Lai Bakery Sunbury

Lai Bakery in Sunbury, Victoria is the kind of bakery where the banh mi gets most of the talk. People who've been will tell you the crispy roll packed with fillings is the reason to go, and the crispy pork and BBQ pork versions come up again and again. Pork rolls and a chicken schnitzel roll have their own fans too, and one local says they're hooked. For anyone who can't manage a crunchy crust, we hear the staff will happily make a banh mi on a soft roll instead.

It's a proper bakery counter, not just a lunch spot. Pies are a big part of the appeal, and the house-made meat pies are popular. Vanilla slice and apple cake sit alongside a spread of cakes, biscuits and loaves of bread. Locals describe the food as fresh and good value, and the cheese and salad roll gets a mention as a reliable cheap lunch. There's takeaway and dine-in, plus coffee, and one regular raved about the iced latte and the friendly woman who served it.

Plan for a wait at lunchtime. The word around Sunbury is that the queue builds through the middle of the day, so you'll want to allow a little extra time. Most people reckon it moves along and is worth the line. Cash purchases are said to attract a small discount, though cards and tap-and-pay are accepted too.

One local felt the pies and portion sizes slipped on a few occasions, and another had a roll that wasn't up to the usual standard. Most people come away happy, though, and the banh mi keeps drawing them back.

Getting there is simple. There's free street parking nearby, and the entrance and car park are wheelchair accessible. Check the opening hours before you head in, since lunchtime is when this bakery in Sunbury is at its busiest.