Sugarbean Cafe – Hunter Street Sydney

I sit at Sugarbean Cafe on Hunter St in the city resisting the allure of the aromas of Malaysia wafting in from Malay-Chinese next door. I am here after all, to try the coffee of Sugarbean Cafe. Sugarbean Cafe has an energy about itself as I hear the sizzles off the grill, the frizzle of coffee machine and shouts of cappuccinos and lattes.
First off I tuck into a hearty chicken tomato soup. Serving sizes are definitely on the ‘yummy I am leaving on a full tummy’ side. Lashings of chicken and small tubes of pasta make it an enjoyable lunch. Quite quickly those yearnings for laksa dissipate, as I struggle through the last few spoonfuls of thick, red, delicious soup. Having eaten soups on the northern side of the bridge over the past month, Sugarbean puts those joints to shame both in terms of quality and size. Yum!
Coffee is quite good, there is a touch of acidity but also lots of good flavour. Sugarbean use Grinders beans and I like the subtle intensity that isn’t all consuming in each sip. It’s an easy drinking coffee and a testament to its quality is the constant stream of coffee goers, seeking a post lunch caffeine boost, to ward the lethargy monster that usually accompanies a wintery lunch.
I found the service particularly warm and inviting. I sat down and despite the lunchtime rush my food and coffee was quick to arrive. Service staff are friendly, and go at their work with a smile.
Sugarbean doesn’t have a fancy facade sharing the frontage with Malay-Chinese, though their gold with red Sugarbean Cafe signage did attract my attention from 100m away.
Competition is tough in the city but judging by the clientele who are called by name as they enter the store, there seemingly is a loyal following.
The menu is basically split into three with gourmet sandwiches, burgers and specials making up the menu. Choices are aplenty with scotch fillet sandwich a standout. The hot menu bar also had a vibrant looking Thai chili jam on offer.

Recommendation : I doubt Sugarbean Cafe is afflicted with delusions of grandeur or of being hip, but what they do subscribe to is delivering fantastic coffee and equally impressive food at more than reasonable prices and with a smile!