Months have gone by since locals spotted a ‘leased’ sticker on the former shopfront of popular Henley Beach eatery Blue Rose. But since then, it’s been all radio silence as to which new venue would take its place, and the question on everyone’s lips was ‘what’s next?’
Now, it’s finally been revealed that French-Vietnamese fusion cafe Taste Baguette is moving into the space, with a fresh new twist.
The cafe also has a location on the University of Adelaide’s North Terrace campus and formerly had a shop on Rundle Street. But Henley Beach marks the launch of something new for the brand: Taste Baguette and Bowl.
“We want to bring something different to the area,” said venue manager Henry Truong. “It’s a new option for the locals, and a new spot for people to enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat by the beach.”
The store will aim to soft launch in coming weeks, serving coffee, pastries and a few baguette options, with a full menu likely rolling out in August. That expanded menu will include a new range of healthy rice bowls, similar in style to poke bowls.
“Our chef has already created six or so different types of bowl,” Henry said. “A salmon bowl, a beef bowl, a chicken bowl, and a vegetarian falafel bowl will be on the menu.”
You’ll also find a selection of fresh baguettes (hence the name), along with pastries, cakes, and grab-and-go style lunches. For breakfast, expect brekkie rolls and croissants, and as lunch rolls in, a range of noodle and rice bowls with toppings like lemongrass chicken, beef, schnitzel, and tofu will be on offer.
While the cafe has predominantly served up takeaway in the past, the new Henley Beach location has space to eat in for between 30 and 40 diners, with plenty of natural light and views out onto the lively esplanade.
“We’re creating a welcoming, friendly environment with the fitout,” Henry said.
Taste Baguette’s story began with founder Hieu Luong, who discovered a passion for baking while living opposite a bakery in Saigon. At 14, his family fled the Vietnam War and settled in an Indonesian refugee camp, where Hieu built a wood-fired oven to start his first bakery.
The cafe eventually launched in Sydney in 2006 and has since grown to 17 locations across Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.
Now, with its prime beachfront spot in Henley, the team is hoping to bring something fresh and easygoing to the local dining scene. A breezy, light-filled cafe where you can grab a healthy lunch, sip a coffee, and soak up the sea air.
Taste Baguette and Bowl
Where: Shop 28/330 Seaview Rd, Henley Beach
When: Set to soft launch in coming weeks.
For more information, click here.
