The Hardware Société (Hardware Street)

There’s just no way Pork Belly & Fried Eggs (AUD26.50) wouldn’t be my favourite, if you see that slab of tender, juicy meat and fantastically golden crackling. That being said, as yummy as it was I didn’t think it warranted the hefty price. The meat was barely longer than my finger, served with 2 bite-sizes nuggets of manchego and jamon croquettes, a fried egg, and a slice of toast. I could get a lot more for that price tbh.

Scroll through any guide to eating in Melbourne and chances are Hardware Société will make an appearance. It's a charming little café, with brightly-lit interiors, cozy mismatched chairs, and cute retro tins as cutlery holders, smack in the middle of graffiti-abundant Hardware street. They’ve got your usual scrambled eggs and whatnot, coupled with Melbourne cafés’ astonishingly beautiful playing and great coffee; but if I were to be completely honest I’ve always thought their food to be way too pricey. I’d highly recommend popping by White Mojo next door instead.

Most expensive dish at $26 for the premium ingredient of lobster, but also the least exciting one. Tasted pretty much like what it looks - bread, lobster, eggs (one was overcooked) and hollandaise. I'd fo for the baked eggs and fried broiche instead.

You have an option of having it with meat or going vegetarian, but what goes in varies as I swear I saw options of scallops on a different menu. The version that was available during my visit came with chorizos, which although left me a bit disappointed, was overall still really tasty.

They call their french toast fried broiche, although I would've thought the former sounds more enticing. Said fried broiche was fried a little too dry, and it didn't help that this was served with a thick cream instead of ice cream. Having said that the cream was delicious though. Think speculoos spread but fluffier.

And for coffee lovers, must start with coffee. We arrived early but was already packed. Luckily it was only a 10 min wait but a little too cold for my companions. #tingzietravels #tingzieeats #burpple #🇦🇺