Sanjay Jung Shahi and the team. Photo: Kazuri Photography.
Finding a relaxing coffee spot at the Canberra Centre can be tricky – they’re there, for sure, but after navigating a multi-storey car park, it can be hard to wind down. So, if you’re in the city and want to find a spot away from the madding crowds, 10/10 Cafe may be your solution.
Directly opposite the centre, in Founders Lane, and flush with good parking options, 10/10 offers great coffee and a dense all-day menu that covers all the bases.
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods waft out onto the street. Owner Sanjay Jung Shahi’s says the promise of delicious food and warm hospitality draws customers.
Sanjay is proud of the result of his hard work and passion, a culinary journey that began in 2017 when he first set foot in Australia.
With a dream to succeed in a new land, he began as a kitchen hand in a bustling restaurant. Sanjay says his passion for cooking burned brighter with each passing day; as he scrubbed pots and pans, his eyes would often wander to the chefs who were expertly preparing dishes for hungry customers. He watched intently, mesmerised by the symphony of sizzles, aromas and flavours.
Every evening, after his shift ended, Sanjay would jot down notes on the ingredients, techniques and recipes he had observed. His notebook became a treasured companion, filled with secrets of the kitchen. Sanjay spent hours poring over his notes, practising techniques and experimenting with flavours.
The dense all-day menu covers all the bases. Photo: Kazuri Photography.
“The kitchen, once a place of drudgery, transformed into a playground for culinary creativity. As the months passed, my confidence grew. I began assisting the chefs with simple tasks, gradually taking on more responsibility. The chefs noticed my eagerness and dedication and started mentoring me. My skills flourished under their guidance and a dream took shape.”
Sanjay envisioned a cafe where he could serve his own creations to the community. He pictured freshly baked bread, the sound of lively chatter, and the warmth of a welcoming atmosphere. Years went by and Sanjay’s experience grew. He worked in various kitchens, honing his craft and saving every penny to turn his dream into reality.
The all-day menu is wide and varied.
You can go healthy and fulfil your New Year’s resolutions with the rainbow cauliflower bowl packed with harissa, marinated cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and crispy chickpeas.
The calamari and chorizo salad sounds scrumptious.
Among all the classic brunch fare and burgers, the Korean fried burger and steak sandwich with scotch fillet and all the toastie options sound incredible. Picky kids will find something to enjoy from the kid’s menu full of simple fare.
Stirring through the creamy folds of foam on my cappuccino, I feel a genuine sense of gratitude at how good our city’s coffee is. My aim this year is to order small coffees as I think the flavour is better when I get a small.
This is a good coffee made with Maverick coffee beans.
Great coffee! Photo: Kazuri Photography
I don’t think I have ever had mushrooms on my eggs Benny, but I’m a fan! It is a flawless hollandaise sauce, too. The lure of breakfast goodness has us ordering the eggs Benny and a pancake stack.
Mouthfuls with a bit of everything, mushrooms, poached egg, lashes of bacon, baby spinach and the hollandaise are wholesome and delicious.
The fluffy ricotta pancake stack is as Instagrammable as you would imagine: perfectly circular discs topped with a perfect ice cream orb jewelled with fresh fruit and berries; a dash of Biscoff crumbs topping off a scrumptious breakfast.
My green smoothie is luxuriously creamy. Lush with avocado and almond milk and subtly sweetened with honey and mixed berries. It is delightful and helps me feel like I have just begun my New Year’s healthy eating resolutions.
Come and visit 10/10 cafe. Photo: Kazuri Photography
Sanjay says his notebook is now a cherished reminder of his food journey. As he serves his customers, he knew that every dish, every flavor, and every smile was a testament to his passion, perseverance and dedication to the culinary arts.
10/10 Cafe is located at Founders Lane, SOL Building, opposite Canberra Centre. It is open from 6:30 am to 3 pm on weekdays, and from 7 am on weekends. Follow 10/10 Cafe on Facebook and Instagram.
Original Article published by Michelle Taylor on Riotact.
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