I’m a sucker for baked eggs. When I know an eatery makes great baked eggs, it’s difficult to order anything else. Hardware Societe is another eatery that I try to visit every time I’m in Melbourne. Mainly because of its ridiculously awesome baked eggs. Considering it’s a French-influenced eatery, it’s no wonder I like it.
There are now two baked egg items on the menu – one with tomato and chorizo, and a vegetarian version with pumpkin, zucchini and chevre (which I haven’t yet tried). The chorizo version has potato, piquillo peppers, queso mahon, toasted almonds and aioli ($20). It comes served in a small pot with the lid off, and two pieces of baguette drizzled in olive oil. The eggs are still runny, the entire pot is full of flavour, and there are good sized chunks of everything. Warm and comforting home-style cooking. I’m never disappointed.
On another visit, I was lucky to try a baked egg weekend special with scallops, potato and leek. Though quite different to the tomato-based baked eggs that I’m used to, this was equally delicious. Kind of like a more solid potato and leek soup, with runny eggs, and a seafood base mixed throughout. It came topped with crispy bacon bits. I haven’t seen it back on the menu since.
My friend ordered the same thing and we shared a pot of earl grey tea. Each cup had a teaspoon holding a doughnut hole and the teapot was covered with a cute tea cosy which added a loving and comforting touch.
On another occasion, I broke out of the baked eggs comfort zone and tried the lobster benedict with citrus hollandaise, bun noir (charcoal bun), poached eggs and soft herbs ($26). There was very minimal lobster provided, and a lot of hollandaise. I would have much preferred the baked eggs.
I usually order the matcha latte (no photos) but on one occasion I ordered a soy mocha, which came with the coffee in the cup, and a side jug of hot chocolate. The doughnut hole on the teaspoon was there again.
During my last visit to Melbourne in January 2019, Mr FPJ ordered the chorizo baked eggs (yay I got to have some) as a new menu item caught my attention. I love anything matcha, so when I saw a matcha pannacotta fried brioche on the menu, that was a must try. The dish came with raspberry gel, freeze dried lychees, raspberries and black sesame tuille ($21). The brioche was super soft and surprisingly not too sweet. The slight bitterness of the matcha worked well with the sweet raspberry gel, contrasting against the tart fresh raspberries. It was nicely balanced and delicious. On this occasion, I had also ordered an iced matcha (no photos) but it didn’t arrive until I had nearly finished my breakfast. I’m pretty sure they had forgotten the order.
If you like baked eggs, Hardware Societe is worth trying. There are also other items on the menu which I haven’t yet tried as the baked eggs are so good. Prices are on the expensive side but for good quality food. Note that bookings are not taken so get there early. There is a queue from around 9.30am. I always go around 8.30am and manage to get a table or seats at the counter. Even though it’s always packed, the food doesn’t take long to arrive (with the exception of my forgotten iced matcha).
Update: Hardware Societe also recently opened a much more spacious sister store at 10 Katherine Place (closer to Southern Cross Station).
Hardware Societe
123 Hardware St, Melbourne CBD, Victoria
12 Katherine Place, Melbourne CBD, Victoria
Opening hours:
Monday – Friday: 7.30am – 3.00pm
Saturday – Sunday: 8.30am – 2.00pm
Foodgasm 8/10
Value for money 8/10
Service 7/10
FPJ score 23/30
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