There is a lot to love about Sydney…

some 850 suburbs to be exact.  On the horizon we have family arriving from overseas; with this an expectation that we will take them on a show and tell of our beautiful harbour-side home city.

As we seem to spend more time hopping on planes to leave Sydney for other destinations; my local knowledge could use an update. Therefore, I have made it a mission to get out and about; sample more of what is on offer.  Sydneysiders are a multi-cultural bunch; you can virtually travel the world’s flavours by not ever leaving the city sprawl.    Where to begin?

In the past I have used Urban Walkabout maps for our visitors with great success.  When the latest guide for our suburb popped into my mailbox it seemed serendipitous; thus planning for our first foray further afield began.

CHATSWOOD

Situated 10 kilometres north of the Sydney CBD; Chatswood is a shopping and foodie hub.   The flavours are predominantly Asian; this is reflected in the many eateries that line the suburbs main street – Victoria Avenue.  Days could be spent eating in Chatswood, tasting all there is on offer; however, we only had a few hours.  After a little pre-visit research we hit the spots to visit.

EAT

85 degrees Bakery

With a morning tea stop required; the brightly coloured façade of this Taiwanese Bakery beckoned.  We joined the line snaking out the door.  Once inside you take a tray and move along the rows and rows of freshly baked products.  Each item more tantalising than the next (in a glossy, sugar spun kind of way) –as we had plenty of walking ahead I relaxed my no white bread rule for the kids.

Apparently the bakery name is derived from the correct temperature to drink coffee.  We didn’t try this – but The Young Son declared the sweet milky Hong Kong tea to be superb.  The Eldest loved his Mini Hamburger; Grandma enjoyed the sweet little jar of Vanilla Panna Cotta (rich and velvety).  My Brown Sugar Square was dense; and chewy; and delicious.

At under ten dollars (almost the cost of two coffees at other Sydney cafes) this was great value.  326 Victoria Avenue.

SHOP

We could easily have filled an entire day wandering the myriad of shops.  Running the gamut of clothing; massages; Chinese medicine; the usual suspects of Westfield & Chatswood Chase; and a variety of specialty shops.

Ginseng Chinese Medicine – A huge range of teas and herbs and associated accoutrements (sweet tea mugs).  With more time up my sleeve I would return for a massage or acupuncture session. Shop 10, The Concourse.

Fortune Abalone – For the curiosity factor alone.  The mecca for Abalone and dried seafood – the kids were intrigued to see one particular brand cost $1395.00 per kilo! The Concourse.

EAT

Makanai Japanese Raman Noodle House

Our timing was spot on as we sailed into a table for four just ahead of the 1200noon lunchtime queue.  The recommendation to lunch here came via the Urban Walkabout website and was seconded by a local shop assistant in the know.  A cosy (read tightly packed) eatery renowned for the freshly made Udon Noodles; despite the crowds the service was prompt.

My Tasmanian Salmon sashimi was melt in your mouth wonderful; The Eldest’s Chicken Teriyaki Don was a massive bowl of yum that was inhaled with glee.  The Youngest (still satisfied from his earlier meal at the Bakery) opted for a simple bowl of Miso Broth and the famed Udon Noodles – sublime in its simplicity.  Grandma declared the Karaage Chicken to be the ticket to beat off the rainy Saturday chill. Eating in Chatswood is definitely superb!

We were full and happy for about $15 per person.  No complaints here. Westfield, Anderson Street.

THE URBAN MUM GUIDE

Pre-trip get your hands on an Urban Walkabout Chatswood.; order via their website.

Weekend crowd flood Chatswood; pick your meal times  – if you are with kids (or hungry) – go early to avoid the queues.