Auntie Anne’s opened in Parramatta to remarkable queues in early August, and after approximately two weeks, the wait had eased to fewer than ten groups.

During the initial weeks, a three-item limit per person was in place, with Pretzel Nuggets and several Stix items unavailable as the store focused on its core menu to streamline production.

Original Pretzel ($5.80)

The original twist that established the brand; a simple, buttery, and lightly salted pretzel. The exterior had a smooth, delicate crust, giving way to a tender, soft interior with an ideal amount of chew. The flavour was notably rich and buttery, with a subtle yeasty sweetness. The surface carried a mild lye note and gentle saltiness, though the latter could have been more pronounced.

Sweet Almond Pretzel ($6.50)

This variant featured caramelised almonds baked atop the signature pretzel dough. The almonds provided a pleasing crunch, though the fake vanilla flavour in the dough was more dominant than expected, slightly disrupting the overall balance.

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel ($6.50)

Topped with a blend of cinnamon, brown sugar, and white sugar, this pretzel offered a satisfying and lasting crunch. The brown sugar tempered the sweetness while adding depth, though the cinnamon proportion could have been higher.

Cinnamon Sugar Sticks ($7.50)

Similar in texture and flavour to the pretzel, these sticks presented a more convenient format. They have been our preferred order since their introduction sometime after the store’s initial opening.

3 Cheese ($6.50)

Topped with a mix resembling mozzarella, parmesan, and asiago, this pretzel delivered a rich savoury profile that balanced well against the subtle sweetness of the dough. The cheese layer provided both softness and crisp caramelised edges, offering contrast to the tender, chewy interior of the pretzel. The parmesan brought a sharper note, while the mozzarella contributed stretch and body, making this one of the more satisfying savoury options on the menu.

Pretzel Dog ($8.80)

The sausage had a pleasant bounce and was well-seasoned, providing enough flavour to carry the surrounding dough. However, the pretzel wrapping, while golden brown in appearance, lacked crispness, resulting in limited contrast between the sausage and bread. This left the overall texture flatter than expected.

Overall, these were enjoyable pretzels worth repurchasing.

Auntie Anne’s is located at Shop 1171, Westfield Parramatta, 159-175 Church St, Parramatta NSW 2150.