I Don't Eat, I Devour

The various office buildings, old shopping centres and their connecting pathways in Sydney's Chinatown can be a bit of a maze, and hidden in them are charming, authentic eateries frequented by those who really understand a cuisine - and by that I mean, we go for the home-coming feel, not for the atmosphere.  The last time I visited Kowloon Cafe, a Hong Kong style diner, was in 2020 (see my post here ). We picked up a few snacks to go - but this time, I'm here for the full sit down experience.  Pineapple Bread with egg and spam $9.80 One cannot talk about HK style diners without talking about pineapple bread. So-called because the diamond shaped, sweet topping looks like the skin of a pineapple (and not because there are actual pineapples used in the bread), this delicious concoction comes in many varieties. The most traditional involves a warmed pineapple bread with a thick pat of ice-cold butter. The more interesting varieties, such as the one we have before us, may include s...

Since I Left You might be the ultimate bar name: if the leaving left one sad, one could drink one's troubles away; and equally, if the leaving liberated one, one could drink in celebration. This charming little courtyard bar lets you drink under the stars, beneath a colourful mural and heating lamps. It calls itself "a destination for discerning drinks and easy going foodies", and I think that rather sums up the vibe of the menu quite well.  Let's begin with a cocktail.  Meringue-O-Tang, $20 SILY's signature cocktails are fun, creative, and rather difficult to choose between, so I asked for a recommendation from the bar staff. The Meringue-O-Tang is the barman's favourite, and I can see why. It is a mouth-watering combination of Licor 43, Vodka, Frangelico, Lemon, Caramel and Whites. Though it is distinctly fruity and easy-to-drink, it has a perfectly caramel smoothness and packs quite a punch.  So, what about the easy-going food menu?  Classic American hotdog...

 The Hong Kong tea house is home to some of my favourite Asian bites. Usually a nostalgic mix of Eastern / Western food, the Hong Kong tea house immediately brings to mind scenes from my favourite film, In the Mood for Love. If you haven't seen this moody, darkly-romantic and bitter-sweet 2000 masterpiece directed by Wong Kar-wai (who also brought us, notably, Brokeback Mountain), take this as my strong recommendation.  Kowloon Cafe more directly translates as "Kowloon ice house". It serves street food as well as more filling items like a beef brisket noodle that looks to-die-for. In this review, however, I will be looking at its casual street food items.  Hong Kong Style milk tea (hot), $5.80 This is my favourite drink, ever. Pulled through mesh stockings for that velvety smoothness, the milky taste of a HK style milk tea is from evaporated milk. Some people like to add sugar to sweeten this warm, toasty and oh-so-satisfying hug-in-a-cup, but I prefer it just the way it ...

I have heard so much about Bella Brutta's clam pizzas that they quickly shot to the top of my list of must-try casual diners in Sydney. Occupying a prime spot in the most bustling part of Newtown, the first thing you notice when you step inside Bella Brutta is a smell of burning - but don't worry, what you are really smelling is their highly impressive, wood-fired pizza oven, signalling that the pizza is definitely going to be good. Cucumber, melon But first, starters. Knowing the heavy, oily goodness that will soon come, we opt to get our vegies in first. The starter menu rotates regularly, dictated by seasonality. The cucumber and melon salad is simple, but the crunchy, sweet freshness is just what I'm after. Cheese and courgette flower I have a confession to make. I really didn't like this dish - and I rarely say such a thing! It is little dough-balls filled with runny cheese (I want to say burrata), topped with delicate courgette flower. The problem with...

Originally a highly anticipated and popular pop-up, Belles Hot Chicken has since then set up a permanent shop in Barangaroo right on the waters. And by permanent shop, I mean outdoors seating and a kiosk - but this in no way takes away the deliciousness of the greasy, satisfying fried chicken served up there.  The menu is very simple. You get a choice of chicken parts (wings, tenders, drumsticks etc) with a choice of one of five sides. You can choose the level of spice you can handle as well. Then you can add on extras such as pickles and sauces. Apart from the fried chicken, you can also order a choice of two chicken sandwiches, and during weekend lunches Belles serves chicken and waffles.  Despite the suggested arrangement on the menu, the best thing to do, in my opinion, is to grab a friend or two, each ordering a different part of the chicken with different sides and share.  Southern Drumsticks with Old Bay Fries ($17) and Belle's Ranch Dressing ($2) ...