Rather than rage over the “pokies” debate again, I thought I’d jot down some notes on my eating places in Sydney.
(If you’re interested in the pokies debate here are some thoughts that were prepared earlier.)
Back to food … I love a top nosh at a top notch restaurant just as much as anyone else. But it can be a drain on the bank account … and since eating is sort of necessary it seems important to have places for everyday and any day fare – at everyday, any day prices.
Here are the 10 places where we dine out most (or take away with us).
Fish On Fire – 217A Glebe Point Rd, Glebe
A little fish & chip place on Glebe Point Rd. We’ve tried ’em all and keep coming back to this one. I always have the grilled Whiting with chips and salad – I think it is $12. The Seafood Mixed Grill is also excellent. The chips are thick cut, beer battered and great. Their burgers are pretty fine too. Generally, we eat in and watch the eclectic mix of people stroll past. Oh … and the Sonoma Bakery is right next door – so you can take home a wonderful sourdough loaf as well.
Malay-Chinese Take-Away – Shop 1, 50-58 Hunter St, Sydney
I know this says “take-away” but I can’t recall ever taking away from here. They can seat about 40-50. I am usually there on a Saturday for lunch – and it’s invariably Skinless Chicken Laksa. In my opinion the best Laksa in Sydney (although my daughter would argue that distinction belongs to Lee’s Malaysian in the food court at The Pavilion – cnr George & Bathurst Sts Sydney). Malay-Chinese also has very good Hor Fun; Chicken Curry; Har Mee; and Hainanese Chicken. Their Char Kway Teow is good as well.
Filicudi – 11 Ramsay Rd, Five Dock
Usually it’s take-away for us from this Italian Restaurant that has fed us for the last 24 years. I think Filicudi has provided for us more than 300 dinners or lunches. Generally my part of the take-away is Pizza (Pineapple, Pepperoni, Capsicum & Chilli). Their pastas are very good.
(Filicudi doesn’t have a website – the link takes you to a review from The Sydney Morning Herald)
Huong Houng – 228 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville
I added up the number of dishes in their menu once, I am sure it exceeded 600 – their website says “400+”. As you can imagine you are likely to find something that suits your palate – and some that don’t! They claim to be Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, & Malaysian. Chicken Satay Noodle Soup is often my selection – also the noodle soups, Kwai Du Serum, Lemongrass & Chilli Chicken, Lemongrass & Chilli Bean Curd. Mostly we eat in … they have been so popular they are now open only 4 days a week Wed-Sat.
Kopitiam Cafe – 594 Harris St, Ultimo
Malaysian again. The menu is pretty extensive with a mixture of Chinese and Malaysian dishes. My preferences here are Nasi Lemak (which automatically means their curry is good – though it is a bit sweet and not hot enough) and Char Kway Teoh. I think both these dishes are the best of their type in Sydney. You can also find a Kopitiam at 21 The Strand, Croydon.
(Koptiam Cafe doesn’t have a website – the link is to a review in a blog called Malaysian Kitchen Blogger Summit)
Let’s Eat Thai -352 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville
A great little Thai restaurant servicing up beautifully spiced and tasty dishes. They rate give their dishes a chilli rating so you can select to your taste. I can’t recall having a dish I didn’t enjoy. Standing out for me are Tom Yum soup, Spicy Noodles, Pad Kra Prao, and Kra Prao Moo Grob.
(Let’s Eat doesn’t have a website – the link is to Urbanspoon)
Sambal – The Malaysian Food Experience – 285-297 Lane Cove Rd, North Rd
By now, I guess you have realised that I have a leaning to spicy food – which makes Malaysian top of the list. The Malaysian Chicken Curry is great. The Nasi Lemak is good … in fact the overall menu is very good.
Surjit’s Indian Restaurant – 215 Parramatta Rd, Annandale
Rumoured to be the favoured restaurant of the Indian Cricket team when they are here in Australia – and from the signed cricket memorabilia on show, along with the tasty fare on offer, and the warm, friendly service, you’d have to conclude there is probably truth in the rumour. Surjit also has a restaurant in Sydney’s CBD – in Angel Place.
Abdul’s Lebanese Restaurant – 563 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills
What can you say about Abdul’s? They have been an institution for around 40 years and still put up the best falafel around – I keep it really simple: take away falafel roll, homous, tabouli with chilli – no salad, no tomato, no garlic, nothing else. Usually add some baklava or bird’s nests into the order.
And now … the piece de resistance:
After a big night out on a Friday night the cure for that ravenous hunger created by an over-use of alcohol:
The best bacon and egg roll in Sydney – you’ll find it at the Orange Grove Organic Food Market, every Saturday in the Orange Grove Pubic School – cnr Balmain Rd and Perry Street, Lilyfield.
mishmashmax 