Posts by tammi

The battle of the Korean Fried…Incredible Chicken, Eastwood

Review 1 Comment
Review of Incredible Chicken, Eastwood

Review of Incredible Fried Chicken, Eastwood: Original Fried Chicken, Half Order

Remember how I said that pretty much all my conversations begin with food? Well, one day, Christine, Simon and I were talking about Korean Fried Chicken, and wondering about how we could have it for breakfast.

Because fried chicken should be an ‘anytime’ food.

And given that I live in the land of Korean Fried Chicken (read: Eastwood), I simply don’t understand why no one will sell me a plate of glorious crispy poultry before 11am. Don’t they recognise a clear gap in the market?

Review of Incredible Fried Chicken, Eastwood: Original Fried Chicken, Half OrderOriginal Fried Chicken, Half Order

Anyhoo. The self-proclaimed Incredible Chicken (seriously, it’s on the sign), has opened in Eastwood, and is a sister restaurant to the famous Red Pepper in Strathfield, and Sparrows Mill in the CBD; home to the Snow Cheese Chicken, that make fried chicken aficionados squeal in delight.

The Original Fried Chicken is consistent with the performance of Strathfield and CBD, hitting home runs with a crispy coating and tender meat. Not quite as juicy as the brined chicken of the Deep South, but hey, you can’t be perfect at everything.

Review of Incredible Fried Chicken, Eastwood: Spicy Braised Beef Short Ribs with NoodlesSpicy Braised Beef Short Ribs

And if fried chicken is not quite your thing (shame! SHAME!), I really liked the Spicy Braised Beef Short Ribs too. There was something utterly addictive of the cloyingly sweet soy-based sauce that clung to every strand of chewy potato noodle. Packed full of beefy goodness, the ribs were tender and fall off the bone, making me a very happy diner indeed.

The one thing that isn’t consistent, though? The service. At Eastwood, it was warm and friendly (thankfully), and at Strathfield, polite and professional. CBD wishes you hadn’t stepped in, and is grumpy when you want actual service from them. It really makes you prioritise what you want from a restaurant, but if it’s all the same to you, I’ll be sticking to the Eastwood branch, thankyouverymuch.

Now, if I could only convince them to open for breakfast…

This meal was independently paid for.
Incredible Chicken
120 Rowe St
Eastwood, NSW 2122
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Incredible-Chicken/405561556253267

Incredible Chicken Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Good Food Month 2015: Art Meets French: Ananas, The Rocks

Review
Sydney Food Blog Review of Good Food Month dinner at Ananas, The Rocks

Salad of Baby Beetroot, Goat Cheese Crumble, Beetroot Vinaigrette: Ananas, The Rocks. Sydney Food Blog Review

As a foodie who was once a stingy Uni student, Ananas has always been just out of my reach. It falls into the fine dining category for me, with their champagne brunches and classy locale, and I never found the right occasion to justify splurging, even though I’m no longer at Uni.

But when Good Food Month calls, you answer, and this was the perfect excuse: an invite to an Art Meets French set dinner, where large artworks get exhibited on huge easels, for you to enjoy right next to the artwork on the plate in front of you.


The Order:

Carpaccio of Freemantle Octopus, Chorizo

Salad of Baby Beetroot, Goat Cheese Crumble, Beetroot Vinaigrette

Pan-seared Salmon, Fresh Pea and Spec Ragout

Long Vale Duck Breast, Confit Rhubarb, Pastille

Pan Seared Loin of Lamb, with Herb Crust and Cauliflower Purée

Classic Apple Tart Tartin, Cinnamon Ice Cream


The Food:

I wasn’t joking when I said that its artwork on a plate – Ananas served up a beautiful array of dishes full of vibrancy and colour, carefully arranged to convey a certain aesthetic.

Carpaccio of Freemantle Octopus, Chorizo: Ananas, The Rocks. Sydney Food Blog ReviewCarpaccio of Freemantle Octopus, Chorizo

The Carpaccio of Freemantle Octopus with Chorizo started off the evening: octopus tentacles of varying thickness gets rolled into a log and sliced thinly to create a bubble-like motif, and dressed lightly with a lightly tangy salsa to show you just how far off the mark your average supermarket tub of marinated octopus is. The circle falls apart into tender pieces, and really whets your appetite for more.

Salad of Baby Beetroot, Goat Cheese Crumble, Beetroot Vinaigrette: Ananas, The Rocks. Sydney Food Blog ReviewSalad of Baby Beetroot, Goat Cheese Crumble, Beetroot Vinaigrette

The Salad of Baby Beetroot, Goat Cheese Crumble, Beetroot Vinaigrette arrives next; the elements deliberately placed to resemble a sprouting garden (maybe intentionally, maybe not, but artwork is all about the appreciation, right?). The more subtle golden beets mingle with the heartier purple beets, and the goats cheese gives a light creaminess that act as a base for the salad.

Pan-seared Salmon, Fresh Pea and Spec Ragout: Ananas, The Rocks. Sydney Food Blog ReviewPan-seared Salmon, Fresh Pea and Spec Ragout

We then move on to the Pan-seared Salmon, Fresh Pea and Spec Ragout. My favourite of the lot – with silky salmon paired with a very light broth, keeping in with the airy and light theme so far. Not quite sure about any pan-searing, though.

Not that I can see or taste anyway.

Long Vale Duck Breast, Confit Rhubarb, Pastille, Ananas, The Rocks. Sydney Food Blog ReviewLong Vale Duck Breast, Confit Rhubarb, Pastille

The next course gets heavier with the Long Vale Duck Breast, Confit Rhubarb, Pastille. I must admit, I had to do a bit of a google on what a Pastille actually is – thank goodness for modern technology. Apparently it refers to that cigar of herbs and pastry that accompanied the sliver of medium rare duck breast. The tender rhubarb added a touch of fruitiness to cut through the richness, and while it wasn’t as lovely to me as the salmon (if food types were children, salmon would be the golden child), the plate was executed very sophisticatedly, maintaining a delicate balance of decadence and restraint.

Pan Seared Loin of Lamb, with Herb Crust and Cauliflower Purée: Ananas, The Rocks. Sydney Food Blog ReviewPan Seared Loin of Lamb, with Herb Crust and Cauliflower Purée

For me, this is where it started going downhill. The Pan Seared Loin of Lamb, with Herb Crust and Cauliflower Purée sat in a bit of a meh category to me – the lamb ,personally, was under seasoned and on the lean side of things (clearly I’ve been spoilt by years of chomping down on unctuous lamb ribs and shoulders), and while I thoroughly enjoyed the cauliflower purée, there wasn’t enough of it to tip the scales when the lamb wasn’t performing as I wanted it to.

Classic Apple Tart Tartin, Cinnamon Ice Cream : Ananas, The Rocks. Sydney Food Blog ReviewClassic Apple Tart Tartin, Cinnamon Ice Cream

And so we come to dessert: a Classic Apple Tart Tartin, Cinnamon Ice Cream. The pastry, while flaky, didn’t have the luscious soaked-in-caramel indulgence that I’ve come to love, and the cinnamon ice cream tasted more like plain vanilla when paired with the tart. It was very exquisitely presented, though, but for me this tart just wasn’t as hedonistically enjoyable as one that I had from La Grande Bouffe.


The Service:

As with all fine dining establishments that I’ve been to (save for one, but you always need an exception), the service was absolutely impeccable. Invisible waiters made sure that our drinks were topped up all night, and miraculously appeared right when I lifted my gaze for a little assistance.

They’re magicians, I swear.

There was also a hiccup with the booking, but they handled it all very graciously, and even though they didn’t actually have a table set for me, a space appeared and was set with a pristine white tablecloth and all the cutlery I would be needing that evening. They treated me with respect every step of the way, and I felt extremely accommodated.

Value for money:

Sure, the some of the food may not have been to my taste, but all of it was clearly laboured over. Couple that with the service and location, I think that it’s worth the above-average price tag for a special occasion.

Go ahead, treat yo self.

The Vibe:

I think the most appropriate word to describe Ananas (besides pineapple, teehee!) is ‘grace’. They are lovely, polite people, and the only times I felt a bit out of place and (dare I say) looked down upon was from the other guests. And they can’t help that.

The decor is elegant without being stiff, and the little dining alcoves that they’ve carved out make the whole experience very intimate. Great for a first date, or a second, or the 459th! Dining at Ananas feels like a treat in more ways than one, and it’s definitely much more than your spontaneous weeknight too-lazy-to-cook eatery. No, dining at Ananas requires planning, dreaming, and possibly some saving.

And finally,

The thing about fine dining is that you’re paying for a cohesive dining experience. Each element alone can only take you so far of the rest are not quite in the same league. In this case, the amazing service outshone the food, but – and I can’t believe I’m actually saying this – the food was good enough to pull through. Every part of your experience is planned and deliberate, and for that, I think it’s worth the price tag. Go there to celebrate, go there to impress, whatever it is, find a reason to experience it just once. It’s definitely more affordable than the super high end dining in Sydney, and way more relaxed and enjoyable, in my opinion.

Oh and while you’re there, please do get the deliciously fresh pineapple juice. You are in Ananas, after all.

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Food Month.
Ananas Bar and Brasserie
18 Argyle St
The Rocks NSW 2000
Phone: +61 2 9259 5668
Website: www.ananas.com.au/

Ananas Bar & Brasserie Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Manpuku, Chatswood

Review
Sydney Food Blog Review of Manpuku, Chatswood

Manpuku, Chatswood: Sydney Food Blog Review

Not owning a car sucks. You know why it sucks? It sucks because when you see restaurants in say, Kingsford, that you want to visit, you have to either take a bus or not get to go at all.

Oh, and I hate taking the bus.

So when I found out that there was a Manpuku conveniently located in Chatswood, I just knew that I had to go get my ramen on.

The Order:

Miso, $14.90 + $3
Miso based pork and chicken stock, bamboo shoot, pork belly, seaweed sheet, shallots and egg + spicy bomb and extra egg

Tsukemen, $15.90
Soy based tokotsu sour dipping soup, with softened pork rib, bamboo shoot, egg, ultra seaweed sheet and shallots

Okonomi stick (Musashi), $5.90
2 skewers of Japanese and seafood pancake, mayonnaise, powdered seaweed bonito flake and Japanese BBQ sauce.

Manpuku mini rice bowl, $3.90
Pork belly, mushed egg, bean sprouts, shallots, sesame, mayonnaise and teriyaki sauce.

The Food:

Manpuku runs like a well-oiled machine, and the food comes out hot and fast. Every bowl looks exactly like the picture in the menu, and they’re clearly hitting all the marks like seasoned performers.

Okonomi stick (Musashi), $5.90. Manpuku, Chatswood: Sydney Food Blog Review Okonomi stick (Musashi), $5.90

The Okonomi Stick is a must-order if you like Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake). Tender pancake is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and topped with bonito flakes, mayonnaise and Japanese BBQ sauce. AND IT’S ON A STICK!! Extra awesome.

Miso, $14.90 + $3. Manpuku, Chatswood: Sydney Food Blog Review Miso, $14.90

The Miso ramen featured a rich miso pork and chicken stock, with wafer thin slices of rolled pork belly, menma (pickled bamboo shoots) and ni-tamago (soy marinaded egg). I strongly recommend getting the Spicy Bomb – a ball of chilli flavoured paste gets stirred into the soup, pushing that rich flavour over the edge…of absolute GLORY.

Tsukemen, $15.90. Manpuku, Chatswood: Sydney Food Blog ReviewTsukemen, $15.90

The Tsukemen was lighter than I’m used to – all the Tsukemen I’ve had in the past involved noodles dipped in a gravy-like sauce, and here, the sauce was more soup-like. Much less intense in flavour, but on the upside, I’m not left constantly reaching for water to wash down all the salt. Oh, and the Softened Pork Rib! Tender fibres of pork meat is layered with unctuous collagen and fat, because nature knows what she’s doing, and Manpuku knows just how to treat it.

So. Freaking. Delicious.

Manpuku mini rice bowl, $3.90. Manpuku, Chatswood: Sydney Food Blog ReviewManpuku mini rice bowl, $3.90

We tried the Manpuku mini rice bowl, partially because it’s so darned cheap! If I was dining alone and wanted something light, I do think that the mini bowls can function as an actual meal. The mushed egg in the Manpuku bowl added an odd sort of graininess, and I’m not quite sure that it worked with the blanched bean sprouts. Not my cup of tea, but still cooked well regardless.

The Service:

When we had to write down our names on a clipboard, I thought that we were in for a long wait. Apparently not. We weren’t even 5 minutes in and we were ushered to a table, complete with menus. They were efficient and speedy without being invasive, and never have I felt like I was in more competent hands.

But just when they seemed like they might be professional to the point of being rigid, they came through for me. Washoku card holders get a free drink with their meal (have I mentioned how much I love free shizz?), and it just so happened that I left my card at home. Our waitress very nicely said that if I could show her my login screen on my phone, then she’d put through the deal for me.

How nice is that?!

They were also extremely thoughtful about things like cutlery, and reinforced the feeling that we were being very well looked after.

Value for money:

Considering that we basically had enough food to feed three people comfortably (or in this case, 2 very greedy people), I was quite surprised to see that our bill was only slightly over $40. At an average of $15 a pop, the ramen can be considered on the pricey side, but for the absolute monster portions, and food so lovingly laboured over, you’d be hard pressed to find better value for money elsewhere in Sydney.

Oh and for the extra greedy of us (sometimes a girl’s just gotta eat!), there’s also kaedama starting at $1.50 for a half serve. It’s basically the option to order more noodles for your leftover soup, because God forbid you should leave Manpuku hungry! ?

The Vibe:

I quite like how Manpuku straddles the fine line between no-nonsense and well, whimsical, for lack of a better word. Everyone goes about their business with fantastic efficiency, but the whole restaurant is decorated with hanging ropes and stained wood.

And when I say the whole restaurant, I do mean all of it, including the toilet. Yes, there is a giant wooden ship-shaped sculpture in the toilet, with rope and jaunty plastic flowers and a touch of glitter, just for Christmas.

Have a look when you go. Go on.

Also, don’t let the constant chorused yelling scare you. Besides the expected “irashaimase!” (Welcome) when you walk in the door, there is also a specific call-and-answer type war cry (for lack of a better word) that comes straight from the kitchen. Have no idea what it is, but I quite like the enthusiasm of it all.

And finally,

I’m so glad I’ve finally ticked Manpuku off the Eat List. It checked all the boxes for me – food quality, value for money, service – and I can’t wait to go back for a lunchtime treat. The only downside is that because they’re so specialised in doing ramen well, they don’t have many options for other foods, meaning that you can only go with other ramen lovers like yourself.

But those are the best people anyway, right? ?

This meal was independently paid for.
Manpuku
226 Victoria Avenue
Chatswood, Sydney
Phone: +61 2 94111021
Website: www.ramenmanpuku.com/

Manpuku Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Miss Peaches, Newtown 

Review
Sydney Food Blog Review of Miss Peaches, Newtown

Red Beans and Rice with Smoked Andouille Sausage, $19, Miss Peaches, Newtown. Sydney Food Blog Review

Head Chef turnover is really tricky business. They are in charge of making sure that the menu is executed properly, and equally importantly that the restaurant makes money. It IS a business after all. So when I was invited to sample Miss Peaches new menu under the direction of new head chef Adam Cremone, I knew it could really go either way.

After all, customers can taste when the chefs change, and the direction the Head Chef takes can make or break a restaurant, no matter how successful it already is.

The Order:


Snacks and Sides

Cheesy Fries, $7
Mac ‘N’ Cheese, $8
Baked Brie, Rocket and Peach Salad, Toasted Cornbread, $16
Southern Fried Chicken, $4.5 per piece

Burgers and Southern Sandwiches

Fried Oyster and Smoked Duck Po’ Boy, $16

Mains

Red Beans and Rice with Smoked Andouille Sausage, $19
Fried Green Tomatoes with Shrimp, and a Dill and Caper Remoulade, $19

Sweets

Beignets, $4.50

The Food:

I don’t know what mixed reviews Miss Peaches had before – purely anecdotal and I’d always wondered if there was a rivalry between Hartsyard and them – but I can say that I thoroughly thoroughly enjoyed the food at Miss Peaches. There was much cheese lovin’ in the form of the Mac ‘N’ Cheese, Cheese Fries and Baked Brie, and who doesn’t love cheese covered everything*?

Mac & Cheese, $8 Miss Peaches, Newtown. Sydney Food Blog Review

Cheesy Fries, $7, Miss Peaches, Newtown. Sydney Food Blog ReviewCheesy Fries, $7

Baked Brie, Rocket and Peach Salad, Toasted Cornbread, $16 Miss Peaches, Newtown. Sydney Food Blog ReviewBaked Brie, Rocket and Peach Salad, Toasted Cornbread, $16

The Cheese Fries were especially satisfying, since I’ve been missing (I will only say this once and will never say it again) KFC cheese fries ever since I left Singapore. I don’t understand, Australia. You are a LAND OF CHEESE. How is it that cheese fries aren’t more common? Of course, Miss Peaches’ version is way more classy and the cheese is less orange, but you can’t deny that there is something so fundamentally primal when potato and cheese come together.

And let no man put asunder…

Southern Fried Chicken, $4.5 per piece , Miss Peaches, Newtown. Sydney Food Blog ReviewSouthern Fried Chicken, $4.5 per piece

The Fried Chicken was also a baller order, especially when I didn’t even have to ask if the chicken was brined. No, the only question to ask was, “how long”. This succulent piece of poultry was the very bastion of why chicken should be brined, and with the gravy, it was just ridiculously awesome.

Red Beans and Rice with Smoked Andouille Sausage, $19, Miss Peaches, Newtown. Sydney Food Blog ReviewRed Beans and Rice with Smoked Andouille Sausage, $19

But the piece de resistance? The Red Beans and Rice with Smoked Andouille Sausage. If you think that it “sounds a little heavy”, well it is. It’s unapologetically starchy, heavy, meaty, smokey, satisfying and the portion is HUGE. This is probably the reason why salad eaters cop so much crap. There was something just so hedonistic about it all (I must be spending too much time in Bondi) that I squealed like a little girl inside when I dug into it. And when you consider that this is Chef Adam’s break time treat, you know you’re getting some good shiz right here.

Beignets, $4.50, Miss Peaches, Newtown. Sydney Food Blog ReviewBeignets, $4.50

Of course, not everything is a home run, and well, the Beignets weren’t quite on the same level for me. Maybe I’m not as much of a beignet person as I’d like to be, but there was something doughy about the way it was so tender that didn’t make my tastebuds sing. Not to say that it wasn’t a good beignet, though, because until I make the pilgrimage to New Orleans, I’m not sure that I can ever be sure.

Fried Oyster and Smoked Duck Po' Boy, $16 , Miss Peaches, Newtown. Sydney Food Blog Review Fried Oyster and Smoked Duck Po’ Boy, $16

Also, as far as Po’ boys go, this particular one wasn’t my favourite either. The elements – battered oyster, smoked duck, sauce and salad – were delicious on their own, but together? It was just a bit overwhelmed by the bread for me. It was a fantastic roll, mind you, but just not as a combo, I don’t think.

*No offence to the lactose-intolerant.

The Service:

I found that even though the service was relaxed, the staff were extremely attentive. We chose to sit outside, and our plates were cleared quickly, table wiped, and we weren’t abandoned in balcony never never land. And it wasn’t just our table. Even though people came in drips and drabs, the other groups on the balcony shared the similar treatment. Everyone looked happy to be there, and as a result, service was pretty seamless.

Value for money:

A quick glance at the menu will tell you that it’s not exactly the cheapest place around, but they really do make up for it with the portions. Each side can be eaten as a main, and each main can feed more than one person. You catch my drift? Your value goes up the more people you go with, because it ensures you get the variety for your dollar, rather than being trapped with your one huge choice if you went by yourself.

Although, that also means leftovers. And there ain’t nuthin’ wrong with that.

The Vibe:

Miss Peaches is just SO chill. But not in the antisocial sense of “Netflix and chill” (we’ve all been there) but in the “hang out with a group like they do on Friends” kinda chill. Everyone’s relaxes, and the Southern menu ensures that sooner or later, you WILL fall into a food coma and have to unbuckle your belt. I like that it’s a good mix of trendy and relaxed, and is definitely fitting in with the hip Newtown crowd.

Oh, and I know I just totally showed my age by using the word “hip”. But you know what I mean.

And finally,

I don’t know what Miss Peaches was like before, but I’m glad that this was my first experience. No baggage, only food. And well executed food at that. Working with a small team, Chef Adam is involved in every step of getting the food to you, meaning that you can trust that whatever they put in front of you is of a certain standard. I really enjoy the unabashed joy (read: cheese, because cheese is love) that goes into the food – they’re not pretending to be particularly classy or healthy or authentic. It’s just good food with a Southern theme. And yes, the food without cheese is delicious too.

It was also fantastic hanging out with Chef Adam. It really gave me insight to the man behind the menu, and when someone loves food as much as he does, you know he won’t steer you wrong. I’m definitely going back to try more of that menu…and for more cheese love.

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Miss Peaches.
Miss Peaches
201 Missenden Road
Newtown, NSW
Phone: 02 95577280
Website: www.misspeaches.com.au/

Miss Peaches Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Loco for…Coco Cubano, Ryde

Review
Sydney Food Blog Review of Coco Cubano, Ryde

El pollo frito, Coco Cubano, Ryde. Sydney Food Blog Review by Tammi Kwok

When I first saw Coco Cubano, all I knew was that you could order a Cuban cigar with your hot chocolate. I don’t smoke, and the hot chocolate was okay, but not great, so I left it at that.

Today, many branches later, Coco Cubano is offering up much more than hot chocolate and cigars – though the cigars are still there for sure – and I was lucky enough to be invited to try out the new menu!

The menu:

Starters

Tostones
Havana Dip Plate

Entrees

El pollo frito
Chilli caramel pork belly
Cuban fried rice
Tropical prawn salad

Mains

Arroz con pollo
Pork ropa vieja
Beef short ribs
The Cubano

Sides

Elote
Garden salad

Desserts

Buñuelos
Citrus cheesecake

Drinks

Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
Chocolate & Rum washed “brownie”
Triple chocolate batido crazy shake
Salty dulce de leche crazy shake

The Food:

There was just SO MUCH of it. As statistics would dictate, some were good, and others not so much.

Of the good pile, lay the El Pollo Frito, the rice in the Arroz con Pollo and the Buñuelos.

El pollo fritoCoco Cubano, Ryde. Sydney Food Blog Review by Tammi KwokEl Pollo Frito

The El Pollo Frito (fried chicken drumettes with red mojo dipping sauce) had a lovely, seasoned crust that the colonel (or should I say, el presidente) would be proud of. The dipping sauce was similarly flavourful, with a great balance of sweet, tangy and savoury. Sure, the drumettes themselves could use a little brining themselves, but otherwise it was pretty nice.

Arroz con pollo, Coco Cubano, Ryde. Sydney Food Blog Review by Tammi KwokArroz con pollo

The Arroz con Pollo (Cuban spiced half chicken with brown Sofrito rice) had fabulous rice that was light, delicately flavoured with separated grains. Nice work. The chicken though, came off a little dry, but for me, the rice more than makes up for it.

Buñuelos, Coco Cubano, Ryde. Sydney Food Blog Review by Tammi Kwok Buñuelos

And the Buñuelos? Donut + Chocolate = always a winner. The donut was a touch stiff for me, but I loved the crunch of cinnamon sugar on the outside, and then the richness of the thick, flowing molten milk chocolate that I can dip it into.

Of the not-so-good, the Cuban fried rice, the Chilli Caramel Pork Belly and The Cubano. Every thing else is – in the words of every competition reality TV show judge ever – “safe“.

Cuban fried rice, Coco Cubano, Ryde. Sydney Food Blog Review by Tammi KwokCuban fried rice

The Cuban Fried Rice (with chorizo, chargrilled corn and black beans) would have been better off labeled just rice and beans. It had the texture of risotto, which completely threw me off the expectation of fried rice. It was pretty heavy, and when compared to the rice of the Arroz Con Pollo, just didn’t make the cut.

Chilli caramel pork belly, Coco Cubano, Ryde. Sydney Food Blog Review by Tammi KwokChilli caramel pork belly

The Chilli Caramel Pork was almost too sweet, or not sweet enough. It was like eating pork belly (albeit tender and nicely cooked pork belly) that had been sprinkled with sugar. It didn’t quite have the hit of dark rich tones of caramel, and there wasn’t an element of salt to balance out what sweetness was there. The chilli also wasn’t particularly present, but that could also be because my Asian chilli sensors have been used and abused over the years.

The Cubano, Coco Cubano, Ryde. Sydney Food Blog Review by Tammi KwokThe Cubano

And if you’ve seen Chef (the movie that taught us you needed to neither have looks nor personality to land Scarlett Johansen, you only need to know how to cook), you would probably have a super romantic idea of the Cubano, which at its core is a toasted ham and cheese sandwich. A BANGIN’ toasted ham and cheese sandwich. Here it was a bit, um, bready, and the cheese say limply on the ham and pork, but was neither melty nor luscious. The side fries, though, were shoestring, and so have my seal of approval just for that.

The Service:

It’s a bit hard to comment on the service because we were there for a menu launch, but I did have a particularly friendly waiter who was hilariously cheeky and made sure we felt right at home. It was also a great ice breaker that he had a name tag that said “Awesome”.

Well, if the shoe fits, right?

The other service team members were friendly enough, but mostly just seemed rather green and just a little lost. Maybe it was the event setting that they weren’t used to, but when compared to Mr. Awesome, they just sort of faded into the background.

Value for money:

It’s not the cheapest meal out there, with mains sitting at the $25-$35 mark. But then again, they aren’t advertising value so much as they’re advertising an experience. In this case, it’s a bit middle of the road: the food wasn’t particularly authentic or punchy, but they weren’t charging you CBD prices for it. It would make more sense if you were dining in a group, in this sense, and if the group wanted a Cuban-lite experience that wasn’t too exotic.

The Vibe:

When we went, they had a BALLER singer/guitarist playing. He was as Australian as they come, but he really brought a Latin American vibe to the whole place. The mood lighting and dark wood also brought forth visions of smoky clubs in 1930s Havana, and really add fuel to all the Dirty Dancing fantasies you might have (the sequel, I mean. Don’t judge me!). The space may not actually be conducive to dancing, but doesn’t mean you can’t pretend!

And finally,

So the goss from Mr. Awesome is that the kitchen team was very nervous about the new menu, also because they were coming together as a new team. Fair enough. Some things can take a while to settle in and because this is the launch of something new, I can take that into account. I had a good time there, and while I didn’t get what I think would be an authentic Cuban experience there (I’m happy to give the oppression a pass), I went in knowing that an authentic Cuban experience wasn’t what they were offering up anyway.

Like I said, if you’re celebrating in a group that has polarised tastes and likes a very… gentle introduction, this is a safe bet. Otherwise, maybe stick to the hot chocolate and cigars. Hard to go wrong, there.

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Coco Cubano.
Coco Cubano
Ground Floor, Top Ryde Shopping Centre
Corner Blaxland & Devlin Street
Ryde, NSW
Phone: 02 8279 9239
Website: www.cococubano.com/

Coco Cubano Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Yakitori Yurippi, Crows Nest

Review
Yurippi, Crows Nest. Sydney Food Blog Review

Skewers getting barbecued, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog Review

Remember the Cliff Dive? Well guess what? Yurippi of the amazing skewers have now opened their own place in Crows Nest! The vision of owner Tin was more yakitori and less tuck shop, and it’s here that he really gets to stretch his wings to fulfil that dream.

Like all foodies, it actually runs in the family. Tin’s grandfather was a chef in Hokkaido for a hotel, and after a spell of fighting the urge through becoming an engineer, Tin is standing in amongst the smoke, serving upwards of 500 skewers to hungry customers every day!

So, how does it all stack up?

The Skewers, $2.90 each

Chicken and Shallot Skewer, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog ReviewChicken and Shallot Skewer

The Chicken Thigh and Shallot was succulent and juicy, set off with a sweet soy sauce that just brought it all together. Delicately smokey from the coal and binchotan (High grade Japanese charcoal) – let me take a moment to mention how baller their ventilation is – these skewers consisted of perfect, balanced bites.

It’s very obvious to me that the care and attention to detail that I first noticed all that time ago is still very present, and I’m reaping all the benefits! Score.

Chicken Liver Skewer, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog ReviewChicken Liver Skewer

Chicken Heart Skewer, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog ReviewChicken Heart Skewer

Chicken Gizzard Skewer, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog ReviewChicken Gizzard Skewer

The offal options on the menu also receive the same attentive treatment: the Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart and Chicken Gizzard were all grilled to perfection, and seasoned with a light but firm touch. Like a parent who knows what’s best.

And they really know best.

Pork Belly Skewer, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog ReviewPork Belly Skewer

The Pork Belly and Pork Jowl were also masterclasses in barbecue. Thin slices of Pork Belly were threaded onto skewers and seasoned with a sprinkling of salt. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the first bite gave me the “holy crap this is so amazing feeling”, and Jen, my dining partner, feels exactly the same way. Clean flavour of pork, only slightly enhanced by the savoury overtones of the salt. Like a good wonderbra. ?

Pork Jowl, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog ReviewPork Jowl

And the Wagyu Beef with Homemade Marinade. Oh the wagyu. Need I say more?

Wagyu Beef Skewer, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog ReviewWagyu Beef Skewer

W-A-G-Y-U

Not into the meat fest? (You should be) The Shiitake Mushroom with sweet soy was also a delight, with the mushrooms tender but not too, well, mushy, retaining its firm bite. So. Good.

Special bonus points!

Ox Tongue Skewer, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog ReviewOx Tongue Skewer

If you wanna turbocharge your experience, the Chicken meatball with 63C egg, Slow cooked Ox Tongue with miso sauce and Miso Sake Black Cod are just the things to order.

Tsukune Skewer, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog ReviewTsukune Skewer

Also known as Tsukune, the Chicken Meatball is pretty much like a Japanese chicken kofta, and is traditionally served with a raw egg yolk to dip it in. Here they cook the eggs to 63C (where eggs were naturally born to be cause it’s so darn delicious), and serve you the whole egg, with a soy based sauce that turns this rich bowl into an unctuous treat. You can dip the skewer in or eat the skewer whole and then finish with the egg.

I suggest the latter. Go on. You know it.

Miso Cod Skewer, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog ReviewMiso Cod

Miso Black Cod is also as silky and buttery as it promised to be, and while the treatment isn’t anything particularly new, I don’t think there’s any reason to improve upon perfection. Delicious delicious perfection. Black cod is quite hard to find in Sydney, and I’m just glad I’ve got another supplier for my growing addiction.

The Sides

Mentaiko mashed potato, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog ReviewMentaiko mashed potato

You also need sides to go with your skewers, and the Gyozas come with Hane, which translates to “wings”. A slurry of starch and water gets poured into the pan for extra crunch, and the Gyozas get little flaps, which is where the wings get their name from!

Gyoza with Hane, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog ReviewGyoza

Chicken Karaage, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog Review Chicken Karaage

And if you’re of the fried chicken persuasion (who isn’t?) the Mini Karaage is like the popcorn version of the Japanese fried chicken classic, served up with a side of premium kewpie Mayo. PREMIUM KEWPIE. I didn’t even know there was even such a thing. More creamy and less tangy. Mmmmm. More fat.

Look for the yellow cap, I’m told. I know I’m going to be hunting this shizz down.

Final Thoughts

Tamagoyaki getting sliced, Yurippi, Crows Nest: Sydney Food Blog Review

I know it’s boring reading a review that’s wholly positive, but you know what? I’ve got nothing but love for Tin and his team. They are genuinely happy to be there, and the fact that they’ve been through other career options before coming together means that it’s a conscious decision to be there, and boy do they make it count.

The space is intimate, and the open kitchen lets you be privy to all the buzz on the kitchen. I love the izakaya feel of the place – small drinking houses that are very popular amongst Japanese business people – and the small bites pair really well with their rather large alcohol selection.

Or ramune. I suggest the ramune. ?

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Yakitori Yurippi.
Yakitori Yurippi
7 Falcon Street
Crows Nest, Sydney
Phone: (02) 8041 9261
Website: http://www.yurippi.com.au

Yakitori Yurippi Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Taste of Shanghai, World Square

Review
Sydney Food Blog Review of Taste of Shanghai, World Square

Barramundi in Sweet & Sour Sauce, Taste of Shanghai, World Square. Sydney Food Blog Review

Ever eat so much that the meal was just a whirlwind and the evening was a blur because you’ve blacked out from a food coma?

I had that, when we were invited to celebrate the launch of Taste of Shanghai’s brand spanking new decor of their World Square outlet.

Get ready for a deluge of food photos…

Peking style shredded Pork + Golden Buns, Taste of Shanghai, World Square. Sydney Food Blog ReviewPeking style shredded Pork + Golden Buns

Pan Fried Noodles with Shrimp & Shredded Pork, Taste of Shanghai, World Square. Sydney Food Blog Review Pan Fried Noodles with Shrimp & Shredded Pork,

Salty Pork with Green Vegetable Fried Rice, Taste of Shanghai, World Square. Sydney Food Blog ReviewSalty Pork with Green Vegetable Fried Rice

Pan Fried Pork Bun, Taste of Shanghai, World Square. Sydney Food Blog ReviewPan Fried Pork Bun

Tofu with Preserved egg, Taste of Shanghai, World Square. Sydney Food Blog ReviewTofu with Preserved egg

Wonton in Red Chili Oil Sauce, Taste of Shanghai, World Square. Sydney Food Blog ReviewWonton in Red Chili Oil Sauce

Stir Fried Green Beans with Pork Mince, Taste of Shanghai, World Square. Sydney Food Blog ReviewStir Fried Green Beans with Pork Mince

Xiao Long Bao, Taste of Shanghai, World Square. Sydney Food Blog ReviewXiao Long Bao

Mud Crab with Salted Egg Yolk, Taste of Shanghai, World Square. Sydney Food Blog ReviewMud Crab with Salted Egg Yolk

Dude, we had 20 different dishes that night. Like a solid 20, not even counting the double ups of a couple of them. I had my clear favourites, of course, like the coronary-inducing Mud Crab with Salted Egg Yolk. And by coronary, I mean my doctor would collapse from the shock and horror as I wantonly devour succulent mud crab coated in a rich, salted duck yolk crust. Yaaaaasssssss.

Eggplant & Pork Mince in Sweet Chili Vinegar, Taste of Shanghai, World Square. Sydney Food Blog ReviewEggplant & Pork Mince in Sweet Chili Vinegar

Also on the hit list, the Eggplant and Pork Mince in Sweet Chilli Vinegar, eaten with the Salted Pork and Green Vegetable Fried Rice. There’s just something so comforting about tossing that tangy tender eggplant in a large bowl of fried rice that just keeps me going back for more.

Fish Fillet in Spicy Chili Oil, Taste of Shanghai, World Square. Sydney Food Blog ReviewFish Fillet in Spicy Chili Oil

If you’re looking to impress, the Fish Fillet in Spicy Chilli Oil comes out in a massive platter, complete with a slotted ladle so that the fillets aren’t absolutely drowning in the crimson oil. The fish is snowy white and tender, and a barest hint of chilli clings to the silky flesh. Make no mistake, this fish is less fried and more poached in its texture.

Barramundi in Sweet & Sour Sauce, Taste of Shanghai, World Square. Sydney Food Blog Review Barramundi in Sweet & Sour Sauce

Chilli oil not quite your thing? Well, How about the Barramundi in Sweet and Sour Sauce, because who doesn’t like a sweet and sour? A WHOLE fish is deep fried and glazed in the sweet and sour sauce of my childhood – thankfully missing the pineapple pieces and capsicum – ready to be a dramatic centrepiece at any table. Very theatrical in its presentation, but accessible and straightforward in its flavours.

Food-wise, they’re serving up pretty much the same menu – except that the physical menu has been given a facelift. I’m happy to report that the seasoning levels were much better than the last time I visited, and I wasn’t left reaching for the water quite as often.

It was really lovely getting spoilt on such a selection of the menu. The seating has changed to allow two massive tables to accomodate large groups, as well as smaller tables for the everyday crowd, and the walls are adorned with family photos from the owner’s childhood. It really gave it a cozy, homely feel, which was quite impressive considering that it was packed to the brim on a weekday night.

From what I hear, this is the first of the Taste of Shanghai group of restaurants to get the facelift, and I think it adds a nice update to a reliable chain of eateries. Now just to see when my local Taste of Shanghai gets the same treatment! 😉

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Taste of Shanghai.
Taste of Shanghai
Shop 9.07, World Square Shopping Centre
644 George Street
Sydney, NSW
Phone: 02 9261 8832
Website: www.tosau.com.au/

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Vessel Italian & Bar, Sydney

Review
Vessel Italian and Bar, Sydney. Sydney Food Blog Review

Seared scallops, Jerusalem artichoke puree, pork crackling, green apple salsa ($24). Vessel Italian and Bar, Sydney: Sydney Food Blog Review

You know that saying, “never go to bed angry”? Well you should also never go to bed hungry. It’s a thing. And it was exactly what we were, um, trying to prevent when we rocked up at Vessel Italian & Bar, and ordered two pizzas, a pasta, an entree and a salad.

Because salads are healthy, right?

Also, we had a $100 voucher from Zomato to spend, and I have an appetite like an Asian. Win-win!

Nomad's hot chorizo, red pepper and rosemary ($19.50), and the Garlic Pizza ($8.50). Vessel Italian and Bar, Sydney: Sydney Food Blog ReviewFrom left: Nomad’s hot chorizo, red pepper and rosemary ($19.50), and the Garlic Pizza ($8.50)

For the pizzas, we ordered the Nomad’s hot chorizo, red pepper and rosemary ($19.50), and the Garlic Pizza ($8.50). Because we really like garlic bread.

So classy, I know. ?

Anyway, maybe because I’ve been so spoilt lately by thick, chewy, bready crusts, I’m finding that the thin crispy ones aren’t really doing it for me anymore. Nothing wrong with them, but just not satisfying.

The topping on the Nomad’s hot chorizo, though, was pretty good – the chorizo was cooked to a satisfying crispness on the top, while retaining tender chunks of flesh in the middle. Could’ve done with a stronger tomato flavour in the base, but it was just because there was so much cheese, and I could never complain about too much cheese.

NEVER, Y’HEAR??

Seared scallops, Jerusalem artichoke puree, pork crackling, green apple salsa ($24). Vessel Italian and Bar, Sydney: Sydney Food Blog ReviewSeared scallops, Jerusalem artichoke puree, pork crackling, green apple salsa ($24).

The Seared scallops, Jerusalem artichoke puree, pork crackling, green apple salsa ($24), brought up a bit of a “ooooh, fancy!” reaction in me, probably because I do love a good slate plate.

Isn’t it just so pretty?

A photo posted by Tammi Kwok (@teafortammi) on

The scallops were nicely seared without being overdone, the Jerusalem artichoke purée was silky and luscious, and the green apple salsa brought a lovely touch of freshness. The pork crackling though? Um. It wasn’t the best. *hides*

Never have I thought that I’d ever complain about pork crackling, but there it is. It was broken up to fairly small pieces, and gave me that feeling of…of…

You know when you eat shellfish and you can bits of shell stuck in the back of your mouth? Yeah. Like that.

Spaghetti aglio olio, with baby squid and pangritatta ($22). Vessel Italian and Bar, Sydney: Sydney Food Blog ReviewSpaghetti aglio olio, with baby squid and pangritatta ($22)

The Spaghetti aglio olio, with baby squid and pangritatta ($22) didn’t fare too well, either. I love, LOVE aglio e olio – which usually is a light pasta dish of garlic, olive oil, and sometimes red chilli – but it’s the simplest dishes that are sometimes the hardest to get right. This particular one was a bit lacking in flavour for me – salt, garlic…oil. And considering the name of the dish translates to “garlic” and “oil”, it’s not a great sign.

The squid was cooked very nicely though – tender and juicy and not rubbery – so points for that.

Caprese, with heirloom tomato, buffalo mozzarella, basil and olive oil ($14). Vessel Italian and Bar, Sydney: Sydney Food Blog ReviewCaprese, with heirloom tomato, buffalo mozzarella, basil and olive oil ($14)

Much better was the Caprese, with heirloom tomato, buffalo mozzarella, basil and olive oil ($14). It’s really REALLY hard to mess up a caprese, assuming tomatoes are in season (which they are), and this provided a lovely freshness that balanced out the whole meal.

Kinda distracted me from the fact that I was eating a whole ton of cheese.

Mmm cheese.

The service also had its ups and downs – the lady who seated us was very friendly, but after that, it was pretty hard to get anyone’s attention, even though the restaurant was not even half filled when we went. When we did get a hold of someone though, they were pretty accommodating in our requests for salt and chilli, and our bottle of water got topped up without asking.

I’m not sure if there’s anything I would particularly make the trip back for – it was a bit on the average side for me – but I don’t think I would kick up a fuss if I had friends who wanted to come here for a group outing.

Not great, but could be worse.

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Zomato.
Vessel Italian and Bar
1 Shelley St
Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Phone: +61 2 92955070
Website: http://vesselsydney.com.au

Vessel Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Devon on Danks, Waterloo

Review
Devon on Danks, Waterloo. Sydney Food Blog Review

Devon on Danks, Waterloo. Sydney Food Blog Review

I’ve been very lucky to have very good friends in my life. Friends who will brunch with you, and support you when you go,

“Hmmmm. Do you think we should order one of everything?”

Okay, so it’s not quite that extreme. But Christine did help me with my gluttony by coming with Alli and me to Devon on Danks – the younger sister of the cafe-award-winning Devon Cafe in Surry Hills.

Because she’s a good friend, that’s why.

Now I’ve had a bit of a mixed experience with Devon. My first experience wasn’t that great, but then the second was much better. Maybe third time’s the charm?

A photo posted by Tammi Kwok (@teafortammi) on

Mmmmmm all the fish eggs.

Well that Salmon Blini isn’t quite available anymore, and a lot of stuff has changed since. Between the three of us, we ordered the Bruschetta with extra soft egg ($17), Brunching with the Sakuma’s ($27), Annato Spiced Fried Chicken Fillet ($7), Kaya Cronnie ($7), and a DD Special ($12). Okay, so I was exaggerating when I said with ordered one of everything, but we weren’t too far off!

Bruschetta, $17: Devon on Danks, Waterloo. Sydney Food Blog ReviewBruschetta, $17

Bruschetta ($17) first, because it was as close as we were going to get to our 5-a-day in this brunch. Homemade burrata melted onto balsamic chargrilled sourdough gets topped with basil, and confit tomatoes and basil. Very luscious, full of flavour, but curiously lacking the creamy naughtiness that a bursting ball of burrata gives you. A great bruschetta, but WHERE MY BURRATA?!!

Oh, but I really recommend paying the extra $3 to order the soft egg. Not only does it give you great egg porn, but the yolk also soaks into the toast, giving you a squidgy, rich bite.

And besides, the soft whites look like it could’ve been a ball of burrata, so um, we can pretend.

Brunching with the Sakuma's, $27: Devon on Danks, Waterloo. Sydney Food Blog ReviewBrunching with the Sakuma’s, $27

Then the dish that has caused a whole ton of debate in my circles – Brunching with the Sakumas ($27). The first incarnation, Breakfast with the Sakumas, had a smoked eel croquette, kewpie mayo, furikake (a Japanese savoury sprinkle that you usually have on rice) and a 63C egg. The salmon at the time, for me, was incredibly dry and overcooked, and for the new-hot-cafe-on-the-block, it just felt like an unacceptable thing.

I’m happy to report that this time, they’ve really upped their game. The roasted salmon is served in a thick piece, rather than a long, thin fillet, and this allows the inside to retain a silky softness, while giving you some serious crunch in the skin. Top points!

It also comes with potato noodles, clam and miso butter, onsen egg, and furikake. And you might be tempted to think that the potato noodles are made of potato starch, like other asian noodles? Nope. It’s spiralised potatoes, which should make the zucchini spaghetti lovers happy. It retained a slight crunch that polarised the table – and by that, I mean that I was the only one who liked it – but I think it provided a great body to otherwise soft textures on the plate.

Good show, Devon on Danks, good show. *slow claps*

Annato Spiced chicken fillet, $7: Devon on Danks, Waterloo. Sydney Food Blog ReviewAnnato Spiced chicken fillet, $7

Christine had already tried The Manny P Burger, so instead of going to whole hog, we order just Annato Spiced Fried Chicken Fillet ($7), with a side of their chilli mayo. Annato refers to a red spice, often used as food colouring in some Spanish cultures, that comes from the seeds of the achiote tree.

But besides a bright orange colour, I’m not sure how much flavour has come across. The chicken didn’t taste unlike typical fried chicken, and not particularly moreish in itself.

Annato spiced chicken fillet, $7: Devon on Danks, Waterloo. Sydney Food Blog Review

Dat chilli mayo, tho. Tangy, salty, creamy…all the qualities you want in a good condiment. If this chilli mayo was on Tinder, I’d swipe right in a heartbeat, and then proceed to stalk it on social media. Trust me when I say that YOU NEED THIS IN YOUR LIFE.

Kaya Cronnie, $7: Devon on Danks, Waterloo. Sydney Food Blog Review Kaya Cronnie, $7

On the sweet side, we got the Kaya Cronut Cronnie ($7). Whoever said that round shapes doesn’t fit in square things was lying. LYING. Deep fried croissant pastry gets pumped full of kaya, which hails from my side of the world: South East Asia.

To call it coconut jam would really be too simple. Think of it like…like Coconut Dulce De Leche, made with coconut cream, egg yolks, and a shit ton of sugar.

Which could bother some people, but you’ve just ordered deep fried pastry. I don’t think the sugar matters.

DD Special, $12: Devon on Danks, Waterloo. Sydney Food Blog ReviewDD Special, $12

Ah, this next one’s for the true connoisseur. Soft serve and salty chips are one of life’s great pleasures, and Devon on Danks has made a blue pea flower and jasmine soft serve for their DD Special ($12) this week. Blue pea flower is used in very traditional Peranakan desserts to add a sky blue tint, but it doesn’t have a lot of flavour, which is where the palate cleansing jasmine comes in.

Legit.

The staff at Devon on Danks have a much more relaxed vibe than the original, probably because the cafe itself has a chill vibe to it, assisted by wonderfully lit wide open spaces, beautiful decor, and beautiful wood and enamel-coated furnishings. Price-wise, it’s um, not student friendly, but fairly doable if you’re in a large group and splitting the bill. And you know, if you’ve got some savings. The food is well executed, and the seasonal menu means that the chefs are ever improving, which can only mean good things.

This meal was independently paid for.
Devon on Danks
2 Danks St
Waterloo NSW 2017
Phone:+61 2 9698 7795
Website: http://www.devoncafe.com.au

Devon on Danks Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

At..Home Thai, Sydney

Review
Home Thai, Sydney. Sydney Food Blog Review

Eastern Thai Sausage ($11.90). Home Thai, Sydney: Sydney Food Blog Review

Remember how I talked about how every conversation with my friends revolve around food? Yep, it’s struck again! This time it was Christine’s birthday, so Simon and I went present shopping.

But first, lunch.

For me, hot days = Thai salads, and Simon recommended the ones at Home Thai on Sussex Street.

Mixed Papaya Salad $11.90. Home Thai, Sydney: Sydney Food Blog ReviewMixed Papaya Salad $11.90

Just like many authentic Thai restaurants, a papaya salad comes in many variations: fermented crab, shrimp, anchovies, sausages, rice noodles…if anyone ever tells you again that a salad is just a bowl of rabbit food, sock ’em in the head with some fermented crab.

That’ll teach them.

We got the Mixed Papaya Salad ($11.90), with vermicelli, pork roll (which is a bit like a Thai ham), Thai anchovies and pork crackling (!!). Because pork crackling makes everything better. This version is a little more sweet, which tempers the fermented flavours of the anchovies and shrimp paste. The soft pork roll and pork crackling added a great contrast of textures, that made this more a satisfying meal than a side dish.

Eastern Thai Sausage ($11.90). Home Thai, Sydney: Sydney Food Blog ReviewEastern Thai Sausage ($11.90)

Speaking of side dishes, we also got the Eastern Thai Sausage ($11.90). The texture was more like fresh mince than what you’d necessarily expect from a sausage, and there was a slight sourness that’s typical of this variety. Why it’s sour, I have no idea. But I’m quite happy to eat it all the same.

And because we’re asian, WE MUST HAVE RICE!!

Pork Hock with Rice ($9.90). Home Thai, Sydney: Sydney Food Blog ReviewPork Hock with Rice ($9.90)

Rarrr. Rice monster.

The Pork Hock with Rice ($9.90) was very simply a stewed bit of pork hock, with lots of gravy and rice. There’s just something about the whole hock getting stewed that turns the rind and fat into a lovely soft gelatinous mass, with chunks of fall-apart meat underneath. Unctuous, flavourful, and an absolute favourite at the table.

SAH GOOD.

As for the present, well we didn’t quite find what we were looking for, but we got there in the end. Now who’s birthday’s next…

This meal was independently paid for.
Home Thai
1-2/299 Sussex St
Sydney NSW 2000
Phone:+61 2 9261 5058
Website: http://www.homethaisussex.com.au

Home Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato