Babka Cafe

We were in the mood for a fresh bake, so off to @babkafitzroy we trooped. This cosy and rather homely looking bakery-cafe is an institution in Fitzroy, and has a menu with some Eastern European influence. It also looked to us like it’s run by a family but don’t quote me on that. We got a wedge each of the bestselling Lemon Tart and the Pecan & Honey Tart ($9 per slice). Like the rest of their cakes and tarts, these came with whipped cream on the side. I honestly feel, that afternoon, we had stumbled upon the most scrumptious Lemon Tart ever 😭 It’s not the fine and delicate style but substantial with a solid crust that has bits of chopped almonds for fragrance and texture. Love how the whipped cream rounded off the zingy lemon curd oh-so-beautifully. The Pecan & Honey had a potent aroma of honey which differentiated it from other pecan pies / tarts I’ve had. And it also benefited from the voluptuous mouthfeel of the whipped cream too. To pair with them, I picked the Smoky Samovar, a Russian Black Tea - it certainly lived up to its name and exerted a strong presence.

Hidden gem on Brunswick street! This bakery ticks all the boxes, but for starters, their pies are top class. We ordered the steak & red wine pie along with the chicken & white wine pie. They were both perfect - flaky with tender & flavourful meat. The accompanying sauce was a really tasty spicy chutney that really went well with it. The carrot cake was delicious especially the icing which also had a generous serving of walnuts. The ‘must order’ is the lemon tart which was out of this world and actually the reason we came here in the first place. What pleased me just as much as how delicious it all was, was the the massive portions. They did not skimp on the slices and do not charge near what other places would for the quantity & quality they offer. Amazing value & quality. I will be back here for sure!

Firstly, we loved the shop front and the apparent eastern European atmosphere. There seemed to be a good albeit small selection of Russian lunch/dinner dishes, but it was morning and we were hoping for something a little different for breakfast and was disappointed. The menu boasted the same same breakfast necessities you could get elsewhere except a Russian scrambled egg dish. We opted for chocolate croissants and coffees instead. The service was lukewarm, croissants tasted miserable and cold. The coffee was also nothing to rave about. I decided to give it a teaspoon of sugar when I spotted the teaspoon was laden with towel particles. Instantly I thought about what other surfaces the said towel has been on, or how many unwashed hands have handled it. Ew.

I can't say I know too many Eastern European cafes but this place is definitely a hidden gem on the streets of Fitzroy. Delicious dumplings, we got a mixture of the two options available. Would definitely recommend the mushroom one, bursted with flavour and freshness and served with a generous dollop of sour cream. I don't know how I have lived a life without ricotta pancakes, but I'm sure glad that they've entered my life now. Had a great texture, soft centre yet crispy outer edges. Homemade berry syrup drizzled on top cut through the richness of the pancakes. Wasn't too sweet at all which pleased my tastebuds. The only complaint I would raise was my stomach which didn't agree with the cheese (might be the lack toes intol the rants). The mind was willing, but the body was too feeble and weak. Despite what previous reviews have stated, I was surprised to find the service to be welcoming and friendly the day I visited. I'll definitely be back to try their borscht and lemon tart that others have been raving about. Note: this review is based on my visit a month ago.