Nathan Street Bakery in Brighton has closed after the sudden death of its owner, leaving the bayside community mourning the man whose pies, pastries and kindness shaped daily life.
A Community Fixture
“Dear loyal customers, The bakery is permanently closed…” Customers first learned of his condition through a handwritten sign on the bakery door Saturday, and after subsequently learning of his passing on Sunday, tributes in the form of notes and flowers began appearing outside the bakery. Beloved community baker Kiet Ta, 52, died Sunday from a brain haemorrhage, as confirmed by his family.
For more than 15 years, Nathan Street Bakery had been part of daily life for Brighton and Sandgate locals, many bypassing other bakeries just to visit. Residents remembered Ta for greeting everyone with a smile and recalling their regular orders.
The shop earned praise for its pies, pastries and bread, with favourites including potato top pies, cream doughnuts, banh mi, lamingtons and vegemite scrolls. Locals said Ta often worked through the night to prepare food for the community he loved serving.
A Family’s Loss
Ta is survived by his wife, Huy Nguyen, and their sons Theo and Sebastian. Nguyen said her husband often shared stories about customers and felt fortunate to serve them. Despite long hours, he found joy in meeting people each day.
Their son Theo said his father rarely rested, working from midnight until late afternoon, and never gave up on the bakery despite challenges.
From Refugee to Baker
Born in Vietnam in 1972, Ta fled with his family as a child, spending a year in refugee camps in Malaysia before resettling in Australia. He first trained as a mechanic before turning to baking, opening Khai’s Bakery in Sandgate in the early 2000s and later running shops at Woody Point and Redcliffe.
Ta eventually established Nathan Street Bakery in Brighton with his wife, Huy Nguyen, where they built a loyal following. The family said they were thankful for the support of customers and their landlord, with Nguyen contributing pies and lamingtons from home during her own health struggles.
Outpouring of Tributes
News of Ta’s death prompted a wave of condolences on social media, with customers remembering him as kind and deeply missed. Some said Nathan Street Bakery was the best in Brighton, while others recalled his care and customer service.
Flowers, notes and messages were left outside the shop as locals mourned his passing. The family asked for privacy and confirmed funeral arrangements would be private.
Published 26-August-2025
Featured Photo Credit: Google Maps
