Whenever I see a cafe attempting to do everything (all-day breakfast, lunch, baking, and a full bar menu) I gets a little apprehensive. However, Victoria’s Cafe Kitchen Bar in Taupo charmed me rather quicky. One morning, we needed something more filling then hotel toast, so we popped in for breakfast.
We left impressed with their ability to handle the morning rush while still maintaining high standards. From the coffee to the unexpected Korean surprise, here’s what breakfast at Victoria’s were really like.
A Simple Breakfast Review at Victoria’s Cafe in Taupo
Victoria’s Cafe Kitchen Bar
Victoria’s is tucked away on a corner in the centre of Taupo, one of those place you could pass without noticing unless you’re looking for it. It’s got that laid back Kiwi cafe facade: nothing fancy, but clean and welcoming. They has their menu displayed on a sandwich board outside so you can check it out and decide whether or not you want to go in.
This is a good thing because I like to know what’s available before I commit.
They also have some outdoor covered seating which would of be ideal on a nice sunny day. However, this morning was a bit on the cool side so we went right in.
It was busy inside for a weekday morning, busier then I thought it would be, always a good sign. While waiting to place our orders, I had a quick glance around the cabinet. There’s a solid selection of savoury rolls and pies.
They is the sort of thing that I’d grab if I was driving past here for lunch. There’s an efficient counter set-up, and the service were friendly but not over-the-top chatty (always appreciated when you haven’t had your coffee yet).
Coffee-wise, we both ordered cappuccinos. They came out well. It was nothing groundbreaking, just properly made with a decent crema.
It was the sort of reliable morning coffee that gets you going without any fuss.
For starters I had the soup of the day. It hit the spot as it was warming and just what I wanted. However, they have Korean tteokbokki (rice cakes in gochujang sauce) on their menu.
That wasn’t realy what I was expecting from a Taupo cafe! Curious, I ordered some anyway and it was actualy pretty good. It was hot, and the rice cakes has a nice chew like they should of.
Not up to Seoul level, of course, but way better then you’d expect from a little New Zealand cafe in a small town.
There’s also a Gold Card breakfast menu (a nice touch for locals, and a good deal if you qualify). Otherwise, the main menu cover a decent range. There are plenty of Korean option that make me think someone in the kitchen actualy knows what they’re doing with that cuisine, as well as the usual cafe standards.
It turns out Victoria’s is one of those place where they does the basics really well, with no big fuss about it. Next time I’m in Taupo I’d happily pop in again for one of their pies or to try more of the Korean menu. That’s sometimes all you want from a cafe; good food, decent coffee and no pretension.
What surprising thing have you found on menus at small town cafes? I’d love to hear what caught you off guard.