Attempting to find a place that serves a satisfying, nutritious lunch in the Sydney CBD is a bit like trying to find an Australian sports team that’s not losing to the Poms at the moment – they’re few and far between. So when I stumbled across Sanduba on George Street recently, I knew that the only fair thing to do was spread the word as far and wide as possible.
Geoffrey Florian and Cameron Sim opened Sanduba earlier in 2013, after noticing a gap in the market for good quality, wholesome food that was also convenient. “Grab and go food in Sydney hasn’t got the best of reputations, something we are hoping to change” Geoff says.
For the uninitiated (and that included me until recently) ‘sanduba’ is slang for sandwich in Brazil. But while sandwiches are the core product, the menu also features a huge array of other options. From organic toast or porridge to Acai bowls for breakfast, through to sandubas, salads and soups for lunch, this hidden gem really does have something for everyone. There’s even a fruit stall, not to mention a range of freshly baked spelt scones, fruit buns, smoothies, yoghurt, nuts, Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee and other treats for those ‘in-between’ times.
Everything is freshly handmade and assembled in-store, using quality ingredients that are organic or chemical-free whenever possible. Bread is picked up daily from the Organic Republic Bakery in Bondi, and any items not sold during the day are donated to OzHarvest, who distribute food to people in need. “We try to avoid using any ingredients containing chemicals, additives and/or preservatives and we love to promote our Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade Certified products – our food has a conscience” Geoff says. Call me crazy, but I reckon you can really taste the love!
Geoff himself believes in a healthy diet featuring food made from ingredients that focus on taste as well as nutritional value. Oh and “a sweet treat every now and then doesn’t hurt either…” – he’s clearly a Lazy Girl at heart! On my first visit to Sanduba I chose the quinoa, corn, chickpea, carrot, parley and cucumber salad. It was exactly what I was chasing – fresh, filling, wholesome and all-around delicious. The beetroot, carrot and celery juice that accompanied it was nice and sweet, and best of all, it arrived in a super cute re-usable plastic container!
Sanduba is open 7.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, tucked away in Suncorp Place, right near Fitness First Platinum on George. If you haven’t been in yet, I recommend you check them out – it has definitely been added to my (very small) list of lunch venues for those days I don’t pack my own food!
Geoff’s pick from the menu:
A sanduba (of course): Italian buffalo mozzarella, vine-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil on a fresh l’ancienne. A simple, classic combination that ticks all the right boxes!
Sanduba
Suncorp Place
259 George Street
Sydney
The coconut yogurt is TO DIE FOR! I am all over that one.
I’m so jealous. Maybe they will open a store in Grafton! Hahaha.
Hahaha Geoff did say they were looking at expansion. I will put it in the suggestions box for sure!
Well done Geoff we should have one of your stores here in the Britomart downtown central Auckland would go nicely Tang.
Weekend opening please Geoff!!!