Where to find the best toasties in Sydney

Dutch Smuggler is a hole-in-the-wall hidden gem, housed under some stairs and a large office building. Its legion of fans attest to the great coffee and some of the most delicious and diverse concoctions of toasties you’ll find anywhere.

Try the Magic mi goreng toastie and you’ll be instantly addicted – steaming hot and spicy instant noodles with melted cheese and a runny egg is wrapped up in perfectly toasted sourdough. Not quite convinced? It’s been voted one of the “best toasties ever” and is a certifiable lunchtime favourite.

Other great toasties on the menu include the classic Reuben, mushroom truffle, “Slap tha cheesy”, and the “Nacho libre” Mexican toasted sando.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Magic mi goreng toastie ($9.90)

You can shop for homemade produce, admire the artworks on display and try contemporary Korean cuisine all at the same time at SOUL Deli.

This neighbourhood space is spacious, breezy and inviting, but it’s the Pork belly kimchi cheese toastie that’s the star of the show. Stuffed with provolone and American cheese, fried kimchi and pork belly, it’s served with house-made pickles. It’s buttery, smoky, and a massive hit of umami yum.

The menu also offers other Seoul cafe staples, such as the Korean pork schnitzel which is served with a Worcestershire-spliced mushroom sauce and a side of rice and kimchi. Then there’s the hangover cure of soybean stew with fluffy kongbiji (soy pulp) and white kimchi which, sometimes, is exactly what you need.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Pork belly kimchi cheese sandwich ($18)

Opulent, stylish, and highly instagrammable, The Mayflower is built into an art deco-style shop front that was once a florist.

Greenery-filled and floral-themed, it sports a millennial pink interior replete with onyx stone tables, floral pendant lights, and abstract murals – the perfect setting for digging into renowned French-inspired toasted sandwiches.

The classic Croque Monsieur doesn’t just have shaved truffles inside, they’re also sprinkled generously on top. As well as the truffles, the sandwich is filled with jamon serrano ham, melted gruyere cheese, bechamel and smoked mozzarella. Dijon mustard cuts through all of that cheese and comes with added spice from the side of guindillas peppers. The menu is full of other fancy-type foods including a full caviar service for breakfast and lunch as well as generous portions of black truffle.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Truffle croque monsieur ($19)

It’s no surprise that a bakery serving delicious European-style breads is also responsible for whipping up some fantastic toasties.

The space at Brickfields is light and airy, with crusty bread lining the walls and jars of housemade pickles. Come at the right time and you’ll catch a glimpse of the bakers pulling out hot loaves from behind the front counter.

While it can be hard to nab a table, once you’re in, the Mushroom melt is a crowd favourite: field and enoki mushrooms, truffle mayonnaise, melted gruyere cheese, and piquant jalapeno are packed between two slices of fluffy, thick-cut white sourdough. Add a slice of crispy pork belly to seal the deal on this Asian-twist on a classic toastie.

Save some space in your stomach for a slice of rich Chocolate kaya cake before you leave.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Mushroom melt ($17)

You might be familiar with Lankan Filling Station for its curries, but while the regular menu showcases the complexities and warmth of Sri Lankan cuisine and the brunch menu marries Sri Lankan and Aussie flavours, the Eggplant sambol is a standout must-try toastie.

Turmeric fried eggplant drenched in a savoury tamarind and tomato sauce gets paired with melty cheese and packed into a toasted jaffle. Pair that with a tamarind iced tea for an inspired top-notch combo that you’ve probably never tried before.

Of course, a trip here wouldn’t be complete without a sweet Sri Lankan hopper: yummy and health(ier) savoury pancakes made from coconut milk and rice.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Eggplant sambol jaffle ($12)