The premier Sydney International Food Festival is set to roll out in October. The festival is colored with night noodle markets reflecting the vibrant energy of Asian street vendors, positioned in the heart of Sydney's Hyde Park from 12-16 and 19-23 October. The festival is bustling not only with food markets, but also cooking workshops, exclusive guest chef dinners, and the budget-friendly Let's Do Lunch offer (comprising of a single course meal with wine for merely A$35 at some of the premium cafes in the city). It's sure to be a gastronomical delight.
A break between the festival events affords a wonderful opportunity to delve into the suburbs, where you can discover some of Sydney’s diverse dining hotspots. To conveniently locate yourself within the festive heart and let yourself soak in the culinary marvels of Sydney, book here >> for accommodations in the city center. Secure your spot in the midst of this fabulous event and make the most of your food festival experience.
1. Chat Thai
The pulsating heart of Sydney houses Thai Town - a vibrant portal that allows a peek into Australia's rich Southeast Asian culinary scene. It's a neighborhood adorned with traditional grocery stores and a myriad of eateries offering authentic meals. One cannot help but be enticed by the tantalizing aroma of lemongrass and coconut that permeates its surroundings. In this epicurean paradise, stands an attractive eatery, Spice I Am, located at 90 Wentworth Avenue, where street food is transformed into an artform. Competing for attention is Chat Thai's enticing display of sizzling satays, fresh prawns on the grill, and expert craftswomen shaping delightful coconut and pandan dumplings. Their delectable offerings, such as the fiercely spicy som dtum (a green papaya salad), a variety of daily exotic Thai specials including grills slathered in tangy nam jim jeaw (a traditional dipping sauce), and a selection of sublime daily desserts, are well worth the queue.
Experience authentic Thai cuisine at Chat Thai, located at 20 Campbell Street, Haymarket, with the contact number + 61 2 9211 1808. This restaurant chain also graces the streets of Randwick, Manley, and Galeries Victoria. Indulge in their rich, flavorful Noodle dishes, starting from just A$8.90 (£4.80).
2. Mamak
If you find yourself in Sydney's most ancient Chinatown district (of which there are currently a few), seize the opportunity to witness the creation of your meal right in front of your very eyes courtesy of the storefront showcase. This is the primary appeal of Mamak, a modest, yet charming Malaysian eatery offering speedy and uncomplicated fare that emulates the time-honored tradition of street food vending. The draw for many is their offering of delectable roti, renowned for its crunchy texture and irresistible nature. Savour them coupled with hearty curry sauces, fiery chilli sambal, or as a complement to chicken or lamb immersed in tantalizingly spiced concoctions.
For the full experience, visit Mamak at 15 Goulburn Street, Haymarket, or call on +61 2 9211 1668. Your taste buds can embark on this journey of flavors starting from a mere A$5 for roti and main courses beginning from A$13.
3. Bodega
Experience the fusion of Spanish and South American cultures in a sophisticated tapas-style menu at a venue renowned for its unique delicacies like kingfish ceviche served on charred garlic sourdough or their distinctive creation, the Bodega "fish fingers" - sashimi Kingfish served on a garlic toast, topped with cuttlefish ceviche and mojama for just A$16. Although the space at Surry Hills, situated on the southern margin of the city, may seem small and incessantly busy, it contributes to the establishment's vibrant atmosphere. Finding a seat can be challenging due to its popularity, but patrons can always enjoy empanadas and a variety of other delicacies, coupled with wine by the glass at the neighbouring bar.
Visit Bodega at 216 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills. For enquiries or reservations, you may reach us at +61 2 9212 7766. Main dishes start from A$14.
4. Tan Viet Noodle House
If you're looking to delve into Sydney's Vietnamese culinary scene, head to Cabramatta, widely regarded as the city's Vietnamese heartland. While you'll find pho (beef noodle soup) at every turn, one of the standout dishes at this spacious noodle shop is their chicken and egg noodle soup. Be sure to try their famous "criskin" chicken, known for its irresistibly crispy skin that graces nearly every table. To enhance your dining experience, garnish your broth with bean shoots and dip into nuoc cham, a tangy dipping sauce. A visit to Tan Viet Noodle House is incomplete without ordering their delicious chicken.
Located at 3/100 John St, Cabramatta, this restaurant can be reached at +61 2 9727 6853. While they don't have a website, Tan Viet Noodle House offers main dishes priced between A$8 and A$9.50, along with delightful desserts for A$3.
5. Kushiyaki Azuma
The culinary scene in Sydney is getting a Japanese twist, thanks to the recent wave of unique and original restaurants, endorsed and visited by a substantial Japanese expatriate and student populace. These eateries focus on dainty skewers of assorted seafood, chicken, and vegetables. One such establishment is an extension of a more sophisticated restaurant located at the posh Chifley Place, in proximity to Circular Quay, and is regularly visited by celebrity chef Tetsuya Wakuda. Patrons can choose from a skewer menu, with each char-grilled skewer accompanied by flavourful dipping salts, or select from the sake-friendly snack list. Both the prawn-filled shitake mushrooms and chicken meatballs earn exceptional reviews.
Visit Kushiyaki Azuma at Regent Place, 501 George Street, or give them a call on + 61 2 9267 7775. Their fixed lunch menu starts at a reasonable A$22.
6. Mongers
Experience a dining adventure like no other at Mongers, a fish and chip shop with a twist. Indulge in a mouthwatering selection of barbecued or tempura prawns, accompanied by perfectly cooked skin-on chips, a refreshing grilled fish salad, kumera crisps, and corn cobs. For the more adventurous foodies, try the tempura veggies or the chargrilled octopus, both bursting with flavor.
Located at 42 Hall Street in the vibrant Bondi Beach, Mongers offers an unforgettable seafood experience. Treat yourself to freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters, opened to order, for the ultimate culinary delight. With mains starting from an unbeatable price of A$6.50, Mongers provides exceptional value for money without compromising on taste or quality.
Contact Mongers today at +61 2 9365 2205 and embark on a gastronomic journey that combines affordability with exceptional seafood dishes. You won't be disappointed!
7. Kings Lane Sandwiches
The towering Aussie standard is an amazingly stacked sandwich, reaching up to 10 centimetres in height, which can easily be considered a meal on its own. This small yet bustling place boasts a large crowd during lunch hours. You have the freedom to assemble your dream sandwich, or you can choose from favourites like the well-loved chicken schnitzel with herb mayo and lettuce, or the poached chicken with celeriac coleslaw. Being part of the queue is just one of the enjoyable aspects of the experience. Select a spot in the adjacent square and savour your meal under the radiant sunshine.
You can find this delightful sandwich hub at Kings Lane Sandwiches, located at 28 Kings Lane, Darlinghurst, with the contact number +61 2 9360 8007. The prices are also reasonable with sandwiches starting from just A$7.50 and salads from A$9.50.
Did you know that the tradition of sandwiches originated in England? Or that the health benefits of sandwiches include providing essential nutrients in just one meal? That makes our Kings Lane Sandwiches not just delicious, but also a healthy choice!
8. Kam Fook
Although Sydney is not Hong Kong or Singapore, it holds its own with ample offerings of large dim sum venues situated in fancy shopping centers. Among these is the charming, contemporary, and highly reliable tea and dumpling sanctuary known to locals and tourists alike. The ambiance is warm, the service amicable and the shrimp gow gee sets the gold standard for being delightfully airy and appetizing.
Take a flavorful excursion at Kam Fook, strategically located at 500 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction, or give them a ring at 9386 9889. Satisfy your tastebuds with main dishes starting at an affordable A$15. Enjoy high quality food without breaking your bank.
9. Ash St Cellar
The Ash St Cellar, which is part of the sophisticated and trendy ivy - an expansive venue that houses a variety of bars and restaurants buzzing with activity, especially on Saturday nights. Tucked away within this hub, you'll find the more subtle charm of Ash St Cellar. This bistro and wine bar exudes ambiance, serving a delightful range of modern Mediterranean small plate dishes and snacks.
Visit the Ash St Cellar at 1 Ash Street, Sydney or call at + 61 2 9240 3000. You can enjoy a main course starting at a reasonable A$14. This spot is not just affordable but promises a wonderful fusion of flavors that are sure to entice your palate.
10. Café Chocolat
In the heart of Sydney, culinary genius Adriano Zumbo crafts decadent airy delights, nestled in a chic, intimate corner that smells like chocolate heaven. One of his standout delicacies is a dish influenced by banoffee pie, that cleverly replicates a chocolate macaroon "hamburger". While savory bites like a gratifying toasted brioche filled with ham and cheese are indeed tempting, the allure of the sweet creations can prove to be too powerful to resist.
Visit Café Chocolat at Shop 5, 308 Darling Street, Balmain or contact at +61 2 9555 1199.
Did you know that banoffee pie is an English dessert made from bananas, cream, and toffee on a buttery base? Or that Adriano Zumbo gained fame through his appearances on MasterChef Australia?