Sometimes you come across little hidden gems that you really hope no one else will find out about. There is something so comforting, albeit incredibly selfish, in being one of the only people with the knowledge of something great.
Dojo Bread in Braidwood is one of those places that I hoped would stay hidden and secret forever. But sometime last year when I stopped in on my way to the South Coast, the line was out the door and half way down the lane and I knew the secret was out. Maybe the secret had been out for a long time and I was just holding on in hope that I would never have to wait in line.
The first I knew of Dojo Bread was when Steven randomly won a bread making class a few years back and made his way down to Braidwood to give it a go. He might not have used any of the sourdough skills he claims to have learnt that day, but he did come back with some pretty valuable knowledge – that this little bakery tucked away in Braidwood existed.
It quickly became my favourite place to stop on every roadtrip from Canberra to the South Coast. I am always disappointed if I miss their 1pm closing time and sometimes their opening hours will even dictate what time I want to leave. In my opinion, it is definitely worth leaving an hour early if it means the possibility of a pastry and coffee pitstop at Dojo.
Hidden down one of the little laneways off Braidwood’s main street, Dojo’s tiny shopfront is located in a beautiful old building with a gorgeous little garden out the front. They make delicious bread that is often still warm when you buy it, great pastries and decent coffee. You can grab everything to go or take a little break and enjoy all the goodies while sitting at one of their cozy garden tables.
Next time you’re passing through Braidwood (and it’s before 1pm), Dojo Bread is a must. Open from 9am-1pm everyday, you can find them at Rear Lane, 91 Wallace Street in Braidwood. If you’re into baking delicious things yourself, they also run bread making classes every few months.
Does anyone else have a favourite roadtrip detour?
– Bec x