Pretzel

Overview

Starting out as a late-night snack stop for nightclub punters in Perth, Pretzel has just opened the doors to its first two Melbourne outposts making baked-to-order pretzels loaded with tasty toppings.

The biggest and brightest of the two is in South Yarra — and you definitely won't miss this vibrant store as you make your way down Chapel Street. Pink from floor to ceiling, the  colour blocked shop plays with velvet chairs, neon signs and numbered doors with a wall of retro motel-style keyrings (that, yes, you can purchase).

Inside, you'll see staff swiftly rolling dough and shaping them into pretzels that are cooked to order and topped with the likes of cheese, bacon, chilli and chocolate (thankfully, not together). After making pretzels for five years, owner and founder Brittany Garbutt decided to venture out and expand the flavour horizons of this humble snack.

While the classic cinnamon is a crowd favourite, flavours like The Lot with three cheeses, pepperoni and bacon ignite the taste buds in a similar way to a cheesy pizza, but with the added layer of enjoying it on more soft, doughy pastry.

Julia Sansone

Those looking for something slightly more adventurous can try the Chipotle & Cheese pretzel loaded with a jalapeños and a smoky chipotle sauce. Or, if sweet is more your thing, order the salted caramel, coconut or mint slice glazed numbers.

If you're thinking these salty, doughy numbers would go down a treat after a beer or two (or ten), you'd be right. And, thankfully, they're available late, with the shop opening till 2.30am on Friday and Saturday.

While pretzels are popular food overseas, the team at Pretzel say they hope to popularise the oft-forgotten-about soft pretzel here in Australia. If you're not down south side often, Pretzel also has a newly opened store in ELLA Melbourne Central.

Images: Julia Sansone