A Little Soul in Balgowlah

From a comforting bowl of chicken and corn soup to a new line-up of Italian-inspired paninis, Soul Origin is giving the everyday lunch break a little more attention. We dropped into its Balgowlah store to see what's on the menu.

There's something to be said for a good lunch that doesn't require a booking, an hour to spare or a small fortune.

On a recent visit to Soul Origin at Balgowlah Village, I was reminded that sometimes the simplest meals are the ones we return to. A warm bowl of soup, a freshly prepared sandwich and a friendly face behind the counter can be more appealing than any elaborate dining experience.

That friendly face belonged to Ivan, who welcomed me into the store and added a lovely personal touch to the visit. It's easy to forget that behind the familiar names of our national food chains are the people who serve their local communities every day.

My first choice was the chicken and corn soup, a comforting classic with a South-East Asian influence. Made with sweet corn kernels, tender chicken and a creamy broth, it's the sort of uncomplicated lunch that has never really gone out of fashion.

Next came the grilled chicken panini, filled with chicken, tomato, mixed lettuce and a mild chilli mayonnaise. Simple, fresh and uncomplicated.

Naturally, I couldn't resist something sweet, sampling both the chocolate brownie and Salted Choc Chip Cookie, accompanied by a green tea matcha. Because really, who walks past a good-looking brownie?

And that's part of Soul Origin's appeal. Sitting somewhere between a traditional sandwich shop and a modern café, its menu covers everything from salads and wraps to hot lunches, soups, coffee and a little afternoon indulgence.

But there's more happening behind the counter.

The Australian food chain has recently expanded its panini range with two Italian-inspired additions: the Salami Classico and Mortadella Pesto.

The Salami Classico brings together fennel and garlic salami, tomato, Kalamata olives, pickles, rocket and aioli, while the Mortadella Pesto combines mortadella, bocconcini, rocket and basil pesto.

There's also a new addition with a decidedly nostalgic appeal: crispy potato gems.

Dubbed Hidden Gems, the bite-sized potatoes were previously available only at selected Soul Origin drive-through locations. They've now been introduced nationally, served with the brand's signature SO Chilli Mayo.

And in a nod to Australia's sporting obsession, Soul Origin has enlisted cricketer Chris Lynn to help launch its latest offering.

Lynn, known for his ability to hit enormous sixes, has joined the brand's Soul Squad alongside rugby league player Jarome Luai and Matildas Ellie Carpenter and Jaime Chapman.

For Lynn, the partnership came about rather naturally.

"I've always loved Soul Origin and was always popping into the Kawana store," he says. "The opportunity came up to partner and I jumped at the chance."

And despite the sporting connection, his favourite from the new menu is relatively straightforward.

"I'm loving the Italian panini, can't get enough of it."

Like most professional athletes, Lynn is conscious of what he eats, particularly during the cricket season.

"I'm pretty disciplined in season," he says. "It's important to keep the weight down and eat healthy, especially when travelling all over to play."

Although even professional cricketers have their weaknesses.

"I do love a frozen yoghurt."

Asked who he'd most like to share lunch with, Lynn nominates Tiger Woods, Shane Warne and adventurer Bear Grylls. Warne, he explains, was not only a brilliant cricketing mind but also someone who could put away a decent meal.

It's an entertaining combination, although one suspects lunch might stretch well beyond the usual half-hour break.

Back in Balgowlah, the appeal is a little more everyday.

Soul Origin isn't trying to reinvent the dining experience. It's offering the sort of food people actually eat between school drop-offs, meetings, shopping trips and everything else that fills a busy day.

And while celebrity ambassadors and new menu launches might attract attention, it's often the smaller details that leave an impression.

On this visit, it was a comforting bowl of chicken and corn soup, a freshly made panini, a little sweet indulgence and, perhaps best of all, a warm welcome from Ivan.

Sometimes, that's exactly what lunch should be.

Soul Origin Balgowlah Village is located at Kiosk K5, Balgowlah Village Shopping Centre, 197–215 Condamine Street, Balgowlah. For menus and locations, visit soulorigin.com.au.