The mi goreng toastie from Dutch Smugglers is not to be missed. Photo / Supplied
The mi goreng toastie from Dutch Smugglers is not to be missed. Photo / Supplied
Sydney is full of culinary delights and no shortage of places to eat for weary travellers traipsing through the vibrant city.
But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start when looking for a place to eat that doesn’t break the bank but delivers a great foodie experience.
So with just two days on the ground, lifestyle and travel editor Jenni Mortimer set out to do just that; find divine dishes, epic locations, and unbeatable value that would leave any traveller feeling content.
Here are the seven must-try dishes she loved in Sydney and you will too:
People come from far and wide to try the infamous cheeseburger spring rolls - that come highly recommended - and it’s easy to see why. From that first bite with the most perfect crunch, to the filling that really does taste just like a McDonald’s cheeseburger, it’s the perfect starter. For a night filled with delicious food and a very cool vibe you really can’t go wrong at Ms.G’s
Price: $9
Location: 155 Victoria St, Potts Point
Mi goreng toastie: Dutch Smuggler
Artisan sourdough bread, the perfect runny egg, cheese and oodles and oodles of mi goreng noodles make this toastie an absolute must-try. While it might look like a recipe for sticky fingers or a stain on a fresh white tee, the sourdough encapsulates the saucy interior and balances the richness of the filling. This is one dish that’s sure to blow your mind but not your budget.
Dutch Smuggler's Mi goreng toastie. Photo / NZ Herald
Mary’s burger: Mary’s
Mary’s is a Sydney institution, with eight locations across the city and burgers that will leave you dreaming of your next New South Wales getaway. Their Mary’s burger holds legend status for a reason with its soft sweet bun, grass-fed beef smash patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and Mary’s signature sauce. It’s not trying to be anything other than a bloody good burger. All burgers come with a generous portion of fries and some of the best vibes in the city.
Birdie Bar and Brasserie is home to one of Sydney’s most innovative chefs, deeply passionate about his culinary skills and how others experience them. Birdie’s The Ducks trended on social media due to their adorable shape and moreish duck liver parfait filling. If you are looking for a dish to light up your Instagram feed and tastebuds, this is it.
Price: $16
Location: 7-9 York St, Sydney
The Ducks. Photo / NZ Herald
Fries: Coogee Pavilion
I’m as surprised as you are to see fries on a list of the best dishes, but the fries at Coogee Pavilion hold legend status with the locals for a reason. Perfectly cooked fries, their signature fry seasoning and one of the best aiolis you can dip a chip in to make them the ultimate starter. Best devoured before enjoying their Gnomo mushroom, Italian sausage and truffle pecorino pizza and soaking up the views at the stunning beachside location in the Eastern suburbs of Sydney.
This one makes the list not only for its delicious local steamed mussels in a rich creamy sauce, but also for the dish’s insane value. For $25 you can get a full pot of mussels, with a baguette and a beer, wine or prosecco that will leave you feeling full and like you’ve managed to nab one of Sydney’s last remaining food bargains.
Price: $25
Location: 176 George Street, Sydney
Chicken Barbie toastie: Toastie Smith
Sydney is having a real toastie moment, with our second toastie making the list due to its ingenious bread design - it’s still connected at the bottom so nothing falls out - and insane flavour combinations. The chicken barbie toastie is packed full of spiced chicken thigh, cheese, roasted sesame-flavoured slaw, pineapple, smashed avocado and shichimi and is the perfect lunch on the go for the busy traveller.
Jenni Mortimer is the New Zealand Herald’s lifestyle and travel editor. Jenni started at the Herald in 2017 and previously worked as an education publication editor. She’s also mum to a 5-year-old son who she loves taking on adventures across the globe.
