Brown Born Bake Shop is located inside Kmall09 at Lidcombe Shopping Centre. It appears to be affiliated with Gangnam Bakery, also in Lidcombe, though trading under a different name. While their flat croissants are a popular pick, we were more interested in trying their salt bread.
Plain Salt Bread ($4.90)
This bread featured a thick, baguette-like crust that offered a delightful crunch, contrasting with a tender, milk bread-like interior. The rich buttery flavour, complemented by the salty touch of the butter and sea salt dusting, reminded us of a croissant. It was delicious and superior to the version from Doughkyo, but its price (more than double) made it more of a considered purchase rather than a casual snack.
Black Sesame Salt Bread ($4.90)
This version had the same thick, crunchy crust with a soft interior, but the addition of black sesame elevated the experience. The rich, almost smoky, nuttiness of the sesame paired beautifully with the buttery, salty flavours of the bread, creating a more complex and satisfying bite. If it were more accessible, we would not hesitate to repurchase this regularly as a snack.
Coffee Salt Bread ($4.90)
This was somewhat disappointing compared to the plain and sesame varieties. While the coffee flavour was noticeable and accompanied by a distinct savoury note, the bread lacked the signature thick, crunchy exterior. Instead, it had a soft, brioche-like texture. The interior was also less tender and buttery, resulting in a rather dull coffee-flavoured bread. We considered if it was old stock, but its appearance suggested it never had the crusty texture of the others.
Black Sesame Twist Donut ($4.20)
This was slightly denser than similar donuts we’ve had in Korea, but it delivered a strong black sesame flavour, providing a subtle savoury nuttiness. This was well balanced by the exterior sugar coating, adding just the right amount of sweetness and crunch.
Black Sesame Mochi ($5.20)
This mochi featured a smooth, soft exterior that transitioned seamlessly into the interior, offering a satisfying, tender chew with minimal sweetness. The incorporation of black sesame seeds and powder into the dough imparted a warm, nutty, savoury flavour that contrasted beautifully with the mochi’s softness. Surrounding the mochi layer was a chunky red bean filling, providing a nutty sweetness that balanced the savoury notes, while the centre held a smoother red bean paste for additional depth. Overall, this was an innovative and well-executed take on the classic pairing of black sesame and red bean.
When in the area, we wouldn’t hesitate to return for the sesame salt bread and to explore more of their unique offerings, which stand out compared to other Asian bakeries in Sydney.
Brown Born Bake Shop is located inside Kmall09, Level 1, Lidcombe Shopping Centre, 92 Parramatta Rd, Lidcombe NSW 2141