Posts tagged Sydney

Buns of Steel: Belly Bao, Sydney CBD

Review
BBC (fried chicken) from Belly Bao in Good God, Sydney

BBC (fried chicken) from Belly Bao in Good God, Sydney

I never did entirely understand the almost-fanatic appeal of the Gua Bao – soft, sweet milk buns filled with (traditionally) braised pork belly, mustard greens and sauce – to some. Sure it’s tasty and all, and its possibilities in terms of building the perfect bite in this hand-held snack-to-go are certainly promising, but surely it doesn’t require the fad-level attention that its been getting right?

Clearly, I haven’t tried the baos from Belly Bao.

Located in GoodGod Small Club, where The Dip used to reside, Belly Bao has grown from its humble beginnings as a market stall, into a busy eatery with legions of adoring fans. It was the brainchild of Sylvia, who, while on holidays in New York, came across these delicious morsels. Upon returning to Sydney, she realised that there was a clear gap in the market (and her own access to delicious baos), and decided to risk it all and make her own. With her parents to guide her with their years of restaurant experience, Sylvia started her market stall and hasn’t looked back since.

Tofu Bao, Soft Shell Crab Bao and Short Rib Bao at Belly BaoFrom top: Tofu Bao, Soft Shell Crab Bao and Short Rib Bao

Roast Pork Belly Bao, Fried Chicken Bao, and Braised Pork Belly Bao from Belly BaoFrom top: Roast Pork Belly Bao, Fried Chicken Bao, and Braised Pork Belly Bao

Sweet Potato Fries from Belly BaoSweet Potato Fries

BBC (Belly Bao Chicken) from Belly BaoBBC (Belly Bao Chicken)

The result? The best milk buns I’ve ever had in Sydney. It’s ridiculous just how fresh, soft, and fluffy they are, and it’s not surprising to hear from Sylvia that they make their own buns, rather than getting it supplied from someone else. And the fillings don’t disappoint either – the classic Braised Pork Belly Bao is my favourite with its thick dark sauce clinging to the tender slice of pork belly. The Short Rib Bao comes a close second, with its Korean inspired flavours of sweet soy and kim chi.

But don’t fill up on buns, because the Sweet Potato Fries, which are liberally salted and covered in a house made aioli and chilli sauce, are SO satisfying. Hot off the fryer, these fries are delicious in their sogginess – sweet potato fries don’t ever seem to crisp up in the same way that regular fries do – and the sauce over the top has to have some sort of hard drug in it, because I’m so SO addicted to the stuff.

The BBC also came highly recommended, and it did not disappoint. Juicy meat, crunchy exterior that shatters into your cleavage, and all that jazz. And anyone who goes through the effort of brining their poultry, is alright in my books.

I’m so relieved when Sylvia divulges that the plan is to make Belly Bao readily available 7 days a week, because I don’t think I can live with such good food being unavailable for half of the week. Now excuse me, while I get my fries on.

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Belly Bao.
Belly Bao
GOODGOD Small Club
53-55 Liverpool St
Sydney, NSW 2000
Website: http://bellybao.com/

Belly Bao on Urbanspoon

Soul O-rising? Seoul Orizin Korean Food, Haymarket

Review
Prawn and Chicken Gangjung, $18

Prawn and Chicken Gangjung, $18

You’d think that living in an area inundated with Korean restaurants means that I wouldn’t be as excited about yet another Korean Fried Chicken joint.

BUT YOU’D BE WRONG.

When Simon from The Heart of Food suggested Seoul Orizin for our lunch catchup, my brain and body instantly went on fried chicken mode: hungry.

Spicy Cold Buckwheat Noodles, $10Spicy Cold Buckwheat Noodles, $10

Spicy Prawn and Chicken Gangjung, $18Spicy Prawn and Chicken Gangjung, $18

Grilled Beef Ribs, $16Grilled Beef Ribs, $16

Egg Hot PotEgg Hot Pot

We ordered a variety of things, including my favourite go to noodle dish: the bibim naeng myeon, a chewy stretchy spicy korean noodle that is served with crunchy pickles. My mouth is watering as I write this. Their noodles aren’t quite as good as The Mandoo for my taste – not as spicy and without that oomph that I love about this dish – but it’s a fantastic option for a CBD lunch.

The Spicy Prawn and Chicken Gangjung was literally, fried chicken and prawn coated in the spicy sticky sweet sauce that sticks to the back of your molar, and was quite nice, but nothingg groundbreaking.

It was one of those “not bad” experiences – nothing to complain about, but nothing that makes me scream from the rooftops unfortunately. Not sure whether if I stand outside those doors I’d go in for lunch, or take a step to the right and walk into Hana Hana instead!

This meal was independently paid for.
Seoul Orizin
203-209 Thomas St
Haymarket, NSW 2000
Phone: 02 8541 7531

Seoul Orizin - the Chicks on Urbanspoon

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The Norfolk, Surry Hills

Review
Deep Fried Banana Taco, $12 for 2

Deep Fried Banana Taco, $12 for 2

The Norfolk used to be “that place under House Of Crabs” to me, where the food was decent, but not the main attraction. But now, there’s a whole new menu, and a few of us were lucky enough to get invited to feast!

Deep fried banana taco anyone?

Fried Chicken in Waffle on a stickFried Chicken in Waffle on a stick

Monterey Cheese Burger, $5Monterey Cheese Burger, with EZ cheese and Jalapeño Salsa, $5

Asado beef tacos, $5.50Asado beef tacos, with coffee, avocado cream, and arbol chilli salsa, $5.50

Jalepeno Popper Taco, $5.50Jalepeno Popper Taco, with pumpkin mole, queso and salsa mojo, $5.50

Pulled Pork Taco, $5.50Pulled Pork Taco, with smoked adobo pork, aji chilli and pineapple salsa, $5.50

Mole Fried Chicken Wings, $14Mole Fried Chicken Wings, with mole spices, crema and chilli vinegar, $14

Deep Fried Pickles, $9 Deep Fried Pickles, with ranch sauce, $9

Mac and Cheeseballs, $14Mac and Cheeseballs, with spiced ketchup, $14

San Jose Sang Choy Bow, $14San Jose Sang Choy Bow, with green papaya, lime, peanuts and salsa mojo, $14

BBQ Corn, $7BBQ Corn, with ancho mayo, bacon and pretzel furikake, $7

K-Town Burrito, $14K-Town Burrito, with short rib, smoked frank and kimchi rice, $14

But before dessert, the bar menu. The corn with ancho mayo, bacon and pretzel furikake should be how all corn should ve had, with smoky crusty salty deliciousness to be had all around. If this is how all veggies are served, I’m sure you wouldn’t have issues making kids eat their veg. The Monterey Sliders were also pretty groovy, bringing all the cheesy comforts in every bite. There was an extra one floating around the table, and it was all I could do (and the belt that I was wearing) that stopped me from going for seconds.

And for tha Mac and Cheese lovers, The Norfolk is turning it up a notch with Mac and Cheese Balls. Finally, the perfect crumb to ooey gooey goodness ratio. This came with a dipping sauce, which was somewhat non-essential, since every ball of mac has the cheese to dress itself.

Deep Fried Banana Taco, $12 for 2Deep Fried Banana Taco, with peanut butter ice cream, ice magic, peanuts, 100s and 1000s, and a fried corn taco, $12 for 2

The Deep Fried Banana Taco was the last dish of the night, and served with a flourish it was. It had all the hot/cold sweet/savoury things going on, but at that point I was so stuffed that I wasnt sure what I was really eating anymore. But I did finish the banana though, because, uh, deep fried fruit is good for you right?

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of The Norfolk and Drink and Dine.
The Norfolk
305 Cleveland St
Redfern, NSW
Phone: 02 9699 3177
Website: http://www.thenorfolk.co/

The Norfolk on Urbanspoon

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The Beauty in Birdcages

Musings
Birdcages suspended between buildings in Sydney's Angel Place

I’ve recently been very inspired by all things ornate and flowery. Maybe it’s my late blooming entry into traditional feminity, or maybe these are just so gosh darned pretty. Either way, it’s resulted in an increasing obesession in birdcages.

It’s such a strange thing, because by definition, birdcages were meant to restrain, to trap, and yet they hold so much beauty – both in their designs, and the birds that they hold.

Read More

Sedap Tak? Drive-by Eating: Sedap , Regents Place

Drive-by Eating Review 1 Comment
Chee Cheong Fun

Chee Cheong Fun

When I was a little, I had the good fortune to have my mother’s office located near one of Singapore’s famous hawker centres on Amoy St. She and I would walk, hand in hand, to get breakfast before she dropped me off to childcare/Kinder, and I would invariably want to get Chee Cheong Fun – rolled steamed rice noodles smothered in a thick sweet hoisin-type sauce, sometimes with a bit of chilli on the side. The portly man who owned the stall wore a white wife-beater, and stood, tall and wide amongst the steamers, taking orders and serving up dishes with lightning speed and a seemingly perfect memory.

That stall has long since disappeared from the horizon of fluorescent-lit food stalls, but the memory remains. A simple plate of Chee Cheong Fun still triggers those childhood memories with my mother, and the simpler times when my day started with these comforting noodles and ended with an egg braised in duck masterstock.

At Sedap – which translates to “delicious”. Setting the bar a little high are we? – Chee Cheong Fun is served on an enamel coated tin plate, with the typical sweet sauce and chilli from my childhood. The first bite into the silky noodles brought back all sorts of memories, and really hit home for me. It was a touch on the pricey side considering the raw materials, but it is the city after all, and the friendly staff made up for it.

I haven’t heard too much about the rest of the menu though, but it does seem interesting enough for me to make a return trip to try it out. And if nothing else, there’s always Chee Cheong Fun.

Sedap
Regent Place
501 George Street
Sydney, NSW 2000

Sedap on Urbanspoon

Spectrum Now

Festivals Review 1 Comment
Mary's Cheeseburger

Mary's Cheeseburger

Man, I really LOVE food festivals. From Taste, to Good Food Month, to the Lunar Markets, anytime I can food crawl without moving more than 2 steps between stalls is a good time indeed.

Needless to say, when I got
the invite to sample the stalls at the Nosh Pit for Spectrum Now, I was absolutely chomping at the bit to get sown there.

Pork belly and Fried Mushroom Gua Bao from Bao StopPork belly and Fried Mushroom Gua Bao from Bao Stop

Curated by Luke Powell of LP’s Quality Meats, the Nosh Pit consists of two rows flanking either end of Spectrum Now, and features heavy hitters like black Star Pastry, Mary’s, and of course, LP’s Quality Meats.

We begin the night of binge feasting by tucking into a selection of Gua Baos from Bao Stop. Originating in China, Gua Baos consists of savoury fillings sandwiched between an oval shaped soft milk bun. Pork belly is most traditional, accompanied with mistard greens and thick brown braising gravy.

And we don’t want to break tradition.

Their pork belly bao was fall-apart tender, juxtaposed with the crunch of the pickled mustard greens. The Mushroom was my favourite, with battered oyster mushrooms smothered with a satay-type peanut sauce. Maybe it’s the chilli – and we always give extra points for chilli – but I would happily take the mushroom over the pork any day.

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Bao Stop
Bao Stop
Location Varies-See Fb
Sydney, NSW
Phone: 0420 305 355
Website: https://www.facebook.com/baostopsydney

Bao Stop on Urbanspoon

Seared Salmon Salad from Bondi's BestSeared Salmon Salad from Bondi’s Best

With the indulgent comes the healthy, because.. eat your veggies.

Chicken Egg Wrap from Bondi's BestChicken Egg Wrap from Bondi’s Best

I had heard that Bondi’s Best was known for their seafood, but the surprise of the night was actually their gluten free egg wraps for me. Instead of a flour wrap, they used a thin sheet of fried egg to roll up ingredients like poached chicken, or persian feta and spinach. Served cold, it was a fantastic light option that would be amazing on a warm balmy day. I was really impressed that the egg wrap wasn’t dried out, but was still strong enough for the wrap not to fall apart. Well done.

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Bondi’s Best
Bondi’s Best
Shop 1 39-53 Campbell Parade
North Bondi, NSW 2026
Phone: 02 9300 9886
Website: http://www.bondisbest.com.au/

Bondi's Best Seafood on Urbanspoon

Sandwiches from LP's Quality Meants

Of course, if you are a fan of smoke, you can’t walk past LP’s Quality Meats without getting a little something something. And we got it, in the form of a Smoked Sausage Roll and Smoked Beef Roll. The sausage was nicely paired with a nice harissa, but I much preferred the smoked beef. There was a comment that it was a bit like corned beef, but you know what? Corned beef brings back all sorts of comforting memories of Saturday morning brunch with my mom whilst my dad was playing golf. So it’s a good thing.

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Lp’s Quality Meats
Lp’s Quality Meats
12-16 Chippen St
Chippendale, NSW 2008
Phone: 02 8399 0929
Website: http://www.lpsqualitymeats.com/

LP's Quality Meats on Urbanspoon

Hoy Pinoy Skewers

And the stall that puts smoke inmy hair and a smile on my face: hoy pinoy!! I know I’ve had my fix about a month ago, but really, how can you ever get enough of their sticky sweet glazed pork belly and chicken, barbecued to smokey charred perfection. Yum. Consistently good, and totally worth the queue!

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Hoy Pinoy
Hoy Pinoy
Location Varies- See Facebook
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Website: https://www.facebook.com/hoypinoybbq

Hoy Pinoy on Urbanspoon

Mary's Cheese BurgerMary’s Cheese Burger

Newtown favourite Mary’s has brought their famous Cheese Burger to Spectrum Now, with a Pizza Sub that was sadly unavailable when I went.

They’ve done well, serving up exactly what you’d expect – a good burger. Was it mind blowing? Not exactly, but then again, I’m a Mister Gee Burger sorta girl, so I might not be the droid person that they’re looking for.

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Mary’s
Mary’s
6 Mary St
Newtown, NSW 2042
Phone: 02 4995 9550

Mary's on Urbanspoon

Pedal for your coffee

We needed a break after the first wave of eating, so we took the opportunity to explore the rest of Spectrum Now at the Domain.

There are interactive art installations aplenty, and SBS has put up a hipster coffee area, where you can get a free iced coffee…but you have you blend your own by pedalling on a bike-powered blender. Novel idea, and a way for me to work off the guilt food.

Hendricks Parlour of CuriositiesHendricks Parlour of Curiosities

Even if you’re not an alcohol consumer, take the time to hang out at the Hendricks Parlour of Curiousities. The aesthetic reminds me strongly of American Horror Story: Freakshow, and delightfully so. It was whimsical tents and gnarly 1930s style furniture with the odd skeleton in a glass jar.

I absolutely LOVED IT.

Mr Wong's from Gelato MessinaMr Wong’s from Gelato Messina

But we can’t stay away from the food for too long. Back to the nosh pit we go, and this time straight to Gelato Messina’s Milk Bar and N2 Extreme Gelato/BlackStar Pastry.

N2 and Blackstar Plum DessertPlum Slinger from N2 and Blackstar

Brokeback Moment from N2 and Blackstar

N2 and Blackstar Watermelon and Rose CakeStrawberry Watermelon Cake from N2 and Blackstar

N2 and Blackstar Cake SmashCake Smash from N2 and Blackstar

These dessert headliners put up a spectacular showing, but the slap-the-table-it’s-so-good dessert winner for me was the Cake Smash. Created on the first night of Spectrum Now for Spectrum Now, this beautiful franken-dessert involves freezing the famous Strawberry Watermelon Cake from Blackstar with liquid nitrogen, and literally smashing it into one of N2’s gelatos with the merciless beaters of a standing mixer. With more liquid nitrogen, of course.

It was hands down the best of both worlds, with all the delicate rose and fruit flavours of the cake, and the frozen liquid velvet of the gelato.

My mind was blown.

Liquid nitrogen creates a super smooth frozen treat, as well as creates this dramatic fog that spills out of the mixers, and that Strawberry Watermelon cake was all sorts of floral and fruity, and the thin layers of cream and light sponge just made for such a well-balanced bite, that was augmented by being flash frozen by liquid nitrogen. If nothing else, this is the thing to get at Spectrum Now.

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of N2 Extreme Gelato and Blackstar Pastry
N2 Extreme Gelato
43/1 Dixon St
Sydney, NSW 2000
Phone: http://www.n2extremegelato.com.au/

N2 Extreme Gelato on Urbanspoon

Blackstar Pastry
277 Australia St
Newtown, NSW 2042
Phone: 02 9557 8656
Website: http://www.blackstarpastry.com.au/

Black Star Pastry on Urbanspoon

If you’d like to get your fix of Spectrum Now, it runs at the Domain from now till this Sunday, 22nd of March.

Goldilocks and the…: Teddy’s Place, Sydney CBD

Review 1 Comment
Trio of desserts from Teddy's Place on George St in Sydney

Trio of desserts from Teddy's Place on George St in Sydney

It really is a small world in the food industry. I do some casual cheffing work on the side, and along the way, meet some really interesting people who are passionate about food and cooking. We don’t always keep in touch, and as is the custom of casual work, you just move on to the next job, the next adventure.

So imagine my surprise when I stepped in to check out a brand new dessert house on George St, and out comes a familiar face! Turns out, I know the owner of Teddy’s Place, a brand spanking new dessert bar located on busy George St, across from World Square. I very nicely got given a sample of desserts to try – thank goodness I had my camera on me!

Rhubarb Strawberry TorteRhubarb Strawberry Torte

Triple Chocolate MousseTriple Chocolate Mousse

Pandan Caramel CustardPandan Caramel Custard

The Pandan Caramel Custard looked super cool in its “tin can” mold, and did taste delicately of pandanus leaves, a popular Asian aromatic. The custard was a bit too well-done for my taste, but I really like the idea of serving up traditional creme caramel in a different way. If you’re looking for something rich and decadent, the Triple Chocolate Mousse cake is soft and velvety, like Triple Chocolate anything is wont to be.

But the crowning achievement of all, I have to say, are the gelatos. The fruit flavours are especially good, bringing out fantastic flavours of summery fruit. The Watermelon and the Guava are my top picks, and the serving sizes are pretty generous, too. Service staff are extremely friendly – and this was before we found out that I knew the owner – and I think they’re off to a good start. Can’t wait to see how the store matures.

Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Teddy’s Place.
Teddy’s Place
569 George St
Sydney, NSW 2000
Phone: 0423 489 901
Website: http://www.teddysplace.com.au/

Teddy's Place on Urbanspoon

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5 ways to save money at the Taste of Sydney

Festivals Review
Roast pig on a spit, from 4Fourteen

Roast pig on a spit, from 4Fourteen

I’ve been going to the Taste of Sydney just about every year since they’ve launched, and I can say for sure that it’s gotten wayyyyy more pricey to enjoy the day. It went from budgeting about $10 for a portion, to $15 a portion, to about $20 a portion. So, being the ever hungry but cheap bargain hunting person that I am, I’ve come up with a few ways you can stretch your dollar at Taste.

1. Go with friends

A photo posted by Tammi Kwok (@insatiablemunch) on

The number one way to try more food while spending less money? Split the bill! Find similarly minded foodie friends who share your bargain-hunting instincts, and go together! Besides, festivals are always more fun with friends anyway.

2. Plan your menu

A photo posted by Erin Van Der Meer (@erinvdm) on

Source: erinvdm

Taste always releases the menu ahead of the opening, so have a look through and see what you’d like to try! It saves you wandering around and spending more than you wanted to, to begin with. You can find the Taste of Sydney 2015 menu here!

3. Try to get free tickets in!

A photo posted by Tammi Kwok (@insatiablemunch) on

It costs $30 to even enter Taste, which means that you are losing out on yet another dish you could have had! But there’s hope: so many competitions run leading up to Taste, giving away free tickets. Take the 2 minutes to sign up – you never know how much you can save on entry!

4. Look for flash sales

There are flash sales leading up to the festival all the time. Sometimes you can get tickets half-priced, or bundled with crowns for a wayyy better price than just rocking up at the door. Keep a lookout for these sales – you can save heaps!

5. Get your money back!

A photo posted by Milly (@missmilstagram) on

Source: mismilstagram

The currency at Taste are Crowns, and these get loaded on to a card for you to spend at the festival. But whatever you put on there, is completely refundable. That’s right, if you feel like you’ve had enough and want to bail, you can just rock up to one of the “Crown Banks” and get your money back. All of it. Don’t feel the pressure to spend it all just because it’s loaded onto the card.

But if even if you did spend every last dollar on there, don’t forget to return the card to the bank – there’s a $1 deposit on the cards which you can get back if you just give them back!

Do you know what a ring burner is? Do Dee Paidang, Haymarket

Review
A chopstick lifting out strands of rice noodles from the Supernova level 7 spicy noodle from Do Dee Paidang in Haymarket

A chopstick lifting out strands of rice noodles from the Supernova level 7 spicy noodle from Do Dee Paidang in Haymarket

I like my chilli like I like my war, nuclear.

…Wait, that didn’t come out right.

But I do like my chilli hot, and Do Dee Paidang in Haymarket has certainly thrown down the gauntlet, serving up a bowl of spicy noodles that have beaten many a food. Their Supernova Noodles are labelled as Level 7, for the 7 spoonfuls of chilli that they put in it.

Supernova Level 7 Spicy Noodles from Do Dee Paidang in HaymarketSupernova Level 7 Spicy Noodles

When you place the order, the waitress doesn’t just give you the dubious look that she saves for drunk men trying to pick her up. No, she first assumes that you mean something less spicy, and she points to the Level 3 and Level 5 options on a menu so filled with pictures it looks like a child’s storybook. I firmly stand my ground, and point to the Level 7, and her eyes widen slightly as she’s processing what I just said, and then followed by a look of uncertainty. “Are you sure?” She asks, “There are 7 spoons of chilli in that one. It’s very spicy”. I reassure her that it’s okay, and she shrugs and takes the order, recommending rice noodles as the noodle option.

And the rice noodles arrive, shrouded in a fiery red soup, and topped with fish balls, pork ribs and crispy deep fried wonton skins. The first chopstickful looks very promising – the chilli flakes cling to each strand like an over-the-hill woman going through a mid-life crisis clings to a man. I bite into it, and well, I didn’t exactly get swift kick in the pants that I was expecting. I wanted my mouth to feel like it was on fire, and my eyes to start tearing…not this slow burn business.

To be fair, it does build up slowly, but beyond causing a bit of a coughing fit, I don’t actually think it was all that spicy. In fact, I was more distracted by the slightly burnt aftertaste of chilli flakes that had been roasted too far, and that acrid bitterness was just something I couldn’t get rid of. Just a touch disappointing after all the chilli hype.

The fish balls and pork ribs were tender and delightful, and the wonton skins did add a nice touch. Especially with the Som Tum Pu we ordered – a Thai Papaya salad with fermented crabs.

Som Tum Pu Papaya Salad from Do Dee Paidang in HaymarketSom Tum Pu (Papaya Salad with Fermented Crab)

This dish is not for the faint-hearted. By all western standards, this dish stinks like a fish rotting in a sewer, but for me, it was all sorts of salty deliciousness that I crave on hot days. Sour, tangy, salty, spicy, Som Tum consists of shredded green papaya, carrot, green beans, and fresh tomatoes, pounded in a mortar and pestle with lime, fish sauce, sugar and chilli. This particular version includes fermented crab the colour of a rotting corpse on NCIS, and I particularly enjoy sucking out the salty juices from the tiny pointy legs.

What can I say? The stereotype is true that Asians will eat anything.

Durian and sticky rice dessert from Do Dee Paidang in HaymarketDurian and Sticky Rice Dessert

And because the portions here are similar to what you get in Thailand, we order a dessert as well. Durian and Sticky Rice brings back comforting memories of family trips to Thailand, where my parents and I would share a small plate of this food hall staple while taking a break from all the sightseeing and shopping. Here, it’s served in a bowl, probably because the durian is pulpier in texture due to the difficulty of getting fresh durian in Sydney. It’s still every bit as comforting as I remembered, though. Warm, sticky glutinous rice is topped with creamy durian and coconut cream, lightly salted to bring out the sweet. At Do Dee Paidang, they finish with a small pinch of Foi Thong – golden strands of egg yolk made by drizzling a mixture of duck and hen yolks into a hot sugar syrup. So rich, so addictive.

The food here really reminded me of food that I had in Bangkok, and I especially enjoyed the portion sizes. It may seem stingy, but really, the small order of noodles is only $5.50, and it allows us to try more things off the menu. I left feeling full and satisfied, but not wishing that there were napping options right in the middle of Chinatown for me to nurse my food coma. The service was well, what it was: not entirely attentive, but not rude either. It took awhile to get someone’s attention when it got busy, but once you got a hold of them, you never had to ask twice for what you wanted. Efficient.

We really enjoyed ourselves at this little eatery on Ultimo road. Makes me wonder what the grilled menu items are like.

This meal was independently paid for.
Do Dee Paidang Thai Noodle Bar & Cafe
9/37 Ultimo Rd
Haymarket, NSW 2000
Phone: 02 8065 3827

Do Dee Paidang Thai Noodle Bar & Cafe on Urbanspoon

My 24 hour Food Crawl

Food For Thought Review
Poutine from Stuffed Beaver in Bondi

Poutine from Stuffed Beaver in Bondi

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

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

 

8:30am – Cuckoo Callay

Ya Bacon Me Crazy, Bacon and Waffles, from Cuckoo Callay in NewtownYa 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/

Cuckoo Callay on Urbanspoon

 

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 Doughnuts from Glazed Doughnuts in BondiRed 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.

Glazed Doughnuts on Urbanspoon

 

10.20am – Pure Pops

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

Watermelon and Strawberry Popsicles, from Purepops Icepops

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/

Pure Pops on Urbanspoon

 

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

Ontama Bukkake from Mappen in Bondi

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/

Mappen on Urbanspoon

 

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

Hot Buffalo Wings, from Stuffed Beaver in Bondi

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.

Poutine, from Stuffed Beaver in Bondi

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.

The Stuffed Beaver Dining Parlour on Urbanspoon

 

2:30pm – 11 hr check-in

A video posted by Tammi Kwok (@insatiablemunch) on

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

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.

Salmon and Flying Fish Roe Sushi, from Sushi Rio in Bondi Junction

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

Sushi Rio on Urbanspoon

 

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

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

 

5:30pm – Pei Modern

Wood Fired Mussels, from Pei Modern in the RocksWood 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.

Pei Modern on Urbanspoon

 

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

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, from House of Crabs in Surry HillsLobster 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.

House of Crabs on Urbanspoon

 

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.

Melon Bingsu from Kanzi Fashion Cafe

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/

Kanzi Fashion Cafe on Urbanspoon

 

Special Mentions

 

Mister Gee’s Burger Truck

Truffe Burger, Mister GeeThe 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, Mister GeeDirty 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

Mister Gee Burger Truck on Urbanspoon

 

Pu’er

Wagyu Tacos, $16Wagyu 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!

Pu’er
20a Danks St
Waterloo, NSW 2017
Phone: 02 8399 1331
Website: http://www.puer.com.au/
Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Pu’er.

Pu'er on Urbanspoon