A beachside cafe in the iconic Sydney suburb of Manly has become the centre of a heated social media storm after unveiling what might be Australia's most extravagant—and divisive—breakfast menu item.
The 'Manly Man' breakfast, priced at a staggering £70 (AUD$130), is not for the faint of heart or the light of wallet. This culinary behemoth is designed to challenge even the heartiest of appetites.
What Does £70 Buy You?
The colossal platter is a monument to protein and carbs, featuring an eye-watering list of ingredients:
- 18 free-range eggs, cooked to the diner's preference
- One full kilogram of crispy bacon
- Eight pork sausages
- Eight slices of thick sourdough bread
- Four large hash browns
- Grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and a generous serving of baked beans
The meal is ostensibly designed to be shared, but the cafe has issued a tantalising challenge: any single person who can conquer the entire plate alone will receive the meal free of charge.
A Social Media Firestorm
The public reaction has been swift and polarised. Online comments have ripped into the pricing, with many labelling it "highway robbery" and "absolutely insane". Critics were quick to calculate that purchasing the same ingredients from a local supermarket would cost a fraction of the price, questioning the premium charged for cooking and presentation.
Others, however, have leapt to the cafe's defence. Supporters argue that the price reflects not just the ingredients but the sheer spectacle, labour, and novelty of the dish. They point to the high cost of running a business in a prime beachfront location and see it as a clever marketing stunt that has successfully put the cafe on the map.
More Than Just a Meal
This debate taps into a larger conversation about value, experience, and the rising cost of dining out. Is a meal's worth based solely on its raw ingredients, or does the experience, the challenge, and the story it provides factor into the cost? The 'Manly Man' breakfast has certainly given people plenty to talk about, proving that sometimes, the most valuable thing on the menu is the controversy it generates.
