Oasis Bakery, Murrumbeena by Bureaucrat

You know a place has something going for it if more than one Eat and Be Merry Crew member has blogged about it.  The most reviewed restaurant on the blog is Hutong Dumpling Bar (with Obelix chowing down in 2015, yours truly in 2014, Big Fil chomping away in 2011, and Snooze leading the charge back in 2010).  With this current review by moi, probably the next most reviewed place is Oasis Bakery (with Obelix and Big Fil noshing it up in 2014 and 2010, respectively).

Left to right: Middle Eastern sausage roll, chips and lamb souvlaki

So does Oasis Bakery live up to its institutional status?  Indeed it does.  I've been there a few times now and each time I look forward to having some good eats.  Each time, I've had the souvlaki, and despite this, I don't have a photo to show for it (after all, a rolled up bit of bread with my teeth marks doesn't make for the prettiest pic). What I can tell you is that I loved it - the lamb is tender and not fatty nor greasy like most souvlaki joints - this ain't the grease roll that you normally get around town.  These ones are absolutely loaded with lamb, pickled veg, salad ingredients and sauce.  Yummo! Better yet, you don't feel like you've downed a quart of grease after you've finished it.

On one occasion, the Lawyer opted for the Middle Eastern sausage roll.  While it's quite a hefty serve, what I've found with their pre-made savoury pastry options is that they tend to be quite dry in texture.  The nicely spiced meat was yum, but given the dryness of the pastry, this could much improved if it was served with a dollop of labne or yoghurt and a good drizzle of olive oil (even better would be a drizzle of pomegranate molasses... I love that stuff!).

The chips are some of the best I've eaten.  I always order a serve of this.  It's properly piping hot, crispy and fluffy on the inside.  They're even good reheated at home.

Other stuff that I've ordered in the past have included the meat pizza.  As with the sausage roll, the flavour was nice but could do with some labne/yoghurt/olive oil to liven it up.  But it's a great cheap lunch (only a few gold coins for this).

The coffees here are pretty good (as are the chai lattes).  I also love the fact that they have sour cherry juice.  As with the chips, I can't help but to buy some baklava to take home.

Gorgeous golden tightly layered nuggets of filo pastry, nuts, butter and syrup.  These are cheap as chips (lol) and not overly sick or pricey.  Delish with a cuppa!

In addition to the varied savoury menu items, there's a veritable choice in sweet treats.

Verdict

We loved it.

Overall

Great, quality food at really cheap prices.  There's something for everyone here (including burger and salad options).  Service is relatively quick given how popular the place is (even during the week).  Afterwards, make sure to check out the attached spice/gourmet shop that is impressively stocked with lots of foodie delights.

The only real negative about this place is that it could do with some sound-proofing - the place gets awfully loud during peak times which makes it difficult to hold a conversation.  Plus, the seating is rather 'food court' style - i.e., just plain plastic/metal chairs and tables.

Find it at

Oasis Bakery
9/993 North Road
Murrumbeena VIC 3163
Phone: 9570 1122