Overview
Rather than opening with a bang, the latest outlet of culture-mashing bakehouse Tokyo Lamington opened with a whisper — the fanfare for their latest venture was kept to a minimum for a full fortnight during its soft launch in mid-June. And yet, far from being a big surprise, it now seems all too obvious that Black Star Pastry alum Eddie Stewart and N2 Gelato founder Min Chai would eventually set up shop in Marrickville.
Firstly, there's the area's rich multicultural spirit, which so effortlessly chimes with Tokyo Lamington's trademark melding of international flavours. A new riff on their signature dessert, a Vietnamese coffee lamington, is a tribute to Marrickville's migrant communities, featuring a gluten-free sponge soaked in Vietnamese coffee and filled with a coffee cream made from distinctively rich Vietnamese coffee beans and condensed milk, finished with a coating of white chocolate.
Next, there's the ascendant reputation of the suburb as one of Sydney's most dynamic culinary destinations — home to street food heroes like Marrickville Pork Roll, boutique distilleries like Poor Toms, and top artisanal producers like Paesanella Cheese, who supply ricotta to Tokyo Lamington for another new addition to the menu, a cheesecake lamington.
If you're already a fan of TL, you'll be pleased to hear that all the cubic highlights from the OG Newtown venue are present and accounted for, including the classic raspberry jam and vanilla cream, the yuzu curd and blow-torched meringue, and the colourful fairy bread and popcorn. What is different, however, is revealed in the Marrickville venue's double-barrelled name.
Tokyo Lamington & the Bakery will expand the offering beyond delicious sponge cubes to include a wide spectrum of baked delights, including pastries, cakes, breads, savoury pies, quiches and even sausage rolls. The aesthetic of the store is also a point of difference. Whereas the Newtown and Carlton locations showcase Japanese minimalism, Marrickville's vibe is more homegrown with a mid-century Aussie look. The Tokyo Lamington team say the fitout "blends nostalgic design elements with contemporary flair, reflecting the fusion ethos that we're known for".
Find Tokyo Lamington & the Bakery at 140 Marrickville Road, Marrickville, open daily, 7am–3pm. Head to the venue's website for more details.