This week for Cheap Eats I thought I’d try somewhere a little different. I was recommended a place that is kind of like a cafe and kind of like a street food vendor, but doesn’t really fit entirely into either category.
Tuck Shop in Civic can really only be described by its name. It’s a hole in the wall that’s pretty much the same as a school tuckshop or canteen. Despite it existing for a few years now I’ve never noticed it before, nestled in between Playground Bar and La Scala (which is now a construction site – I believe the people who own Shorty’s bought La Scala and are turning it into a modern Italian eatery).
I bounded along Garema Place starving and stopped off at an ATM on the way as I presumed it would be cash only, however when I arrived at Tuck Shop I spotted an Eftpos machine which is always a big winner for me. Despite it being around 12.45pm there was no one in line which made me a little nervous but turns out it was just good timing – about four people lined up after me.
Tuck Shop has a different soup each day. It was a Thai-inspired one on the day I visited, but since I wasn’t in a soup mood I opted for a chicken cheese and avocado jaffle for $5.00. Best decision ever. It was amazing.
They put the jaffle together after you’ve ordered so you’re guaranteed optimum freshness. While the jaffle wasn’t exploding with fillings, it was still full of flavour. The chicken was smoked and therefore delicious, I could actually taste the cheese, and the avocado had a bit of a kick to it. I think the bread was generic supermarket white bread but who cares – it was still good! I took my lunch back to work with me but there are a couple of tables on the pavement underneath an outdoor heater.
Tuck Shop also has a glass cabinet with paninis, bagels, sandwiches, croissants, yoghurt and muesli, banana bread, brownies and a variety of drinks. I couldn’t say no to a $4.00 brownie for dessert. While not the best brownie I’ve ever had, it was still pretty good. It was chocolately and fudgey, and was so rich took me most of the afternoon to get through.
You can also purchase coffee here. I’m not a coffee drinker but $4.00 for a mega sized coffee is really cheap considering some places in Canberra charge $4.00 for a small.
I think Tuck Shop is great. You can easily get a delicious lunch with a drink and dessert for under $15. I will definitely be back and maybe it will even be today.
What: Tuckshop
Where: Garema Place (next door to Playground Bar) Civic
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