HOMETOWN GUIDE: Roland Tings' Brunswick Lunch Guide

ROLAND TINGS is quickly becoming a household name in the Australian dance scene, and for very good reason. A favourite here at Purple Sneakers, he released one of our favourite albums of the year with his self-titled debut, and is already gearing up for his next release- an EP out early 2016. 

After wowing audiences on a sold-out tour with none other than Chet Faker, as well as killing it at this year's LISTEN OUT and PARADISE festivals, things have definitely kicked up a few levels for the Melbourne producer.

Perhaps its because of his internationally recognised live AV set, or his 8-minute new single 'Hedonist'? Perhaps its tracks like 'Floating On A Salt Lake' or 'Pala'; both of which are guaranteed party starters? Whatever the case may be, we get the feeling Roland Tings is only just getting started, and we can't wait to see what he does next.

Because he fancies himself a man about the Melbourne town, and we just can't get enough of him and his music, we asked Roland Tings to give us the run down on the hidden gems of the Brunswick lunch scene. Perhaps they were the lunch joints he checked out before he headed over fellow Brunswick venue, Howler for his 'Hedonist' single launch last Saturday.

La Paloma

"This place is the best cafe in Melbourne by a mile. There’s only 2 or 3 things on the menu, one of them is a bread roll with salad and meat. It sounds unexciting, but I can honestly say it’s the best sandwich I’ve ever eaten. Homemade mayo, great fresh lettuce & tomato, a piece of cheese, some salt and basil & a thin slice of cured meat. It’s out of control. Get in before 1pm because they sell out every single day. The vibe is chill, they don’t take EFTPOS, the fit out is basic, the bar is marble, the coffee is good and they play old hip hop and soul and Latin from a stack of weathered vinyl on the end of the bar."

Woolworths

"This is the sleeper hit of the Brunswick lunch scene. A bread roll from the Hot Bread Bakery round the corner for 50 cents, then a few bits from the deli section and you’re in business for under $3. Finding a chill spot to sit and make your deli creation is a bit of challenge though, Brunswick is pretty low on relaxed shady areas."

Tabets

"Some people are all about A1 Bakery, but I like to keep it underground with a cheese and spinach pie from Tabets for like $3. Don’t be fooled by the Haloumi pie, its dry and doesn’t stack up with the classic C & S. They also do a pretty good meat pizza, but how much grease do you need on your lunch break? Personally I don’t need THAT much."

K&H Hot Bread Bakery

"A classic Vietnamese BBQ Pork roll joint. Maybe not on par with some of Melbourne’s more established Vietnamese roll spots, but the key here is their customisation options. Under the counter in the fridge they have Jalapeños and if you ask they will put some Shiracha on your custom creation. You can take it from Vietnam to Mexico with a few careful modifications. If you wanna be a pig check out the mini jam donuts for 50 cents. It’s not the same as stumbling out of the Mercat at 7am on a winter morning and getting 600 jam donuts from the van at the markets, but it’s still pretty good."

Tibas

"This is the long standing classic. This is the Cold Chisel of Sydney Road. The ACDC of the Brunswick Dining scene. If you’ve got time to kill dine in and get a Vegetarian Plate for a real tour de force of the Tibas repertoire. Keep your eyes peeled for Sui Zhen aka DJ Susan who can occasionally be found smashing veggie plates. Also a falafel roll costs $6.50 and the falafel is really good. I heard there’s some joint further up Sydney Road in Coburg that does Melbourne’s best falafel... but we can save that for the Coburg dining guide."

Words by Emma Jones

CHECK OUT MORE HOMETOWN GUIDES HERE

SEE ALSO:

ROLAND TINGS 'HEDONIST'

ROLAND TINGS 'PALA'

ROLAND TINGS 'DEVOTION'