Last year we declared 2023 “the year of the sandwich”, and as we move into the second half of 2024, it seems you can find a fancy sanga in just about any corner of the city. The south side’s latest toastie trader Dijon sits in a small set of shops on a leafy Tarragindi street.
“It’s good to see sandwich shops are a thing at the moment,” co-owner Darian Brennan tells Broadsheet. “Sandwiches are seen as a basic offering, so you’ve to get it right. We want to make sure these are nothing like sandwiches you can get anywhere else.” By that measure, Dijon’s a roaring success.
The sandwich menu is split into two categories, hot sangas and freshies, with standout options on each.
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SUBSCRIBE NOWPurists will tell you the true test of any sandwich shop is the simple ham and cheese toastie, and Dijon comes to the party with a mortadella, provolone, gruyere, cheddar, and tomato chutney version. But the toastie sure to become the shop’s signature serve is the brisket dipper. The simple combo of slow-cooked pulled beef and jalapeno cream cheese on toasted sourdough is accompanied by a dish of absurdly rich gravy for dipping.
Desserts include a selection of chunky cookies, baked in-store with changing flavours including raspberry macadamia, cinnamon roll, s’more and strawberry matcha.
Dijon is part of the GDB Group, which includes Deedot Coffee House and Never Been. While Dijon’s focus on sandwiches sets it apart, regulars at its sibling venues will notice common threads like coffee from Gold Coast-based Roast by Yili, and indeed head chef Chris Kelly who previously helmed the Deedot kitchen.
“Getting the right ingredients is important, but you need someone who really knows how to use them,” says Brennan. Kelly and the team visited Melbourne sandwich mainstays like Hugo’s Deli and Nico’s Sandwich Deli for inspiration.
Dijon puts a suburban Brisbane spin on the classic deli look, swapping white tiles for white timber walls and polished wood floors reminiscent of an old Queenslander. The best spot in the house is the back patio. Flanked by neighbouring backyards with a wooden deck, tin roof and trellises for climbing vines (give them six months to reach full coverage, Brennan reckons), a couple of old trees and Hills hoists, it’s as if you’re tucking into a sanga at a friend’s place. It’s no wonder locals have embraced Dijon – it’s just over the back fence.
Dijon Toasties
48 Esher St, Tarragindi
0407425662
Hours:
Daily 7am–2pm
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