It’s a rewarding search albeit preceded by an initial puzzled expression: ‘Am I in the right place?’ Then you hear the music. You’ve arrived. But that nature of concealment is a defining feature that makes this city so intriguing: nothing is ever quite what it seems. The honest-to-God-truth is that Boombap is an exceptionally soulful eclectic place that’s quintessentially Melbourne because you have to hunt a little bit to find it. The first thing you’ll notice about Boombap is the large wall covered entirely in cassette tapes – a playful piece of nostalgia and homage to many of our childhoods. Named after a subgenre of ‘80’s and ‘90’s hip hop that the likes of Wu-Tang made famous, the crew at Boombap is mixing soul food, coffee and treats with phat beats. The mantra is ‘freshness daily’ and their house-made selection is ample, and while options can vary from day to day, you can be sure you’ll find something you like. To start, they do a mean breakfast, like a one or two hander bacon and egg sandwich. For lunch, after you’ve devoured your pulled pork roll, Philly cheesesteak, New Orleans gumbo, or mushroom duxelle, your eyes might drift blissfully to the display case, and if you get there early enough, you will find a selection of delicious after lunch treats, such as their homemade peanut butter cups, pretzel and white chocolate blondes and cupcakes, with the selection also changing regularly. Wash it all down with StrangeLove soft drinks, like organic gingerbeer, blood orange chili or smoked cola. For such a pocket-sized place, it’s remarkable they’re able to churn out such variety, and they do so with a shitload of flair.
EDITOR’S PICK:
I’d tell you, but it might not be on the menu when you go. Let’s just say everything. They’re that good.
