One perfect vanilla slice moments before... it disappeared
The search for the best vanilla slice is one that can last a lifetime. This is a custardy crusade worthy of a tick box under "Religion" on the Census.
Some people perform good deeds, some spend years learning to meditate and others head to the Kingdom of Bhutan. But to those in pursuit of true happiness, I say: get thee to the shrine of the perfect vanilla slice.
So whereabouts in Sydney should the custard pilgrim head? We're looking here for the very best vanilla slices Sydney has to offer. Nothing limp or rubbery, lacking in true custard flavour or in pastry that's damp or just downright nasty.
What we're seeking is a smooth custardy centre nestled in crisp, fresh pasty - the kind of vanilla slice that's messily irresistible, leaving morsels of creamy custard and crumbs of crunchy pastry speckled on your face. The kind that may even cause the devoted pilgrim to produce small, embarrassing snuffles and/or moans as they eat.
Note: regardless of your vanilla slice deportment, you can take comfort that this is a slice entrenched in culture. It's said (at least according to the
gospels of Wikipedia) that the custardy forebear of the humble snot block is none other than the mille-feuille, originating in France.
Mille feuille by Zantastik, Wikipedia
Anyway. Lead us now to the absolute best vanilla slices Sydney has to offer. Please, before the tummy rumbles get any worse.
Some suggestions to get us started. There's the highly rated specimen at
La Renaissance Café Pâtisserie.
And the Boronia Bakehouse, at 95a Pittwater Road, Boronia Park has been known to purvey a very decent double-decker vanilla slice. (Note however, that a double-decker snot block is not one to eat on a first date. Not unless you have snake-like jaws that know how to unhinge - double-deckers can be tricky to get into with dignity intact).
Another fine vanilla slice establishment is
La Petite Lorraine , who take matters of custard very seriously.
And there are excellent reports from the
Gelato Bar Bakery.
Now it's over to you. If you have a preferred shrine to the vanilla slice in Sydney or indeed anywhere in NSW, please let us know by leaving a comment below.
