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Pre-pandemic, Carlton North’s Babajan was one of Melbourne’s go-to brunch spots. But during the era of shutdowns, the acclaimed Turkish café decided to make its lockdown-required takeaway format a permanent arrangement. And it hasn’t looked back since.
Now, following the successful trial of a pop-up shop in Brunswick in 2021, Babajan is opening a second location. This time, in the CBD. Despite the lingering aftereffects of Victoria’s lockdowns and a still largely hybrid workforce, an opening in the city-centre was always on the cards for owner-chef Kirsty Chiaplias.
“Pre-pandemic I wanted to change the business,” said Chiaplias in a release. “And, funnily enough, despite all the stress and pressure, Covid allowed me to do that.”
The new Babajan is right by Parliament station.
(Photo: Pete Dillon)Babajan’s CBD spot will include a range of office worker-friendly menu items that are exclusive to the new outpost. New dishes include braised lamb and eggplant kofte with whipped feta and spinach; oregano and marash field mushroom sandwiches with Kayseri and harissa; and roast chicken sandwiches with pine nuts. But everyone’s favourite salads and sandwiches from the original Babajan have also made the trip over to location two. For something sweet, try the new white chocolate and date lamington, or a slice of the chocolate halva tart.
Plus, thanks to the café’s newly released app (also called Babajan), you can order your morning coffee and a Simit – a ring-shaped bread served with your choice of breakfast side – from the train on your way to work.
