Neon Tiger Cafe, Malvern

The Overview…

Food: French Toast, The Biggy, Banana and Coconut Pannacotta

Ratings:
Food: 4/5
Atmosphere: 4/5
Service: 4.5/5
Value: 4.5/5

The details…

Despite the modern and pastel interior, Neon Tiger is a cosy cafe. Lifted slightly from the street you feel hidden away, and if you fancy dining outside there’s a small covered outdoor area, perfect for those with pets. It’s a busy little cafe, with its seating divided in two by the glass entrance, making it easy for staff to welcome you the minute you arrive (and for those popping in for take away).

It’s a fairly tame, classic menu on first glance but there are some twists on there and you’ll get a full plate of food (no room for dieters here)! As well as breakfast dishes there’s some lunch options too like the barramundi tacos or the buddha bowl. We were in a breakfast mood so we went for the biggy, the french toast and the pannacotta.

The biggy came with two of pretty much everything and really is a big breakfast (hang over cure anyone?). We loved the rosemary flavoured home made hash – apparently a divisive item – but we enjoyed its rich, herby taste and felt it added a little something different to a classic. The chorizo has a little spicy kick while the bacon was more of a honey smoked variety, which I appreciated the sweetness of – and again it just brought a subtle depth to a dish which we’ve all eaten a thousand times. For $22 you’ll leave full after this!

The pannacotta by contrast was fresh and light with lots of touches of fruit and a nutty granola. Size wise it’s perfect for a light breakfast, the granola adding sufficient substance. The panna had a great consistency and a strong banana flavour – helping it hold its own against the acai and granola on the side. We loved how they went for something a little different with the pannacotta flavour and it’s definitely a gamble that paid off. Being one of the newer dishes on the menu, I think it’s a sign that this now established cafe isn’t going to be scared to move away from the more classic items.

Finally we finished up with the French toast. Coated in syrup it’s a pretty classic challah French toast; however, the sweetness is nicely contrasted by the spiced poached pear, polenta and almond crumb, and the salted caramel. With 3 slices of French toast it’s another great value dish – and not for the faint-hearted. I’m glad it’s something we opted for as a sharing plate – although MB reckons he’d smash the whole plate as the French toast was so light and well balanced!

Everything else…

Website: http://www.neontiger.com.au/

Address: 1252 Malvern Road, Malvern

Opening Times: 

Mon         7am to 4pm
Tue          7am to 4pm
Wed        7am to 4pm
Thu         7am to 4pm
Fri           7am to 4pm
Sat           7:30am to 4pm
Sun         7:30am to 4pm

Parking: There is parking out front, but otherwise, pop down the nearby side streets and you should find a spot for 1-2 hours.

Getting here on PT: Directly on the 72 tram route (alight at Elizabeth Street) it’s an easy reach on PT. You could probably walk from Tooronga Station too, or do a bit of a PT hop from Malvern Station if coming by train.

Disclaimer: We dined as guests of Neon Tiger, Malvern. Reviews are honest and based on our own personal experiences. We cannot guarantee things at a cafe won’t change including, but not limited to, menu items and opening hours, so please confirm any details with the venue before visiting.