Efendy, Meze Bar and Taste of Sydney with Somer Sivrioglu

Recently I managed to win a free ticket to Taste of Sydney thanks to Efendy chef and owner, Somer Sivrioglu. At last year’s event, Efendy took out the inaugural Best in Taste award for their Ali Nazik, a traditionally-made kebab with veal backstrap, leg of lamb and lamb tail fat.

Green Palace Vegetarian Restaurant, Newtown

Green Palace is one of many, many Thai restaurants on Newtown’s King St strip. However, it stands out from others because of three things: it’s vegan, it’s cheap, and it’s really REALLY delicious. I know, it surprised me too!

Pork belly & ribs stewed in orange, soy and spices

This is my mum’s best classic, comforting winter dinner dish and a firm family favourite. It fills the house with an incredibly enticing, warming fragrance from the star anise, cinnamon and orange, and reminds me of the happiest moments of my childhood. The pork is stewed until incredibly tender, so that the fat just melts in the mouth and the meat is worthy of ‘pulling’ pork status. The ribs are a treat for those who aren’t into pork fat (i.e. crazy people, and my sister).

Al Carbón @ La Lupita Pop-Up Restaurant, Canterbury

In general, I’m not into pop-ups, food trucks and other trendy things. However, I do love good food, and am always willing to try something new. So when I heard that the home of the famed Al Carbón food truck was just up the road from me in Canterbury, and that it was (occasionally) home to a pop-up restaurant called La Lupita, I was intrigued to try it.

Gujarati Shrikhand – spiced yoghurt dessert

As part of our recent Indian Christmas in July party, my beautiful and talented foodie friend Sal (of Sassy Bites catering) offered to bring a dessert. Expecting sticky sweet gulab jamun, or perhaps some kind of kulfi, I was surprised and intrigued when I spied these beautiful little ramekins of spiced yoghurt – aren’t they beautiful!

Moroccan lamb mince, egg and feta ‘breakfast’ tagine

There are few things more delicious than the fragrance of simmering lamb and cinnamon. This breakfast tagine, inspired by the amazeballs one at Kazbah in Balmain (also in Darling Harbour and Top Ryde), makes breakfast worth getting out of bed for.

Cereal? Pah! Toast? Pish! 

Pork and eggplant adobo

This is one of my absolute favourite comfort dishes. It’s perfect for when you have no fresh vegies, and are feeling unwell or tired, and need something warming and hearty. (Tick, tick and tick!) The ingredients might not sound exciting, but trust me, this dish is more than the sum of its parts! 

Bò Kho (Vietnamese lemongrass beef stew)

I made this recently as the main course at a dinner party, although I’m told that in Vietnam it is usually eaten as a breakfast dish. I’d happily eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s so good. As with most stews it improves overnight so it’s best to start it the day before for maximum flavour and tenderness.

Mut jup mun gai yik (a.k.a. honey soy chicken wings) and a lovely riesling

These sticky wings are absolutely divine and incredibly popular with young and old alike. According to my parents, this has been my favourite food since before I could talk!

Izote Mexican Restaurant, Newtown

 I would never claim to be an expert (or anywhere near it) when it comes to Mexican or South American cuisine. My only experience of either outside of restaurants was when my family lived in an apartment above a Brazilian couple when I was 9 or 10. I remember they made some delicious food, including a cracking creme caramel, but my memory ends there!