I Don't Eat, I Devour

If you don't know the famous Emperor's puffs, which in pre-covid times drew long, snaking lines, that would be something you must immediately rectify in order to call yourself a true Sydney-sider. Pumped out fresh and warm from their custom-machine (no photography allowed!), these custard-filled gems are the cheap eats treats that will bring a smile to your face even in the coldest months.  Annexed to the bakery and the custard puff window is the restaurant itself. Some mornings I would take that route to work, and I would walk past its windows and see the old uncles who gather there each morning, without fail, for breakfast and a yarn. That was how I knew Emperor's Garden is legit. My conviction was further strengthened by a one-star Trip Advisor review titled "Not for European [sic]", in which the hapless travelers complained about their own complete ignorance when it comes to yum cha and gave my friends quite a laugh.  As it turns out, the uncles and aunties wh

Before covid, I would often see people seated in the outdoor tables at Bambini Trust Restaurant & Wine Room in the morning, enjoying their coffees. I had sometimes felt rather envious of those leisurely people who did not participate in the morning rush but have chosen to merely observe it. Behind them, through the open frosted doors, I could see a dark, brooding, traditionally-decorated room, dimly lit.  Rarely featured on Sydney's food-blogging scene, it is easy to overlook Bambini; and that would be a mistake. Here, beautifully executed, traditional food is accompanied by an impressive and interesting wine list, featuring Australian and European drops. If you are ever in need of some suggestions, the sommelier is on hand to assist.  Arancini, complimentary The meal begins with a complimentary amuse bouche in the form of a saffron arancini - a tiny mouthful to awaken the taste buds and prepare them for the deliciousness to come. Apart from the subtle flavour, I particularly l

 Harris Park is filled with wonderful, authentic Indian restaurants. It's quite a far way from where I live, so every time I go, it feels like quite the occasion and a special treat. There are many restaurants dotted around the main strip. Dosa Hut is a chain - and despite its name, its menu stretches well beyond dosa alone.  Coconut Summer Cooler $6.95 The day on which we visited Dosa Hut was a scorcher - the type where even a few minutes in the sun is enough to burn one up. On days like these, the coconut summer cooler certainly does what its name promises: a refreshing, sweet, coconut-and-lime concoction that cools one down.  Samosa Chat, $9.95 Samosa Chat is my favourite Indian appetiser. The best way I have to describe it is samosas smashed in a minty yogurt sauce. The complex curry flavour of the potato-filled, hot samosas form an interest contrast against the cold, tamarind-sour sauce to create quite the flavour explosion. For those who cannot take a lot of heat, fear not: t

When was the last time you had some truly interesting brunch? Sydney-siders are famous for our love for the good old avo-on-toast, but as satisfying as a perfectly-ripened, expertly-smashed avo-on-toast might be,  nothing beats the delight in discovering interesting, creative, and oh-so-delicious food heavily influenced by other cultures.  Cafe Rumah specialises in South East Asian goodies. I went specifically for the kaya toast, which is a Singaporean dish. Singapore is a melting pot of several cultures and has a wonderfully diverse food culture, and I wish we had more of it in Sydney. Turns out, everything we tried were absolutely incredible.  The Kopitiam Brekkie, $7.50 + $5 for eggs Kaya is a sweet coconut spread. The Kopitiam Brekkie, which is essential kaya toast, involves Japanese-style milk bun roast slices served with butter, kaya, and...wait for it...onsen eggs. The onsen eggs are an optional extra, but I highly recommend that you give it a go. As strange a sweet eggs may sou

Brunch is one of these meals where one eats with one's eyes as well as mouth. Some say all meals have some aspect of this, but I think brunch, out of all the meals we eat, is particularly suited to an aesthetic that's vibrant and colourful, as though one could eat oneself happy.  Either Or is a place where great coffee, innovative dishes meet aesthetics.  Take the affogato for example  - ice cream with coffee is enough to bring plenty of joy simply as a standalone concept, but when the espresso shot comes in a mini crystal skull and rose petals adorn the snow white vanilla ice-cream, the joy is amplified. The coffee at Either Or is very good: the espresso robust and deep, keeping its dark roasted bitterness even when mixed with ice cream.  Affogato, $5 The most fascinating item on the menu is the congee. I am very familiar with this typical breakfast staple: it's like a savoury rice pudding. A well-known variety served at Chinese restaurants may include some pork pieces and