To be honest, I didn’t know Republic Coffee Traders even existed until I saw a review in the newspaper. Amazingly, it’s less than 2km from home and I pass it on my daily commute but as it’s on a side street, it could have remained undiscovered. Thankfully, it did not. This is a Public Service Announcement for those in the area so you don’t blink and miss them.
Republic is a small former factory in a light industrial estate. Open plan with a mix of small and shared tables, we had an early breakfast (for us at least) and found the place buzzing. I can imagine it may get a bit warm in summer with the exposed steel roof however they seem to have a cooling system that would take the edge off. On a Saturday morning, there were a mix of families on their way to sport as well as the lycra set grabbing takeaway coffees. We ordered at the counter and took a seat. Water and cutlery were delivered almost immediately and remarkably, given the number of diners, the food arrived not far behind.
I have been drinking quite a lot of espresso from one venue lately so when I first sipped Republic’s flat white, my taste buds stood to attention. It was dark and full bodied and made me realise just how mild my Monday to Friday coffees were. A great heart starter.
Though Mr Tiffin leaned towards his standard of scrambled eggs (Eggs Your Way $10), he surprised me by ordering Eggs Benedict with Ham & Spinach ($18). What a fantastic choice this turned out to be. This was in chief due to one of the best Hollandaise sauces I have had in years. It had clearly been made by a skilled hand and had the perfect balance of acidity for the eggs. The first mouthful was a delight and a reminder of just how good Eggs Benedict can be when it’s done well.
Its not peanut butter but coffee cream…
For something totally different, I enjoyed Fruit Toast with Coffee Cream ($8).Republic Coffee Traders are first and foremost about coffee so of course coffee cream was on offer. When the plate arrived, the coffee cream took on the appearance of whipped peanut butter but there was no doubting the taste. I really enjoyed my visit to Republic. the staff were friendly and efficient and the coffee certainly warrants a revisit (as does that Hollandaise).
Republic Coffee Traders
32 Caswell St
East Brisbane Qld 4169
www.republiccoffee.com.au
This looks amazing. .I love a good hollandaise and usually ask if it is made in house! OK..I am a pain! But I get so annoyed when it is no made in house and is delicious. It spoils the whole dish. So good hollandaise and coffee! Delicious!
You’re not a pain at all Pamela. I had a good conversation with one of the owners about the sauce. It was that good. I would never have seen this place so I’m glad others know about it too.
I love eggs benny and yes the hollandaise needs to be perfect. I think it comes out of a jar most times:). Great and strong coffee is essential.
I thought of you when Mr T ordered Sherry and also when I was writing this. You would be very pleased.
Not sure about the coffee cream Fiona, but the rest sounds great.
The coffee cream was good though – very strong like the coffees themselves.
I would go for the eggs benedict. They look fantastic 😀
They were. I will definitely get them next time.