Original Tugun Bakery
Tugun
No foodie’s visit to Tugun is complete without a visit to the Original Tugun Bakery (EST. 1975) - a staple of local heritage, providing fresh baked breads and pastries for the past 44 years.
Not only is this iconic bakery famous for serving up some of the best baked treats on the Gold Coast it also boasts to be home to the most interesting farm to palm coffee beans available from Fonzie Abbott roasters. The friendly baristas are happy to chat and include some interesting alternatives in the coffee menu, such as the tasty and soul-warming pumpkin spiced latte.
Centrally located on Golden Four Drive, next door to another local icon Tugun Fruit and Flowers, the bakery has a small scattering of indoor and outdoor seating, and serves a steady stream of hungry visitors. Every morning the skilled bakers tie up knot rolls, served fresh and fluffy alongside hot baguette rolls and their house-made local pies, including one of the most flavourful chilli pies you’ll ever eat. Created by combining three of the world’s hottest chillies, garlic, tomato and spice with fresh beef, beans, capsicum and onions, it is guaranteed to knock your socks off.
Date scones are one of the bakery’s fastest sellers but get in quick or place an order as they only do a small batch every morning. You can also choose between delectable bread and butter puddings, coffee and chocolate brownies, jam drops and cherry ripes, rum balls and sweet fruit custard tarts – the selection is flan-tastic! And if you haven’t had one of the glorious Afghan or salted caramel and chocolate cookies yet, it’s time you indulged.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative with low gluten, high fibre and cholesterol lowering benefits, try the beautiful and super popular sourdough rye bread with its unique flavour profile that makes it a great pairing with soups, dips, and toasted with toppings. The bakery offers 100% Australian made gluten free bread in classic, pumpkin and wholemeal varieties and has also started a range of dairy free and gluten free sweets, including coconut ice baskets.
Complementing the bakery’s treats, Tugun Fruit and Flowers next door, serves any fresh juice and smoothie combination you could hope for. Select favourites such as the mango macadamia, pink pitaya, açai, gingerbread and salted caramel smoothies and add in your choice of extras. Build your juice combo or select the daily fresh-made special and accompany it with one of the açai bowls on offer, made vegan and gluten free on request.
By Michaela Lyons