By Frances Atkinson
Over the last few months, Footscray’s The 2 Men Cafe has quietly transformed into the expanded The 2 Men Bakery, side-by-side in busy Leeds Street. On a recent Saturday afternoon, a total vibe ascended on the newly expanded cafe as loads of shoppers, locals and a bunch of Influencers spilled out into the sunny outdoor seating where customers got a view of the bustle.
The 2 Men, owners Keven Vo and Steven Nguyen take their work seriously – from the consistently outstanding standard lattes and cold brews to fancy frappes and smoothies, you could literally hear the ice clinking as punters knocked back their first Matcha Cream Iced Latte for the season.
But the big news is the new, enticing, gleaming Banh Mi bar, full of colourful, fresh ingredients, and piles of freshly baked rolls (around 300 baked daily). Keen to try as much as possible, we split the Roasted Pork Banh Mi ($12.50 with pate, French egg mayo, special hoisin sauce, sliced cucumber, pickle carrot, coriander, chili, roasted onion, green onion, red onion) and the Caramelised Soy Sauce Banh Mi ($15 with tofu, mushroom pate, butter, French egg mayo). Both were delicious and generously loaded. The pork crackling had the perfect amount of crunch, while the vegetarian option was crisp and full of flavour. Fans of Banh Mi know that it’s all about the roll – it’s gotta have that crunch, giving way to a soft chewy centre, followed by carefully balanced flavours. No fights here, just chili waltzing with the coriander.
Also on offer is a huge array of freshly baked and beautifully decorated cakes, eclairs, pastries and biscuits, of all sizes and types. Try the seriously good doughnuts and take note: next time you have a work colleague’s birthday, special morning tea or just feel like surprising your buddies, The 2 Men Bakery is open early.
You can see the commitment to excellence. The staff serve with care and kindness, and the 2 Men wear easy smiles, despite the early hours. The light, clean and airy cafe is a haven.
The 2 Men Cafe & The 2 Men Bakery
Shop 3 & 4
7–9 Leeds Street
Footscray
Open:
Mon to Sat – 7am–5pm; Sun – 8am-5pm
Wheelchair access: Yes
