Bunbury Boulevard Bakery Cafe

Bunbury Boulevard Bakery Cafe is a bakery in Bunbury, Western Australia, that does a lot more than the usual pies and slices, though it does those too. Along with the cabinet of coffee, pies and cake slices, there's a Vietnamese menu, and that mix is what draws people in from around town and from travellers passing through.

The Vietnamese side gets most of the talk. Locals rave about the banh mi, with its fresh crusty roll, pickled carrot, coriander and a generous run of pork, and the pho and Vietnamese rolls are regular orders too. We've heard the Vietnamese iced coffee is worth trying, and one local who asked for it without condensed milk got a strong, proper cup. Noodle dishes get a mixed reception: the Bun Bo Hue and laksa have their fans, while one visitor found the pho on the salty side and another wasn't taken with some of the other noodle soups. If you're unsure, the banh mi is the safe bet.

On the bakery side, there are continental rolls, chocolate eclairs and pastries, and people describe the coffees as well made. Custom cake orders are available, and there are vegan options too, so it's worth asking at the counter what's on. You can dine in or take away, and the seating is a real drawcard, with plenty of room inside and plant-lined areas that give it a relaxed, calm feel. It suits a lunch break on the road through Bunbury as much as a sit-down with the family.

Staff are generally described as friendly and welcoming, and it moves quickly even when busy. Portions are generous and prices are seen as fair for what you get. One customer found the service a touch cold on the day, and another had a disappointing visit, so experiences aren't identical every time.

Practical bits: there's free street parking and a free car park, with a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, and they take cards and mobile payments. It opens early for breakfast, but check the hours before you head in, as they don't trade every day.