Hector’s Deli – South Melbourne – a place for that famous beef and pickles toastie

Hector’s Deli is home in South Melbourne, being a super trendy suburb close to the city. Hector’s Deli serves a simple menu consisting of toasted sandwiches (toasties) or non-toasted sandwiches plus a small range of sides like fries and salads.

Hector’s Deli is easy to get to, with light rail and tram routes within an ear reach. On the day I visited, I was amazed to see the long queue of people hungry for their famous sandwiches. There were evident signs of locals, but also lots of visitors as well.

I couldn’t go past their famous Beef and Pickles toastie for $17.50. When I placed my order, the person highly recommended that I add the Hectic Sauce for $2, which I keenly agreed to. Finishing my order, I added a large latte to the mix.

The wait in the deli can feel daunting and hectic thanks to just the sheer number of people. On the weekend of my visit, I knew from the moment I walked in that there was no way I’d be able to get a seat. So I knew I’d have no choice but to walk somewhere to eat my toastie. It took a good 10 minutes before they called my name for my toastie and separately for my coffee order.

The Beef and Pickles toastie was fantastic. The crunchy, toasted buttered-up bread with a nice serving of roast beef slices and shaved cabbage and pickles along with the generous dollup of sauce was the stuff of food fantasies. It was an absolutely delight, easily winning best toastie by a long shot.

The coffee was alright, but nothing I’d celebrate too much.

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