Chai making is an art that the team at The Merchants Guild have nailed. None of that syrupy cheating for owner trio Vincent Conti, Paul Davies and Mario Minichilli. Their Prana Chai, blended on site in the workshop out the back, is a mish mash of all that’s good and holy in Indian tea.
What’s more, their cafe menu leaves little to be desired in terms of a balanced lifestyle. You can boost the amps on your wellbeing with a super powered salad, order a side of vegetable puree for your bub or an egg and soldiers combo for your toddler.
Serving up all the breakfast hits; eggs, porridge, yoghurt and pancakes but with an interesting twist like the ever-changing hollandaise special, purple carrots or jalapeno pesto.
When it comes to their tea selection, it’s clear that their obsession doesn’t stop with Chai. There’s the Puerh Tea that is allegedly ‘created in secrecy by a coterie of Yunnan Tea Masters’, White Pony and the Iron Goddess that some people say tastes like orchids.
The owners and Chefs at the Guild not only think about their craft, they care about it deeply. You’ll find it shows in every little detail.
The Merchants Guild
680 Centre Road East Bentleigh 3165
t: 03) 9579 0734
7am – 5pm
