Pickle In The Middle was originally a stall in the Central Markets. Now, turned cafe, in the Unley location, the menu has since expanded while still retaining the back to basics approach to food. A lot of their ingredients are made in house which involves the use of fresh produce as well as pickling, preserving and baking. You’ll find that a lot of their menu is plant based, which is not only sustainable, but the way forward for a healthier lifestyle.

Pickle In The Middle also conducts workshops which teaches people how to pickle and ferment products at home. The bright colours used in the decor are a reflection of the pickling process as they can be compared to the acidic undertones. The patterns and clean lines are synonymous with grains and leaves, and the simple design and use of recycled materials mimic the anti-indulgent philosophy that this place tries to promote.

For lunch, I had the Kasundi Chicken Sandwich which consisted of kasundi baked chicken, roast capsicum, yoghurt sauce and herbed cos inside a focaccia. For those wondering what kasundi is, it’s a rich tomato sauce or pickle of Indian origin. It’s main ingredients are ginger, chilli, mango and vinegar.

The chicken was tender and succulent with a lovely savoury flavour. It was well complimented by the sweetness of the roast capsicum and the neutralising taste of the yoghurt sauce. The focaccia was firm and held all the ingredients in well.

The staff were very friendly and the service was good. Drinks and meals arrived promptly and my plate was cleared as I finished. Being a relatively new store, there was a constant flow of customers coming in and out, checking out the new kid on the block. This created an atmosphere that was somewhat vibrant.

The cost of my sandwich was $14, which some may consider a bit higher than average, but considering the quality and taste of the dish, it was worth it. The breakfast items start at $7, and the lunch items start at $13.

The back to basics approach to food that we see at this place should see it do well.

WHERE: 134 Unley Rd, Unley