How many different countries can we visit, without catching a plane ? Well, we actually experienced 10 cuisines and that doesn’t count all the treats and local Australian delights !! Sydney is one of the most multicultural destinations, with more than a third of residents born overseas. The result is a cultural melting pot which is as diverse as it is delicious.
We started our adventure at Botany on the traditional Lands of Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. A French cafe – the masters of pastries and all things yummy – Croquembouche Paterissie was our first meal together. We couldn’t resist the rabbit terrine and the melt in the mouth macaroons. Next was lively Hurstville which is home to Sydney’s largest Chinese community. Lunch was up the road at Bexley for a traditional Greek Gyros from Gyrodiko Kitchen.
Dinner was such a culinary experience at Shinara – Korean BBQ. Korean BBQ is a popular method of grilling meat & vegetables on a char grill which is built into our own dining table itself. It can’t get any fresher. Our favourite was the wagyu beef, marinated pork, baby octopus and prawns. We were spoilt with so much choice on the buffet.
Day 2 took us to vibrant Cabramatta, where we were surrounded by the sounds, smells and flavours of Vietnam. For lunch, we narrowed it down to the famous Bahn Mi or Pho. The winner was a meal from Pho 54. The Pho, with the most tender beef and crunchy sprouts was to die for. In our wandering, we also devoured many freshly made juices- like Jack fruit and avocado as well as banana fritters and taro chips.
Khaybar was our next choice for an amazing dinner. It is located in Auburn- a vibrant hub of Lebanese, Turkish and other middle eastern cultures. Khaybar is authentic Afghan cuisine and our stand out dishes were the Buranee – sautéed eggplant in rich tomato sauce with yoghurt and Mantu – lamb and herb dumplings. Of course, we had to finish our meal with Baklava.
We started Day 3, at beautiful Walsh Bay, overlooking the harbour and Luna Park , beside the Harbour Bridge – couldn’t have been a more magic spot in Sydney ! Breakfast by the water and then it was time for a taste of Holland – the Winkeltje at Smithfield. Clogs, salted liquorice, tulips and lots of delft blue crockery were on display. Poffertjes were our pick of treats – mini, fluffy pancakes dusted with icing sugar.
This was a foodie tour and we couldn’t leave Sydney without going to Sydney Fish Market. It is the largest market of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and the world’s second largest seafood market in terms of variety outside of Japan. Oysters Kilpatrick and Whitebait were the favs.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do – go to Leichhardt, Norton St, for a taste of little Italy. 7ettimo Pizzeria Ristorante was the pick for our last dinner together – the yummiest wood fired pizzas and spaghetti marinara. Tonight we celebrated 2 Birthdays and that means cake and candles – Italian cake of course - Tiramisu!
On our last day we packed in a day of sightseeing in Sydney – the stunning QVB – a remarkable piece of gothic revival architechture – , a ride on the light rail and, of course, China town.
Our very last meal together was another highlight of our multicultural experience – authentic Japanese tonkotsu ramen – a thick pork broth with noodles from long established Gumshara. We just had to finish our meal off with Sydney’s most famous desert, Emperor puffs – delicious warm custard filled balls.
We all thoroughly enjoyed the experience of trying new foods, being immersed in different cultures and beyond happy that we made new friends.
