Burwood Archives | Tea For Tammi

It was past dinner time, and I was HANGRY. (Enough to justify all caps, as Sam can attest to.) We had just finished watching Point Break, I was feeling physically inadequate, and my belly was scoffing at the suggestion of waiting till we get home.

And hanging out in line wasn’t an option either.

Granny’s Noodle was fairly empty – usually not a good sign for an Asian restaurant – but it smelled good, and the force of my hunger propelled me through their open doorway.

The Order:

Mixed sauce with Pig’s Ears, $5.80

Vinegared Fungus, $4.80

Granny’s Signature Beef and Tripe Soup Noodles, $15.90

Sizzling Intestine with Special Made Sauce, $12.80

The Food:

It may sound weird, but there’s just something so satisfyingly comforting about offal. It reminds me of street food that I loved as a kid with my parents, holidaying in Hong Kong, and since then, I can never go past an offal item on the menu.

Mixed sauce with Pig’s Ears, $5.80

As sides we had the Mixed sauce with Pig’s Ears, $5.80, and Vinegared Fungus, $4.80. Sexy names, I know. The Pig’s Ears here were cooked/pickled a bit too far for my liking, resulting in the thin skin around the crunchy cartilage forming a weird sort of sticky mush.

Vinegared Fungus, $4.80

The Vinegared Fungus fared much better – also known as Woodear Mushrooms, by the way – crunchy, light and tart, and made for a great side to the heavier mains.

Granny’s Signature Beef and Tripe Soup Noodles, $15.90

I suppose you can’t go to Granny’s Noodles without ordering well, noodles, so we got the Granny’s Signature Beef and Tripe Soup Noodles, $15.90. The beef slices and tripe were tender, like the long strands of wheat noodles, and were very easy to down on a cool night. The broth was a bit on the light side for me – I wanted something dark and rich and beefy – but Sam liked it, and it would’ve just been the icing on the cake.

Sizzling Intestine with Special Made Sauce, $12.80

My favourite of the night though? The Sizzling Intestine with Special Made Sauce, $12.80. The cleanliness of something like intestines really tells you everything you know about the thoroughness of the kitchen, and these, I’m happy to report, had no weird smell or aftertaste. Even Sam of the supersensitive nose couldn’t detect anything, which is saying a lot. Maybe it was that crazy about of pepper and spices, but nothing hides bad intestine, and for that, they get the kudos for a good dish.

Food: 1/1

The Service:

Doesn’t it say something for the stereotype when you walk into an Asian restaurant and you’re grateful to not be ignored? They were very quick to respond, and I liked how the waitress who took out order was honest about portion sizes and how much we needed per person. It showed a familiarity with the menu that we take for granted, but doesn’t always happen.

Otherwise it was pretty uneventful, other than the mystery of the missing spoons. There was a canister filled with chopsticks for you to grab as you needed, and it just seemed that our spoons ran out and no one noticed. Fair enough, but especially noticeable in a nearly-empty restaurant.

Service: 0.5/1

Value for money:

The prices fell well within expectations of what you would pay in Sydney, and the portions also weren’t out of the norm. The noodles were quite filling, but not more than what you would get at any other ramen or noodle joint at the same price.

Not bad, but not great either.

Value for money: 0.5/1

The Vibe:

Granny’s Noodles was nice and clean and bright, but not particularly extraordinary in the vibe-department. Eh.

Vibe: 0.5/1

And finally,

It was a little scary walking in, when people online didn’t seem to like Granny’s Noodles too much. I thought it was alright, especially if you’re already in the area and you can’t be bothered to wait in line, like I was. I don’t particularly feel the urge to go back again, but no regrets for having been there either.

Bonus point: 0/1

This meal was independently paid for.

Granny’s Noodle
132 Burwood Road
Burwood, NSW
Phone: 02 8541 4954
Website: http://www.grannysnoodle.com

I’ve struggled with weight all my life. It’s been on so many ups and downs that I’ve lost track, and ironically, food has become the only constant. And it’s been especially hard lately – part of the joy of a food blog is well, that you get to eat, and eat well, and that can sometimes not be very good for the “diet”. For health reasons I decided to lose a bit of weight. eat better and exercise more, and through just being a little more aware of what I eat, I’ve lost 12kg, and thought it was time for a no-holds-barred cheat day, in the form of a 24 hour food crawl.

Yes, 24 whole hours of unrestricted eating. Anything I want, when I want it, and as much of it as I want.

So here’s what I chose to do with my 24 hours. 10 eateries and countless mouthfuls later, I’m finally full and barely recovered from the resulting food coma.

Cheat day. captain’s log:

4:00am

The alarm on my phone goes off. It’s dark and cool outside, and I can’t explain just how tempting it is to snuggle right back into the blankets. BUT THERE’S NO TIME FOR SLEEP, IT’S TIME TO EAT!

4:10am

I’m straightening my hair at 4 in the frickin’ morning. How do other women do this all day every day?

5:15am

I’m starting to think that only reason why I should be up this early on a Saturday is if I was going to bake the damned bread for breakfast myself.

5:30 am – Cheese Platter for Breakfast!

A photo posted by Tammi Kwok (@insatiablemunch) on Feb 27, 2015 at 11:05am PST

Breakfast is finally on the table, and I can’t even hold my hands still enough to take a proper photo because I’M SO EXCITED TO BE EATING CHEESE!!! There is Tallegio, a light delicate washed rind, Fromager D’affinois, a double cream french cheese, and a creamy blue. Fruit, because I need a palate cleanser, and Brasserie Bread’s Caramelised Garlic Bread.

I haven’t had soft cheese in so long that I forgot that this is the true definition of heaven on earth.

And that bread. OH THAT BREAD. Brasserie Bread has really outdone themselves on this caramelised garlic bread. “Garlic…caramelised in a sugar syrup…balsamic…Italian style loaf”.

I stop reading because this is all I need to know.

7:00am

We are on the train on the way to Newtown for a bacon-filled breakfast at Cuckoo Callay. The Boy asks me yet again why he’s up this early on his day off. I tell him it’s because we must eat, and he gives me a glassy blank stare. It’s going to be a fun day.

7:13am

Okay. So maybe I should’ve called ahead. They open at 8, not 7. Dammit.

8:00am

We have ordered. Selfie while waiting for our food!

A photo posted by Tammi Kwok (@insatiablemunch) on Feb 27, 2015 at 12:53pm PST

8:30am – Cuckoo Callay

Ya Bacon Me Crazy, $20

We order the Ya Bacon Me Crazy, $20. It’s basically bacon and waffles, topped with maple syrup, bacon ice cream, and chocolate dipped bacon. And because I love milkshakes and Bloody Marys, we get the Bloody Bacon Mary and Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake, too. It’s a fantastically sweet way to start the day, and believe it or not, I could have done with MORE BACON. The Bacon Bloody Mary was nicely balanced, but the cold drink with the hot bacon means that there was just at teeny tiny layer of bacon fat on top of my drink. Not entirely a bad thing, but bacon is best when it’s hot I think.

Cuckoo Callay
324b Newtown Train Station
Newtown, NSW 2042
Phone: 02 9557 7006
Website: http://www.cuckoo-callay.com.au/

9:05am

We have been baconed. A good showing from Cuckoo Callay, and the Bloody Bacon Mary was my favourite.

Now, on to doughnuts! And that food coma.

9:55am – Glazed Doughnuts

Red Velvet Doughnut, from Glazed Doughnuts

DOUGHNUTS. GLORIOUS DONUTS. Picked up some amazingly delicious ones from Glazed Doughnuts at the Bondi Markets. I feel a bit like a piggy surrounded by all these fit people. But the call of amazing sweet treats is too loud to resist. My absolute favourite doughnut of the bunch was the Watermelon and Pistachio, followed closely by the Apple Pie. The glaze on the Watermelon and Pistachio doughnut is made with real watermelon juice, resulting in a sweet, floral fragrance, and a soft, pillowy doughnut that isn’t too cloyingly sweet. The Apple Pie is something that Glazed Doughnuts makes for the Bondi Markets only, and it’s filled with a chunky apple jam, and topped with a luxurious crumble.

I wish I didn’t have to share this with The Boy.

Glazed Doughnuts
Bondi Markets, Campbell Parade
Bondi Beach, NSW 2026
Website: http://www.glazeddoughnuts.com.au

Doughnuts for this post were provided by Glazed Doughnuts.

10.20am – Pure Pops

The sun is coming on strong, like a drunk, desperate man (or woman!) at a singles’ bar. Oooh look, popsicle!

Mmm. Icy pole. Watermelon and strawberry to be exact. Crazy sweet, but it’s fruit, so it’s good for you right? Yes. It’s good for you. The flavours are amazingly clean and straightforward, and we are soon licking sticky fingers.

I also think it’s pretty cool that Purepops seem to have taken popsicles to the next level, with options for alcoholic mini ice pops being catered for your next party. Pretty cool right?

Pure Pops
Bondi Markets, Campbell Parade
Bondi Beach, NSW 2026
Phone: 0419 699 198
Website: http://purepops.com.au/

10:45am

I’ve come to the strange realisation that I’m no longer hungry, but not actually full.

What is this? I’ve been going from food stop to food stop since 5 this morning and I’m not full? What is this sorcery?

12:00nn – Mappen

Since we were in Bondi, I took the opportunity to drop by Mappen for a comforting bowl of Ontama Bukkake Udon. *Giggles*

Thick udon noodles sit in a salty tsukedashi sauce, and the soft, jelly-like ontama egg mixes into a thick sauce that coats every strand. The crispy tempura flakes add a lovely crunch, and a light squeeze of garlic chilli gives me the kick to keep going.

At this point, The Boy looks at me like I’m crazy. He doesn’t understand how I’m still eating.

Mappen
183 Oxford St
Bondi Junction, NSW 2022
Phone: 02 9388 0609
Website: http://mappen.com.au/

1:30pm – Chatime

Time for a Chatime, because since I’ve started watching my food intake, bubble tea has been downgraded from a ‘sometimes food’ to a ‘rare treat’.

I get the my usual order: a Roasted Milk Tea with Grass Jelly, no ice. I go for no sugar this time, because I feel a bit sugared out. WRONG. Should’ve gotten it with some sugar instead of no sugar, because all that remains on my palate is a film of fat, I’m assuming from the milk. No time to dwell on it though, because it’s time to head back towards the beach, and towards hot wings.

1:50pm – The Stuffed Beaver Dining Parlour

From my previous visits, The Stuffed Beaver has served up the hottest I’ve had in Sydney, and so SO addictive. I’ve been craving this tangy, chilli hit since, and I just can’t contain my excitement at getting my fingers on these red hot wings again.

This time, they are quite a bit less spicy than I remembered, but some how more delicious! Incredibly tangy, and finger lickin’ good. No need for the accompanying ranch sauce, as amazing as it is. Next time, I’ll order it extra spicy.

Pro tip: order a side of poutine – a genius Canadian dish of chips and gravy and cheese curds – and mop up the remaining hot sauce with the chips from the bottom of the basket. Your tastebuds will thank you.

The Stuffed Beaver Dining Parlour
271 Bondi Rd
Bondi, NSW 2026
Phone: 02 9130 3002
Website: http://stuffedbeaver.com.au/

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of The Stuffed Beaver Dining Parlour.

2:30pm – 11 hr check-in

A video posted by Tammi Kwok (@insatiablemunch) on Feb 27, 2015 at 9:18pm PST

We’ve been at it for 11 hours, and it’s been so good!! The day has been surprisingly easy and relaxed, as eating should be.

This day is shaping up to be the BEST DAY EVER!!!

3:30pm – Sushi Rio

A photo posted by Tammi Kwok (@insatiablemunch) on Feb 27, 2015 at 8:45pm PST

Cheat day or not, I will take up ANY reason to eat sushi in all its forms. Sushi Rio in Bondi was the most convenient – Umi Zushi was just out of my reach! – and they do a pretty good Salmon and Salmon Roe Donburi. Good topping to rice ratio, though I would minus points because the rice was warm. The Salmon and Flying Fish Roe Nigiri off the train was a surprise favourite, though, with a secret layer of mayonnaise underneath the flying fish roe!!

The only way to elevate the experience of Japanese mayo is to make it a surprise.

You can’t go wrong with mayo and salmon and fish roe. Just sayin’.

Sushi Rio
Shop 7, 339 Sussex St
Sydney, NSW 2000
Phone: 02 9261 2388
Website: www.westfield.com.au/bondijunction/stores/sushi-rio/50203

4:20pm – Coffee Break

And then on to iced coffee, because after about 12 hours of eating, The Boy is resisting my efforts to stuff in more eating stops. The coffee is a good way to stay awake, I guess, and at least he submits to my request for a 12th hour selfie.

A photo posted by Tammi Kwok (@insatiablemunch) on Feb 27, 2015 at 9:53pm PST

Happy smiles!!! Dead eyes though. Dead, food coma eyes.

5:30pm – Pei Modern

Wood Fired Mussels, $25

Next stop, Pei Modern. I went there specifically to get the Holmbrae Chicken, but oh lord the Wood Fired Mussels took out the favourite of the day. Recommended by our waiter, Oscar, these mussels are not available all the time, and are on the specials menu only. Sad, because between a slight aroma of smoke and the briny sea, the bacon bits, corn, and buttery butter sauce, this is perfection in a dish. I’m absolutely loving it!!

The Burrata with Figs and Kohlrabi was also pretty good, with its soft curd interior spilling onto sweet figs and the delicate radish-like kohlrabi. I couldn’t get a full handle on the jersey milk flavour of the burrata though, it was served at the same time as the mussels, which overpowers everything else once it gets set down on the table, like a hot woman in a killer dress entering the room.

Pei Modern
In Four Seasons Hotel
199 George St Sydney, NSW 2000
Phone: 02 9250 3160
Website: http://www.peimodern.com.au/

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Pei Modern.

7:30pm – 15 Hour check-in

To the water for some fresh air, because we have slight eating fatigue.

A video posted by Tammi Kwok (@insatiablemunch) on Feb 28, 2015 at 12:46am PST

The Boy is fading fast, and so am I. We aren’t just battling the urge to nap because all the blood from our extremities have rushed towards our bellies, no, we are actually combatting physical tiredness. As exciting as it is to spend 24 hours doing something so hedonistic and decadent, it’s actually hard to keep going, especially without sleep, nap, or a shower. Next time, I’m packing a bag and taking a shower at the Prince Alfred Park Pool.

8:30pm – Central

Off towards Central, to Khao San, a Thai restaurant on Pitt Street that has a little street cart for takeaway snacks and sweets. I absolutely love their rice flour and salted radish dumplings. These little pops of savoury goodness are served with lettuce and fresh bird’s eye chilli on the side, and is all sorts of hot and salty and fresh all at once.

That chilli hit is just what I need to kick the fatigue and food coma!

9:00pm – Khao San, Haymarket

They’re sold out. FML.

9:30pm – House of Crabs

Lobster Fries, House of Crabs

So on to House of Crabs, for Lobster Fries! Shoestring fries, lobster gravy, cheese, bacon and corn. This takes a cheat day staple to a whole ‘nuther level. It could have done with a bit more gravy, but that thick shellfish flavours are making my tastebuds sing. YES.

House of Crabs
Upstairs at The Norfolk Hotel
Level 1, 305 Cleveland Street
Redfern, NSW 02016
Phone: 02 9699 3177
Website: http://www.houseofcrabs.com.au/

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of the House of Crabs.

11:00pm – We need a walk

We are about to topple over, and we so need a walk. Conveniently so, because there public transport seems to be a convoluted mess back to Haymarket. I’m sure a walk would do us good – fresh air, blood pumping through our veins…sweat matting my hair. Summer is probably a bad day to eat till you get the sweats, but at this point, I don’t know what is real and what is delirious hallucination anymore. Either way, I’m looking forward to suckling pig at the end of the walk!!

12:00 midnight – Golden Century

HOW IS GOLDEN CENTURY SO PACKED?! We go up to the counter and ask for a table for two…It’s going to be at least 45 minutes. WHYYYY.

For the sake of suckling pig, we put our name down and give it a go. It does seem like a suicide mission, though, groups of 20 are piling into the restaurant, and they all look really hungry.

1:00am – Kanzi Fashion Cafe

We give up. Suckling Pig seems to be a distant dream now as I crave something cold and sweet to keep me awake. So we choose to go downstairs instead, abandoning our mission for crispy pork, and order a Melon Bingsoo.

Honeydew balls, vanilla ice cream, and a honeydew popsicle makes up this green mountain of sugar and ice, and it’s here that I call it a day. The freshness of the melon perks me up slightly, and the sugar from the popsicle, ice cream and evaporated milk gives me just enough energy to go home. We finish most of it, but really couldn’t be bothered digging into the honeydew half to finish it completely.

Kanzi Fashion Cafe
393-399 Sussex St
Haymarket, NSW 2000
Website: http://www.kanzi.com.au/

Special Mentions

Mister Gee’s Burger Truck

The Truffe

It can’t be a cheat day without Mister Gee’s. Ever since I found my way to the once quiet car wash that this food truck was parked on, I’ve proudly declared that these are my favourite burgers in Sydney. Due to the queues, it’s a bit hard to fit this into our hectic eating schedule, but I went early, because I just couldn’t give up any reason to have these burgers. The Cheese Boogie is still my favourite burger from Mister Gee’s, but the Truffe, with all its aroma of truffles and silky mayo, comes in a close second. Very nice.

Dirty Fries

And of course, dirty fries, because I can’t get enough of these shoestring fries covered in salsa and american cheese. The Boy and I fought over every last fry, down to the bottom of the cardboard box. Delicious.

Mister Gee Burger Truck
55a Shaftesbury Rd
Burwood, NSW 2134
Phone: 0411 092 663
Website: https://www.facebook.com/MisterGeeBurgerTruck

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Mister Gee’s Burger Truck

Pu’er

Wagyu Beef Tacos

If Pu’er wasn’t off my eating route, I would’ve dropped by for these Wagyu Beef Tacos. Full of intense beefy flavour and tender from the crazy marbling streaking through the meat, these savoury buns are heaven with every bite. I’m still thinking about them since the last time I went there – I think it’s time to arrange a special trip!