Benji Salim is hoping to bring Indonesian coffee into the limelight in Australia. At The Q on Harris, he roasts the green coffee beans he imported from Indonesia. The Q is also home to a cozy cafe serving an all-day menu. The Q Coffee Benji imports single-origin green beans from various parts of Indonesia, working…
The Mandoo, Strathfield
It took me a while to get into Korean food because I only perceived it (inaccurately) to be laden with meaty delights. I’m much more of a veggie-lover, so the idea of Korean BBQ just didn’t appeal to me. Luckily, in the last decade or so I befriended a few Korean friends, and especially Jeff…
Saint Peter, Paddington
Champions of Australian sustainably sourced seafood, Saint Peter changes the menu daily to showcase only the best. Well-lit and slender, the Paddington restaurant is fitted out with only a small open kitchen. The food is great for sharing, although the tables are a tad small and there’s a bit of plate Tetris going on once all…
Kindred Restaurant, Darlington
Everything from the sourdough to the cultured butter and of course the pasta is made in-house at Darlington newcomer Kindred. There’s a long list on the back of the menu outlining what they make (it’s impressive! Whether it’s vincotto or yoghurt, they make it from scratch). We kick off dinner with the sweet potato triangoli. The four delicious triangles…
Continental Deli, Newtown
There’s something inviting about parking yourself at the bar for a meal. It’s often more spontaneous (usually it’s a walk-in policy at most bars), it’s informal, and you’ll get to see some elaborate cocktail or food prep theatrics close up and personal. Generally, bar food means smaller plates that are ideal for sharing – and that’s…
The Dolphin, Surry Hills
I find myself at The Dolphin’s Dining Room twice in the span of a month or so. I’m back again because the pappardelle bolognese was so freaking good the first time around that I needed to eat it again ASAP. The sauce is rich, deepened by buffalo ricotta and gremolata. But let’s talk about the pasta – MAN, it’s…
The Best Indonesian Restaurants in Sydney (and What You Should Order)
People often ask me what my favorite Indonesian restaurant is in Sydney. And in general, my response is it depends on the dish. There are plenty of great Indo restos, but each has their own specialty. Sometimes the menu is padded out with other Indonesian staples that people know and love, but they might not…
One Day in Ipoh, Malaysia
As part of our short adventure in KL, we reserve one of the days for a trip to Ipoh. I had heard many good things about the food in Ipoh, and since Sam’s mom calls it her home, we consulted her list of restaurants to check out. How to Get There & Around It’s worth…
Lestari Resto, Ultimo
I spotted Lestari after a visit at Brainwave Cafe and was curious to see pork on the menu. Pork at an Indonesian restaurant is quite rare – in Bali, it’s easy to find because of the predominantly Hindu culture, but whenever I’m in Jakarta, I generally only find pork in Chinese or Western restaurants. Lestari…
Bowery Lane Weekend Brunch, Sydney CBD
Finding a good brunch spot in the Sydney CBD on the weekend can be a bit of a struggle with cafes generally closing up shop. Bowery Lane has come to the rescue with all-day breakfast now available from 8am on Saturdays and Sundays. Continuing on a food philosophy that champions local and seasonal ingredients, the…
The Resident, Darlinghurt
From the people who brought us Lotus Dining, The Resident takes Mediterranean flavours and Australian ingredients to life. Overlooking Hyde Park, the restaurant is helmed by Pablo Tordesillas, formerly of Brisbane restaurant Ortiga. Drawing on his history growing up in Spain, Tordesillas unites the traditional and contemporary on The Resident menu. Designed by Paul Papadopoulos of DS17 (the…
Mercado, Sydney CBD
There have been mixed reviews looming, so I wasn’t sure what to expect when I booked an 8.30pm sitting at Mercado. The Australian’s John Lethlean called out co-owner and chef Nathan Sasi on the supposed woodfire oven (or lack thereof) situation. And quite a few friends of mine weren’t impressed by the food or the…
Sarah vs Carbs 