A Korean / Japanese café doesn't usually spring to mind for breakfast, but on a recent overnighter in Northbridge my partner and I walked past Café Oec Bob on Newcastle Street the evening before and checked it out. This is an intriguing little café with quirky, wistful little figures on the furniture and matching artwork on the red walls.
The bold artwork on the walls of Cafe Oec Bob
So, the next morning, after we'd checked out of our hotel, we high-tailed it to Oec Bob. We had a choice of tables inside or outside in the alfresco area, which is separated from the street by a fence decorated with hessian coffee bags. We decided to sit inside, mainly because it was a hot day but also to get away from the traffic noise.
Cafe Oec Bob is separated from the street by a fence decorated with hessian coffee bags
We ordered coffees which came very hot and rich. Then we both chose the vegetarian Fresh Breakfast. This dish includes poached egg on toast but so much more. The menu said the dish comprised rocket, avocado, feta, cherry tomatoes, basil pesto and balsamic vinegar, but there were many more ingredients involved in this explosion of tastes. I discerned cucumber, apple, raisins, corn, onion and batter. Batter? Yes, batter. Unusual maybe, but it tasted delicious. This could have been 'korroke', which I learned is the Japanese name for a deep fried dish, related to French croquettes. At only $13.50 the Fresh Breakfast is a steal, especially considering that plain old eggs on toast is $9.
The delicious vegetarian Fresh Breakfast
The menu also includes salads and rice and noodle dishes. They've recently added burgers to the menu and are happy to tweak dishes to meet customers' tastes. Next time I'm going to try Bibimbob, which is assorted sauted vegetables and poached egg on steamed rice with tofu for $13.50 (non-vegetarians can have Bulgogi beef or spicy pork instead of tofu for only 40 cents more).
The coffee at Cafe Oec Bob is good
Our waiting staff, World and Laken, were very friendly and the service was efficient and helpful. World told me that Café Oec Bob has been open just over a year and is getting busier with lots of regular customers. After experiencing their great food and service it's easy to see why.
Some of the goodies on display at Cafe Oec Bob
