Some say it's hard to find a good coffee in Melbourne's CBD, whereas others say it comes down to whether you know where to go or not.
So in a time where knowledge is everything, it's best to ask your brother.
Brother Baba Budan is one of the triumvirate temples brought to you by those lovely people who gave us
Seven Seeds and De Clieu. If you've never heard of
Brother Baba Budan then perhaps you have heard of a cafe with chairs on the ceiling. If so, then this is the place, if you haven't, now you can tell your friends about a cafe that has chairs on the ceiling.
I wasn't lieing about the chairs.
As I walk in, I am greeted by the usual sight of people at the communal table, people by the bar, people on chairs and baristas crafting cups of glory. Brother Baba Budan is always busy. There may be quiet times within the first minute of opening, but surely enough everyone on a salary and every university student will be making a bee line for Little Bourke Street every morning of the week. Weekends are slightly quieter, but don't bank on it. This place is busy for a reason. They're not busy because people think "Oh I'll just go here because it's close". No. People will walk all the way from Queen street and King Street just to see Brother Baba Budan. Only a few places have such a strong magnetic force in the city; this is one of them.
Double Espresso. Seven Seeds Espresso Blend.
Mellow and bold. Satisfying yet not overbearing. A slight saltiness curved (have you ever described a taste as curvy?) well with the chocolate hints of of the body. Don't forget the warming caramels that refreshed my palate while also caressing my taste buds with feathers of flavour, sounds strange and slightly over the top? Well, you weren't there and don't know how good it was.
Reggae music flowed out of their sound system. My seat at the bar. A slight hubbub of noise, conversation and the filler sounds that humans make. Comfort everywhere. The staff are always polite and knowledgeable of the love they are serving/sharing with you. You can buy coffee beans, Keep Cups and a select variety of other coffee related paraphernalia too. Siphon coffee is even served here. Never heard of siphon coffee? You may need to get out more.
Once you sit with Brother Baba Budan, you realise there is no reason to rush, you realise that in Melbourne's central business district there is a sanctuary, where you can check in and simultaneously check out from the craziness of the outside world (whatever that may be).
You can get lamingtons, muffins and pastries. No big meals, just short sweets with tall tastes.
Wooden benches and chairs on the ceiling. A good place to be is in the middle.
