Dear Dough

Dear Dough is a Korean-style bakery in Werribee, Victoria, and it's the salt bread that gets people through the door. If you haven't had it, it's buttery and airy, a little denser than a croissant, with a flaky base and a salty-sweet balance. Locals rave about the original and the garlic version, where the bottom of the loaf is coated in a crisp, slightly sweet garlic layer. There are filled versions too, including cream cheese with spring onion, custard, and a matcha one that goes down well as a takeaway.

Beyond the salt bread, the range includes savoury breads, mochi pastries and matcha offerings. We hear a lot about the mochi twists and the almond mochi croissant, along with the Mammoth Bread, the mocha bun and the Jambong Beurre, which one regular says sent him straight back to the counter for more. There are sandwich-style salt breads filling enough to pass for a quick lunch. One local's tip is to warm bread in the air fryer so it tastes fresh from the oven.

Coffee and breakfast are part of the picture as well, and people are fond of the einspanner latte and the ube latte, which one fan says has deep flavour without any bitterness. It works as a sit-down spot or a quick stop: there's plenty of seating inside, the place is kept clean, and there's an instant photo corner that visitors enjoy. Takeaway and dine-in are both on offer, with an accessible entrance and car park and free street parking nearby.

The welcome from welcoming staff makes a visit memorable. Staff get a lot of friendly mentions, and prices are described as fair for the quality. For western-suburbs locals who used to travel for this style of baking, it's a welcome find. Check the opening hours before you head in, as they vary across the week.