Baba’s Deli

Fans of Baba’s Deli (now also in Ivanhoe) love to wax lyrical about the Mama’s Vodka: the mother of all chicken-schnitzel focaccias, doused in a creamy, tomatoey, vodka-spiked sauce that the team has to make more than 150 litres of every week.

It deserves signature status. But there’s a new item that’s even better. Behold: the mighty New Orleans-style muffuletta, a sanga that’s giant, under $20 and relatively rare to find in Melbourne.

It’s a stacks-on of mortadella and salami, medium-cut to ensure a meaty bite; cheddar and provolone cheese; a medley of chopped antipasti; lemony rocket; and confit-garlic aioli. Grab it to go or nab a sunny streetside stool outside.

Must-order: The muffuletta sanga. If you like it hot, add a glug of house-made chilli oil that’s supercharged with Italian herbs and spices.

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