ATL Maranatha - Indonesian - Ultimo

You'd be forgiven to think after biting into a piece of chicken served in this fine eatery that it was afflicted with the physiological condition known as osteoporosis, but this is the impression you are left with. The chicken called "Ayam Lunak" in Indonesian where the bones are made soft (and edible) through a pressure cooking technique.

I stumbled into ATL Maranatha by accident simply by loitering aimlessly on Broadway. Having read other food bloggers describe this eatery quite favourably and having very little experience with Indonesian food myself was a good reason to give this eatery a go.

As I enter the premisses I am presented with a visual display of one bottle of Sambel Asli per table and nothing else (even pepper and salt). It makes for a contrasting interesting view.
 

Super Chef BBQ - Chinese - Market City Food Court - Haymarket

Look up in the sky! Able to leap Asian food courts in a single bound. Strong enough to stop a bus load full of bogans en-route to a white Australia rally. It's a bird, It's a plane. No, it's Super Chef BBQ to the rescue. Suffering from hunger pains. Need to titillate those taste buds. Bored with your every day diet of bangers and mash or your proud tradition of boiled vegetables.  Do not despair, because Super Chef BBQ is here to save you.

Chinese Noodle Bar - Haymarket

While on my special quest to Sydney to find the stand out cheap and cheerful Asian eatery I stumble upon Chinese Noodle Bar which I was told by the waitress has only been operating for one week. Prior to this Kung Fu Ramen was the proprietor. It would appear that all of Kung Fu Ramen's operating equipment (kitchen tools, serving plates, furniture, cutlery, everything including expensive custom made plastic wall menus were left behind). 

Soya King Kitchen - Eating World Food Court - Haymarket

 - Who are you Fu Kin looking at?

- What do ya Fu Kin want?

- What are ya Fu Kin up to?

The sign at Soya King Kitchen raises a smile on my face as I belive the soup they are trying to describe as "Fish balls with meat in Fu Kin style - With Fu Kin local flavour stir noodle" in fact comes from the word "Fukien" which was once used to describe the current Fujian Province located on the south east coast of mainland China nearest to Taiwan. Which might make some sense, since we are on the subject of fish balls. I belive "Fu Kin" is an Engrish expression or possibly a disgrunteled Chinese person having a dig at someone.

Friday Night Markets - Chinatown - Sydney

I had heard about Sydney's Chinatown Friday Night Market from various sources and wanted to experience it for myself. We are fortunate to live in Australia which has a considerable Asian influence. So every opportunity that allows me to understand Asia I embrace with open arms. I believe we are so fortunate to have a vibrant active Asian community that continues many of their traditional pursuits one being that of a typical Asian market. I show up one afternoon on Friday as the markets swing into action. As I take my first photo I am greeted with "NO PHOTO - NO PHOTO !!!"

Gourmet Ultimo Chinese Terrace - North Chinese - Ultimo

I'm having problems starting this blog as it concerns a condiment called XO Sauce. The problem is that I can't compare it to anything I currently buy at my Asian grocer or any other shop for that matter. It's not like Soya Sauce. It's not like Kecap manis. It is not like fish sauce and nothing like shrimp paste. I've become obsessed with this sauce simply because of one meal I tried at the Gourmet Ultimo Chinese Terrace restaurant at Ultimo. A simple trinity consisting of a handful of nondescript seafood (any seafood would have worked), home made Chinese noodles and XO sauce created a meal sensation that has had a profound effect on me.

DY Sizzling Hot Pot - Chinese - Ultimo

Sydney is my home town. I used to roam the Ultimo - Broadway strip frequently in my formative years. Sometimes I was lucky to do casual work for John Fairfax & Sons (aka. Sydney Morning Herald & Financial Review). Part of my electronics diploma was achieved at the Ultimo TAFE.

De Juice - Sugar Cane Juice - Dixon Food Court - Haymarket

It would seem that I have one thing in common with a Dixon Food Court fresh juice vendor and that is the choice of the French word "De" in that we have chosen to identify ourselves to outside world by its use. De is a very important and versatile preposition with many different meanings and uses in the French language. I can say that I had the pleasure to have once met the founding father of the highly regarded purveyor of quality sugar cane juice De Juice in Dixon Food Court....

Fung Shing Gourmet - Sussex Centre Food Court - Haymarket

I've had Chinese BBQ meats on my mind for quite some time. I've seen documentaries where "BBQ Masters" with hereditary tradition go to great lengths to perfect this art form. A documentary on the production of BBQ meats brought to light that the marinating broth never expires. The BBQ Master ensured there was some marinade (a couple of cups) from the previous batch that always ended up in his new marinating brew.

Asian Style Cuisine - Dixon Food Court - Haymarket

Finally after months of procrastination I've travelled all the way from Canberra to Sydney and made my way to Dixon Food Court. The first of many quality Asian cheap eateries available in Sydney that I plan to visit. Canberra has cheap Asian food courts, but they'll only satisfy you if you sincerely believe Ham and Pineapple pizza is gourmet tucker. Standing in awe of what's on offer I realise that I can only have one meal, but I want it all. This is going to be a good trip.