DUBUDANG 두부당 🥢// Housemade Tofu: a little gem in Epping 💎

Yesterday, I was working from home at my friend's place, where he suggested we get lunch at a restaurant nearby that had recently opened and that he was keen to try out, as he had noticed that it has been incredibly popular every night, with long queues. 

I speak of none other than Dubudang, which has now been open for exactly one month, with a menu that focuses on housemade tofu. The owners are a couple, where the husband, Leo, took over his parents' tofu-making business, which started in Busan in 1998, and his wife is the head chef creating all the amazing dishes on their menu! Talk about a power couple! 

They decided to close their Busan location last year to bring their flavours to Sydney, and I can honestly say this spot is truly a local gem! Let me get into the details!

Caraway ☕✨| Newest Cafe in Burwood

It's been almost two months since this new cafe opened in Burwood, and I'm here to share my thoughts on it with you to kick-start the year on my blog. Conveniently located on the peaceful George Street, a 3-minute walk from Burwood Station, Caraway Cafe is the newest addition to the 'coolest neighbourhood in Australia' (and #16 in the world) by Time Out Magazine in 2025.

ellu cafe 🍃 / worth the hype? ☕

I visited ellu cafe, which is a cute little cafe nestled in a heritage building in Darlinghurst, about a 15-minute walk from Central Station. My friend Tony and I heard that this place was popular for their French Toast and matcha drinks using ceremonial-grade matcha powder. 

When we arrived, there was a large crowd already waiting around at the front of the cafe; however, I noticed an online waiting list, so we left our details and walked around the neighbourhood. We waited about 30 minutes before getting a call to let us know that our table was ready. 

Ramen Auru | Lunch under $20 in Sydney! 🍜

The moment my physio told me that they were serving ramen at lunch time for under $20, I was sold! Under $20 in this economy!!! If you're in the north and looking for a lunch spot under $20, consider Ramen Auru. This spot is located at Crows Nest on the busy road, Falcon Street. 

YAN | Asian Smokehouse Restaurant 🍖🥥

Finally, a meal worth writing about! It's been a while since I've had a good meal, and I'm delighted to share this little gem with you all. I first heard about this place roughly two years ago and had finally booked a table for two, for a girls' night out with my bestie and me at YAN restaurant, a one-hatted Asian Smokehouse located in Wolli Creek. 

Bar Morris | Shan't Return 🥩

Over the weekend, I booked a table to dine at Bar Morria via the First Table app, which offered 50% off the food menu, where I caught up with a friend. 

🦆🍚 Gion Duck Rice | Kyoto eats

Have you ever craved a dish from a specific time? For me, it's the Gion Duck Rice at Kyoto, Japan, that I had two years ago. It was a unique dining experience in an underground, small and cozy 7-seater open kitchen restaurant serving up just one dish that they specialise which is their duck hitsumabushi, located on the busy streets of Gion. 

Viral 'Old Baby' cake | Du Plessy Pralin & Otello 🍰

 

I was visiting the North Shore area, and decided to see if luck was on my side to purchase the 'Old Baby' cake, or japonaise cake that recently went viral due to a Chinese influencer, and now the local news has been sharing the hype. Tucked away in a cute little mall in West Pymble, Du Plessy Pralin & Otello is a small chocolatier and patisserie shop that offers a selection of beautiful truffle chocolates and cakes too. 

🪸 Koral: Bali’s First Aquarium Restaurant | Bali eats

Before going to Bali in 2023, I made a booking at Koral: Bali’s First Aquarium Restaurant for one obvious reason, it was an aquarium dining experience, and no one in my family had ever been to one before, so I thought this would be the perfect occasion to book this experience and enjoy it together.

🦐 Shrimpis Restaurant | Bali eats

 

Located in the heart of Seminyak and close to Petitenget Temple, Shrimpis is a nautical-themed restaurant with cute decors matching the theme, where it offers a wide range of seafood on its menu with global flavours! They have everything from fish, lobsters, king prawns, calamari and even oysters, which are all locally sourced, freshly caught and prepared. 

It's a perfect spot to escape the hot humid weather, as it has a cosy and comfortable atmosphere and the staff were very friendly. We also spotted a stray cat hanging around too. 

🍋 Toei Surry Hills | Take 50% Off The Bill!

Opened its doors earlier this year Toei is an Asian Australian fusion restaurant located in the colourful and diverse suburb of Surry Hills. What better way to represent Sydney's ever-evolving and growing influence on the Asian culture in Australia, especially when it comes to food.

The Long Table John Hardy | Bali Eats 🍹

Whilst in Bali, I made a last-minute booking at The Long Table by John Hardy for lunch with my brothers as I had heard some good things about this place. We sat on the second floor where we got to enjoy the beautiful garden view. 

Luc-San | Birthday Dinner 🎂

It's Leo season, which means many birthdays to celebrate including my own! This year my friend Tony and I decided to celebrate both our birthdays at Luc-San, a casual bar serving French and Japanese-inspired cuisine by Luke Mangan. Luc-San is tucked away on Pennys Lane in Potts Point, a brisk 5-minute walk from Kings Cross Station. 

Onyx Bar & Grill | Steak night in Burwood 🥩

Last month I booked a table at Onyx Bar & Grill to celebrate two occasions, a birthday for one friend, and a farewell for another friend as she embarks on her new journey in Canada. I heard about this place from my bestie who told me she had found a great place for steak that was close to home, so of course I had to try this place out!

Onyx Bar & Grill is a 7-minute walk from Burwood Station, or a 4-minute walk from Westfield Burwood, which offers parking. Upon entering the restaurant, the staff were very friendly, with their warm hospitality and showed me to my table while confirming the special occasions for the booking. The atmosphere of the restaurant was classy yet cozy, and I managed to catch golden hour. 

🍣 SANO SUSHI OMAKASE - SEPTEMBER 2023 EDN

Last September (2023), I joined my friend for an omakase dining experience with Sano-san at Azuma Japanese Restaurant. The seating for six was at the very entrance of the restaurant, separated from the hustle and bustle of the main dining area, which gave the feel of an exclusive dining experience.

Sano-san introduced himself and the menu for the evening, where he would prepare everything right in front of our eyes. He started us off with the New Zealand Snapper with caviar, shallots and white soy dressing. The snapper was incredibly fresh as it would melt across my mouth, revealing a subtle mellow sweet flavour.

mija seoul | The Final Farewell & Review

A little late, but happy new year and lunar new year everyone! I took quite a break with my last post being 5 months ago, as I was quite busy with work, personal and travelling! I'm back to start 2024 with a special kind of post. 

My friends and I visited South Korea in November, where we booked a table at Mija Seoul. Founded by YouTuber, Doobydobap (Tina Choi), Mija Seoul was a restaurant focusing on creating a menu inspired by hearty Korean meals with local and seasonal ingredients along with a traditional liquor pairing experience. 

Arthur : Surry Hill Review | It was Christmas Feast🎄

This is an incredibly late post, as I first went to Arthur during the Christmas season...last year, and we're about 3 months away until the next Christmas season already! Anyway, without further adieu, here is my experience at Arthur, and why it has climbed its way above Sixpenny (in my personal opinion). 

Amuro | Birthday Dinner 🎂

It's late August! August is one of the main celebratory months I have, where I've gone out for a couple of meals to celebrate many birthdays including my own! As for today's post, I'll be sharing my recent experience at あムロ ; Amuro (hereby known as Amuro). Located in Darlinghurst, Amuro is an intimate saké boutique diner with only 20 seats available at one time. They offer a range of boutique saké (nihonshū) and a rotating snack list, so you might not have the same menu items each time you go! 

Bistro Nido | French & Japanese-inspired Restaurant

Located on the corner of Regent Place, Bistro Nido, a French and Japanese-inspired opened its doors in May 2023. This restaurant offers an intimate setting for a lunch or dinner date with about 40 seatings available. In July, two of my friends and I decided it was time to check this place out and catch up. 

Kindred | Italian secret near you

Located within the area of Redfern, Kindred is an Italian restaurant located on the corner of Clevland Street. I first noticed this little corner restaurant as I was on my way to the bouldering gym and so happened to be stuck in traffic which is where I noticed their sign. I instantly Googled the place which came up with amazing reviews and friends sharing that their pasta was a must-try! 

After hearing such great feedback about the place, I instantly booked a table for two for my bestie and me. Everything from the sourdough to the cultured butter and of course the pasta is made in-house. The bare wood interior gave it a rustic yet cozy atmosphere, and the staff was attentive and friendly as they shared their opinions about the food and wine menu.