‘Insane’ price of avo on toast exposes ‘vicious’ Aussie cash cycle

A Melbourne cafe’s menu has reignited debate about a breakfast staple – and exposed an issue businesses face “to make ends meet”.

The well-known joke about Millennials and smashed avocado is once again in the spotlight, this time sparked by a viral Reddit post from Melbourne.

A cafe in Mitcham has priced its smashed avocado dish at an eye-watering $27.90, igniting heated debate online about how much this Australian breakfast staple should actually cost.

This conversation first gained traction in 2017 when millionaire property developer Tim Gurner suggested Millennials needed to stop splurging on avocado toast and overpriced coffees if they ever wanted to own property.

The internet reacted strongly, and the phrase “smashed avo” became shorthand for a generation’s perceived financial irresponsibility, despite ongoing issues like rising house prices and stagnant wages.

Now, seven years on, the discussion remains as relevant as ever against the backdrop of the current economic climate.

A Melbourne cafe charges $27.90 for smashed avo on toast. Picture: Reddit

One cafe-goer expressed their disbelief in a post, saying, “Not here to name and shame a local business, but when did the humble smashed avo on toast cost more than fish and chips? Is this the norm elsewhere?”

“I nearly fell off my chair paying $5.89 for a medium coffee in Mitcham,” they added.

The attached photo of the menu highlighted the offending item – a $27.90 smashed avocado dish served with crumbled feta, pumpkin hummus, melody tomatoes, a roasted seed mix, two poached eggs, and a lemon wedge on lightly toasted sourdough.

For comparison, the fish and chips on the menu – usually considered a larger lunch item – cost $26.90, just one dollar less than the smashed avocado.

Other pricey breakfast items included eggs Benedict for $22.90, a bacon and egg roll for $18.90, and a brunch burger for $25.90.

Many commenters called the price ‘insane’, especially given the fact there are also weekend and card surcharges. Picture: Supplied

Many commenters felt that the price had crossed a threshold, even for Melbourne’s notoriously trendy cafe scene.

One person said, “It should be half the price.”

Another admitted, “I would simply get up and leave.”

Others claimed that “some of the best cafes out there are offering much better, fancier versions for less.”

Meanwhile, several users labelled the pricing as “insane,” “extortion,” “ridiculous,” and “disappointing”.

And it seems Melburnians are not alone in their reactions.

The Sydney team at news.com.au said that they would expect to pay anywhere between $18 and $22 for avocado toast and eggs, far below the $27.90 price point.

The Sydney news.com.au team agreed they would pay between $18 and $22 for avocado on toast. Picture: AFP

While many brunch-goers may react with disbelief at these prices, some pointed out that the cafe likely set their prices to stay afloat amid economic pressures.

The menu pricing may reflect broader challenges in the hospitality industry, where rising costs for fresh produce, rent, wages, insurance, EFTPOS and utilities have forced many cafes to raise their prices.

According to The Herald Sun, some meals in Melbourne cafes and restaurants now cost three times what they did five years ago.

Despite these price increases, many establishments still report operating at a loss.

One Reddit comment summarised the situation well, stating, “They are going to put themselves out of business at those prices. The irony is they probably have to raise prices to make ends meet. It’s a vicious cycle.”

The avocado toast at Pantry in Brighton (pictured) costs even more – a whopping $29 – and comes with just one slice of toast. Picture: Instagram/mealiesfood

Elsewhere in Melbourne, an avocado-based breakfast will set you back $29.

At the famous Pantry Cafe in Brighton, a popular spot among celebrities, the dish includes avocado, warm soft-boiled eggs, chilli crunch, slow-roasted tomatoes, feta, green sauce and sourdough, for $29.

The menu also specifies, “Sorry, no egg variations,” and it costs an additional $7 for bacon and $9 for smoked salmon.

The cafe also offers a toasted bagel for $26, which comes with all the usual trimmings – cream cheese, dill, and pickled onion – but if you want to add smoked salmon, you’ll need to pay an extra $9, bringing the bagel total to $35.

A ham and cheese toastie is priced at $17.50, while a bacon and egg roll costs $28.50.