eighty/twenty Gungahlin is conveniently close to the tram line! Photo: Kazuri Photography.
eighty/twenty has arrived in Gungahlin, bringing its wholesome, organic, delicious food conveniently close to the tram line!
And for those needing a pick-me-up before commuting to work, they offer $4 coffee all day on weekdays.
I walk into a thrumming café, the staff flat-out busy but gracefully weaving around each other, exchanging friendly banter. Owner Veer Patel, a long-time member of the eighty/twenty family, is excited to bring the tried-and-true brand to this new location.
The all-day menu mirrors the original in Braddon. However, as grandma to Biscuit, a golden retriever, my eyes are immediately drawn to the pupacino – how did I never notice that before?
Balance is key at eighty/twenty, with nourishing meals that fuel the body. Dishes burst with vibrant colours, textures, and taste sensations that make you close your eyes in appreciation. Guilt-free deliciousness.
It’s no secret that I’m a regular at eighty/twenty, usually the Belconnen location, where I rarely stray from my breakfast obsession: the Crunch Bowl—with an extra dollop of their house-made peanut butter; only the best peanut butter on the planet.
However, not mentioning the other menu items on offer would be doing everyone a disservice. A generous and varied range of savoury and sweet meals fills the all-day menu. Think buckwheat pancakes topped with ice cream, fresh fruit, date sauce and macadamia crunch. The brioche French toast adds caramelised banana to the mix – what sounds like a banoffee situation. Yummmm.
The buckwheat waffle. Photo: Kazuri Photography.
You can keep it simple with a bacon and egg roll, or sink your teeth into a lush selection of burgers. eighty/twenty also has a strong savoury bowl game, from the burrito bowl and pulled chermoula lamb bowl to the vibrant nourish bowl.
And don’t get me started on the five scrumptious açaí bowls on offer!
I sip on a rich, caramel-hued flat white while I wait; a satisfyingly good brew, so rich and layered, it makes me double down on my determination to take a barista course.
My caramel-hued flat white. Photo: Kazuri Photography.
The Crunch Bowl arrives (I forgot to order the extra dollop of peanut butter, but no matter) – so delicious, yet simultaneously making me feel like the healthiest human on the planet.
I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve ever tried on eighty/twenty’s menu, and I adore their savoury bowls. But this is the breakfast I keep coming back to.
No one does açaí like eighty/twenty: silken, glossy, luscious.
I’ve got my method for dispatching it down to a fine art.
First, eat the slices of ripe banana. Next, stir the honey-drizzled house granola and the extra dollop of peanut butter into the açaí. Finally: enjoy!
The Crunch Bowl. Photo: Kazuri Photography.
When I say granola, this is a toasted blend of nuts and seeds, perfectly balanced with sweet, salt and crunch. And you can buy bags of it to have at home.
Up at the counter, on my way out, I glance across at the desserts.
As always, the cakes and slices in the glass cabinet are rows of colour and mouthwatering titles. While the cookie range is tempting, Eighty Twenty’s heart lies in its raw dessert range, which is as impressive as you’d imagine; 11 indulgent flavours, each proving that eating clean can taste incredibly delicious. They’re also vegan and gluten-free friendly!
Ferrero is the newest raw dessert. Photo: Kazuri Photography.
The newest taste sensation, Ferrero, is what Veer recommends. A clever take on a Ferrero Rocher, it sports an incredibly crisp base – well-salted and not overly sweet, with a decadent, velvety middle and a chocolate layer that tastes spot-on and is a dead ringer for the famous chocolate. How can it be guilt-free? It is simply the best dessert to go in my mouth this year.
I want the recipe so badly. Have you tried it?
Coeliac and gluten-free patrons can rest assured that there is no cross-contamination of food at eighty/twenty; their meals are prepared on a separate bench with different utensils.
eighty/twenty Gungahlin is located at 114/43 Hibberson St, Gungahlin. It is open 7 days from 7 am to 3 pm. Follow eighty/twenty on Facebook and Instagram.
