talk about a long run of cakes, slices, tarts and biscuits, with some gluten-free and vegan choices among them, alongside pies, quiches, sausage rolls and fresh rolls. The pies are a particular draw, and the pastry gets plenty of praise. The vanilla slice and the lamingtons come up a lot, and one person called the lamington among the best they'd had: light, fluffy and not too sweet. There's sourdough and other fresh bread too, and the baking tends to come out of the oven warm.

It's a proper sit-down spot as well as a takeaway counter. There's seating inside, including shared tables, and more outside, and you can have food toasted or fresh. You order and pay at the counter, then it's brought to your table. Coffee gets a good wrap, and one local described it as served in a huge mug. Custom cake orders are available if you're planning something special.

The staff are a big part of why people come back. We've heard Ruby and Joelyn mentioned fondly for their kindness and patience, and it's said the team clearly like working for the owner. Prices are generally seen as reasonable for what you get.

To be fair, opinion isn't unanimous. One visitor found a plain steak pie under-seasoned, another thought a slice of carrot cake was steep for the price, and one found the coffee too dark and bitter. Most people leave happy, though.

It's busy and popular, so expect a queue at peak times. There's free street parking out front, and the entrance and car park are wheelchair accessible. The bakery isn't open every day of the week, so check the hours before you set out.