Where to Eat in Sydney: 5 Spots I’ll Always Go Back to

Where to eat in Sydney – Every time I’m back in this beautiful city, one thing is guaranteed: I plan my days around food (other than hanging out with my family and friends, of course! hehe). From local restaurants, global chains, to comforting desserts, these are some of my personal favourites – the ones I genuinely crave, talk about, and immediately recommend to friends.

The Grounds Coffee Factory

I know The Grounds of Alexandria is on pretty much everyone’s must-visit list when in Sydney. And yes, their art installations (which change every few months) are always impressive. But did you know there are other The Grounds locations too? And they’re just as special, with genuinely good food.

My cousins took me to the one in Eveleigh, an area that was once a major locomotive and railway hub back in the late 19th century. This branch is an actual coffee factory, so while you’re eating, you can see (and smell!) the coffee being crafted through the glass windows. If you want to enjoy The Grounds’ great food without the long queues, this one’s definitely worth a visit.

Image credit: The Grounds Coffee Factory Instagram

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Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken

For those who have been touched by the deliciousness of Nando’s peri-peri chicken, let’s hug and agree it’s one of the best things to eat in the world. And if you’ve never tried it before, imagine this: tender, charred, flame-grilled chicken marinated in a spicy, tangy peri-peri sauce. Depending on the heat level, the spice builds into a warm, zesty kick rather than a burn-your-mouth moment.

The flavour goes all the way to the bone. Pair it with peri-peri-sprinkled chips or corn on the cob and boom – you’ve got the kind of meal you find yourself craving again and again. Nando’s is a global chain and I’ve tried it in a few other countries, but in my personal experience, Nando’s in Oz is the best.

Image credit: Nando’s Australia website

Island Radio

“You can take a girl out of Asia, but you can’t take Asia out of a girl” – I guess that saying is true. As much as I love international cuisine, Asian food wins every time. No competition needed.

This trendy spot in Redfern serves up a South-East Asian–inspired menu. They change their menu every now and then, by the way, which keeps things exciting – but this is what we had: sate Padang (Padang beef satay), grilled chicken, quinoa salad, their take on mie ayam (chicken noodles), and a Balinese pie susu (milk pie) for dessert. Nothing disappointed. The Indonesian dishes still had spot-on flavours, even with a modern twist – and I have to admit, their pie susu was actually better than the OG, whoops!

Bonus points: they have a disco toilet. Because no night out is complete without a bathroom rave!

What we had at Island Radio – sate padang, mie ayam, and pie susu

Tenacious Bakehouse

As a dessert person and a lifelong lover of Asian flavours like matcha, taro, and ube – I have to say this, and I’m really not exaggerating: their Taro Cream Croissant is one of the best pastries I’ve ever had.

They claim to use natural sweetness with 60% reduced sugar, and I believe it, because it’s not overly sweet like most pastries. The cream somehow tastes rich and light at the same time (how is that even possible??). It’s best eaten cold, which makes the taro cream taste almost like ice cream.

That purple dusting on top is sweet potato powder, and it ties everything together perfectly. I’m sure their other pastries are amazing too… but I’ll save those for next time.

The star – Taro Cream Croissant and other interesting pastries at Tenacious Bakehouse

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Yogurberry

And another dessert spot…I know you can get frozen yoghurt pretty much anywhere, but going back to my love for Asian flavours, yogurberry has taro froyo! Woot woot! And that alone is why, even with all the newer and trendier frozen yoghurt spots around, Yogurberry is still my favourite. It’s pay-by-weight, so you can customise it exactly how you like.

I usually go for taro froyo topped with their unsweetened mochi, coconut jelly, and almond flakes. Simple, not overly sweet, and deeply comforting. I was so happy to see that even after years of not being back in Sydney, this place still exists. I wish them all the success so they stay open foreverrrr!!!

Image credit: Yogurberry Australia Instagram

Sydney’s food scene is massive, but these places hit that sweet spot between comfort, flavour, and personal nostalgia for me. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or coming back like I was, I hope this list gives you a few delicious reasons to eat your way through the city.

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24 Mar 2026 by Bella in Asia

Chiang Mai Cafes: 6 Cute Places with Great Coffee and Bites

Chiang Mai has become one of my favourite cities for coffee - I don’t think I’ve had a bad cup here so far. They’re all good for my taste, my stomach, and my wallet. I find coffee prices here really fair, and even the fancy ones with cream, oat milk, and all that stuff are still reasonable (compared to Bali at least). I haven’t tried many coffee shops in Chiang Mai yet, so this list will keep growing as I discover more cute spots. But for now, here are some of my favourites - places that are not only cute but also serve great coffee, pastries, and sweets. Monday AttackForest BakeGroonLondon BakeryMarsMatchi Matchi You may also like this article: Chiang Mai Food Markets - 5 Popular Spots to Eat Monday Attack I like to imagine that the people behind this café simply weren’t built for office life, probably hated Mondays, and decided to start this coffee shop instead hehehe. Monday Attack has a cozy retro interior that looks cool from every corner, complete with a photobooth and nice cold air con (essential - if you need a little escape from the heat outside). I first came here after exploring Waroros Market nearby, and their iced latte topped with soft serve instantly won my heart. Turns out Mondays aren’t so bad when they involve good coffee and chilling. Forest Bake This is where you go when you want to enjoy a slow day in the garden with tea or coffee and an artisanal cake. Their pastries are made in small batches every day, so it’s best to come in the morning when everything is fresh, also because they tend to sell out quickly. The main bakery sits inside a cute little cabin that looks like it belongs in a European storybook. Outside, there’s a garden with a woodland aesthetic where you can truly take your time. I especially like their tarts; the blueberry and lemon ones are my favourites. Image credit: Forest Bake Instagram You may also like this article: A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai - 4 Things to Know Groon I have so many good things to say about Groon. Not only is the coffee good, but they also make great scones, honey shokupan, and sometimes I even come here for lunch because I love their chicken quesadillas and creamy truffle pasta. This café sits between two other dessert spots; one frozen yoghurt place (which I also like) and a bingsoo shop. My guess is that they share the same owner because everything is connected, and you can order from whichever one you feel like. Pastry image credit: Groon Instagram London Bakery Spoiler alert: they don’t sell any London or British pastries here. Quite the opposite, they serve Asian-inspired items like matcha flan, ube soft bread, and salt bread, alongside classics such as blueberry cheesecake, croissants, and pretzels. The interior looks very 90s in a charming way, featuring a candy-coloured gate (to the toilets, lol) and a giant statue of their mascot that makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight into the world of Hansel and Gretel. And yes, of course, the coffee is good. But I usually come here for the munch, accompanied by coffee - not the other way around, hehe. You may also like this article: How to Stay in Thailand Visa-Free for 90 Days Mars Literally just a few steps away from London Bakery (I counted), you’ll find Mars café. The name already tells you what to expect the moment you walk in. Considering how Instagram-worthy this place is, it’s surprisingly not packed with people just taking photos. They actually come for the coffee too, which is nice. By the way, this café shares its entrance with a hotel upstairs, which makes for some very funny moments; you’ll see confused guests walking in expecting a normal hotel lobby, only to find themselves on what looks like a Star Trek film set. Matchi Matchi I came here just for a coffee, but ended up ordering their soft serve too - because it's their specialty, and because I have free will, heheh. Aaanddd... I think I've found a new favourite dessert! Their black sesame soft serve was whoahhh-so-good! The place itself is also very cute - is it a coincidence that I keep ending up in cute places? ;) I also tried their matcha choux, which was good and much bigger than I expected. Overall, a very happy experience. Would definitely go back fo' sho! I really like Chiang Mai and it’s coffee scene - every corner seems to hide another charming spot waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re here for serious coffee, sweet treats, or just a cozy place to slow down for a while, there’s always somewhere nice to try. And knowing me, this list definitely won’t stay at six for long. BRB checking out more cafes in town! ☕️

22 Jun 2026 by Bella in Asia

7 Days in Chiang Mai: Interesting Things to Do, See, and Eat

7 Days in Chiang Mai I can't believe I've been staying in Chiang Mai for six months by the time I’m writing this - time flies. This beautiful city in Northern Thailand has grown on me in the best way. Every time I post about the cafes I visit, the places I explore, or the delicious food I discover on Instagram, my DMs are filled with friends asking for Chiang Mai recommendations. A few have even come to visit me here - including my parents, and a few are coming in the next month. So, since I already have this website, I thought I might as well put everything together in one place for anyone planning a trip here. If you’ve been to Bangkok and are wondering how different Chiang Mai is, it feels like a different side of Thailand. It’s quieter, slower-paced, and much more affordable I'd say, with plenty of amazing food, cute cafes, nature escapes that are very close to the city, and fun local experiences. So here’s my guide to what you can expect from a week-long holiday in Chiang Mai - though in my opinion, a week is not enough. Also, this is not a day-by-day itinerary, so you have the freedom to pick and choose what you’d like to do. You may also like this article: How to Stay in Thailand Visa-Free for 90 Days Exploring the Old City The Old City sits right within the “square” area you’ll see on the city map, making it super easy to navigate. It’s packed with restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, and hotels, so there’s always something around every corner. You can even walk around the entire square and visit all four gates. I did it for fun and measured it - the full loop is about 6.7km. It’s a great way to slowly explore the city, especially on your first day, while getting a feel for Chiang Mai’s charm. Here are a few restaurants in Old City that I like: Kat's Kitchen: A popular Thai restaurant (super busy in high season) Sanjan: The only Indonesian restaurant in Chiang Mai Kai Wan: Tom Yum restaurant Kati: A western breakfast and brunch spot (super busy in high season) SP Chicken: Grilled chicken and Thai food Chang Phueak, one of the four gates in the Old City Wat Phra That Doi Suthep There are many beautiful temples here, but this Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the city's unofficial "you have been to Chiang Mai" landmark. Sitting on top of Doi Suthep mountain, this iconic temple famous for its golden pagoda, beautiful details, and incredible views overlooking the city. I have written a complete article on how to get there, including the different transport options, so check that out if you’re planning your visit. Definitely worth adding to your Chiang Mai itinerary. Read here: A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai: 4 Things to Know The beautiful Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Local Markets, obviously I mean, you can’t really go to Thailand without visiting the markets, right? There are so many different ones to explore, and they’re great places to find interesting local handmade products too. But whenever I go to a market, I’m there for the food! I’ve put together a list of markets you can visit, along with their opening days and times, so you can plan your itinerary and figure out which market to visit on which day (aren’t I nice? Hehehe). Read here: Chiang Mai Food Markets - 8 Popular Spots to Eat The relaxing ambiance at Coconut Market Cooking Class I don’t cook, and I don’t like cooking - I’m really not that person, lol. But did I enjoy making Thai curries, Pad Thai, and Tom Yum? I surprisingly did! I probably wouldn’t have joined if it wasn’t for my parents convincing me, but it turned out to be such a fun experience. You can usually find cooking school options in brochures at travel agencies, but the one we chose was called Smile Organic Farm. It was 900 baht per person for four dishes plus one curry paste that we learned how to make from scratch. They picked us up from our accommodation, took us to the farm, and prepared all the ingredients for us, so all we had to do was cook (and try not to mess it up - which I kinda did). The portions were huge for me and my parents, and we ended up with so much food that we had to take some home. Coming from someone who rarely steps into the kitchen, I can confidently recommend this experience. My parents making Phat Kaphrao in the cooking class Baan Kang Wat I really love this place! Baan Kang Wat is a charming little art village where you can browse handmade crafts and join workshops like ceramics, jewellery making, painting, and other creative activities. You can meet local artists, shop for unique art pieces, and have lunch. If you haven’t tried Northern Thailand’s signature dish, Khao Soi, there’s a popular spot here serving a really delicious bowl (although there are plenty of other restaurants and coffee shops to explore too). You can easily spend a few hours here just wandering around without a plan - eat, shop, discover little creative corners, or simply relax in the lovely garden area in the middle of the village. It’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy Chiang Mai’s creative side. ⏰ Opening Hour: Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 6pm 📍Google Map: Baan Kang Wat One of the workshops you can do at Baan Kang Wat Nature and Adventure You can easily escape to nearby hills and waterfalls like Mae Sa Waterfall or Huay Kaew Waterfall, perfect for a quick nature break without going too far. For something more scenic, drive up to Doi Inthanon National Park, the highest point in Thailand, where you can enjoy cooler weather, viewpoints, and beautiful nature walks through forests and waterfalls. If you’re staying closer to the city, the famous Monk’s Trail near Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a great little hike that takes you through the jungle up to a peaceful temple stop. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and calm, all within reach of Chiang Mai. Beautiful Maeya waterfall Massage...as many times as possible After all the sightseeing, adventures, and 10K steps a day, every single day, you definitely deserve a good Thai massage. Actually, you don’t even need to wait until the end of your trip. You can have as many as you want because they’re affordable and pretty great almost anywhere, even the random little spots. From just 350 baht an hour, you can basically be transported to heaven on earth. So make the most of your time in Chiang Mai and book that massage! Image credit: Pure Knead Massage A day trip to Chiang Rai If you have extra time on your holiday and still have the energy for a long drive, a day trip to Chiang Rai is worth considering. It’s a province in Northern Thailand, about 3 hours away from Chiang Mai, known for its beautiful temples and scenic landscapes. You can either rent a car and drive yourself, but I prefer just sitting back and letting a driver take you around - it’s way easier, especially when you just want to enjoy the views and not worry about navigation. I’ve also written a full article on the most beautiful places to see in Chiang Rai, so check that out if you’re planning your trip! Read here: A Day Trip to Chiang Rai: 5 Beautiful Destinations to See The White Temple, one of the must-sees in Chiang Rai Ok like I said, a week is not enough to explore this beautiful city. So this is just a starting point for your Chiang Mai journey. The city is best experienced at your own pace, with space to wander and discover beyond any list. However you choose to explore it, I hope Chiang Mai treats you as kindly as it has treated me. Hope you find this article useful and thank you for reading!

06 Aug 2026 by Bella in Asia

Where to Eat in Chiang Mai: From Thai to Western Cuisine

Where to Eat in Chiang Mai I love food, and while I usually enjoy cooking and eating at home, living in Chiang Mai has made it very hard to resist eating out. Surrounded by incredible food spots and affordable prices, I find myself wanting to explore a new place almost every day. Oh, and one thing I love about Chiang Mai is that authentic, homemade-style meals are often cheaper than junk food - it’s so easy to eat well here. This isn’t a list of the “best restaurants in Chiang Mai” - because I’m sure there are just soooo many amazing places to discover. Instead, I’m simply sharing my regular go-to spots that I genuinely enjoy and hope they’ll help you plan your Chiang Mai trip, especially if it’s your first time visiting. Most of these places are located in or around the city centre, simply because that’s where I live. And if you’re looking for market snacks and street food finds, I’ve also written a separate guide for that, which you can find here: Chiang Mai Food Markets - 8 Popular Spots to Eat. THAI FOODKat's KitchenCherng Doi Roast ChickenKaPaoKhao-Sō-iHello SolaoTong Tem TohASIAN COMFORTSanjanSushi UmaiWESTERN COMFORTWhy Not Italian Restaurant & Wine BarBeast BurgerSmash DaddyLittle Pasta Box THAI FOOD Kat's Kitchen It seems like this restaurant is on every tourist's Chiang Mai checklist, and I can see why. The prices are incredibly affordable, the portions are generous enough to share with friends, and the food is delicious. Nothing fancy, it's a simple local eatery serving all the Thai classics we know and love. My personal favourite is the chicken Pad See Ew. Just keep in mind that it gets incredibly busy during the high season, with queues forming around lunch and dinner, so it's worth coming a little before or after the rush if you want to avoid the wait. 📍Google Map: Kat's Kitchen⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 9am-9.30pm💰 Price Range: 100-200 baht/ person Image credit: Kat's Kitchen Google page Cherng Doi Roast Chicken They’re known for their boneless grilled chicken, which is very nice. But don’t overlook the grilled pork - it's as delicious, if not even better. Alongside the grilled meats, you’ll find classic Thai favourites like papaya salad and corn salad. Pair everything with a side of sticky rice, and you’ve got a simple meal that never disappoints. 📍Google Map: Cherng Doi Roast Chicken⏰ Opening Hour: Tue-Sun, 11am-8pm💰 Price Range: 100-200 baht/ person KaPao They specialise in elevated Thai classic pad krapao, with a choice of proteins including Angus beef, chicken, pork, and seafood. You can order it on its own with a duck egg on top, or as a set that comes with refillable salad and soup for a more satisfying meal. My favourite combination is the sea bass pad krapao paired with the sour pork rib soup. If you're dining with friends, don't miss the stir-fried cabbage to share, and wash it all down with one of their refreshing iced sparkling teas. 📍Google Map: KaPao - Thai Kaprao Stir Fried⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 11am - 9.30pm💰 Price Range: 200-400 baht/ person You may also like this article: Chiang Mai Cafes: 6 Cute Places with Great Coffee and Bites Khao-Sō-i The same owner we met at KaPao told us he also runs this khao soi pot. If you’ve never tried it before, khao soi is a rich, creamy curry noodle soup from Northern Thailand that, to me, tastes a little like Singaporean laksa. Here, the menu is dedicated entirely to khao soi, with a variety of protein options to choose from. The space is bigger than KaPao, and has a Japanese-inspired vibe. And whatever you do, save room for their matcha soft serve! 📍Google Map: Khao-Sō-i⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 9am-9pm💰 Price Range: 200-400 baht/ person Hello Solao This family-owned restaurant serves an extensive Thai menu, from classic favourites like different types of som tam and tom yum to plenty of other local dishes. There’s a lovely outdoor seating area, with a small playground nearby that makes it a great option for families with kids. The live music adds to the relaxed atmosphere, while the reasonable prices make it a great choice for a family meal. 📍Google Map: Hello Solao⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Thu 10.30am-9pm, Fri-Sun 10.30am-10pm💰 Price Range: 200-400 baht/ person Image credit: Hello Solao Google page Tong Tem Toh A Thai friend recommended this place to me when I wanted to try authentic Northern Thai cuisine. The menu is unlike anything I'd tried before, like steamed fish wrapped in banana leaves, crispy pork belly, and a spicy mushroom soup. I brought my parents here, and the adventurous foodies in them were excited to order some of the more unique dishes on the menu. 📍Google Map: Tong Tem Toh⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 8am-11pm 💰 Price Range: 60-150 baht/ person You may also like this article: 7 Days in Chiang Mai - Interesting Things to Do, See, and Eat ASIAN COMFORT Sanjan Of course this had to make the list, because I'm Indonesia, hehe. And as far as I know, it's the only Indonesian restaurant in Chiang Mai. The soto ayam (Indonesian chicken soup) and bakso kuah (meatball soup) both taste authentic. The sambal goreng tempe (chilli tempe) is another favourite - and it's vegan! No Indonesian meal feels complete without a side of kerupuk (crackers), which the have there. Aaaand they also stock Indomie instant noodles and will happily cook them for you just like they do at a classic Indo warung - aaah best! 📍Google Map: Sanjan Indonesian Cafe ⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 11am-9pm💰 Price Range: 100-400 baht/ person Image credit: Sanjan Google page Sushi Umai 📍Google Map: Sushi Umai ⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Fri 11am-2pm & 5pm-9.30pm, Sat-Sun 11am-9.30pm💰 Price Range: 400-600 baht/ person Image credit: Sushi Umai Google page You may also like this article: A Day Trip to Chiang Rai - 5 Beautiful Destinations to See WESTERN COMFORT Why Not Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar As much as I love Asian food, I’ll never say no to a good bowl of bolognese pasta. This is my go-to whenever I’m craving Italian comfort food - the pasta always tastes fresh and homemade, while the bolognese sauce is rich and full of flavour. Their pizzas are just as good, with a thin crust and a good amount of cheese. Add to that the warm, welcoming atmosphere and cosy family-dining vibe. 📍Google Map: Why Not? Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar⏰ Opening Hour: Tue-Sun 12pm-11pm, Mon 4pm-11pm 💰 Price Range: 400-600 baht/ person Beast Burger This is another one of my go-to spots when I’m after an easy, satisfying bite, especially as a little weekend indulgence. It’s just a few metres from my favourite massage place, Giving Tree, making it the perfect combo for a relaxing weekend treat. The service is always quick, and the burger is always good, but I have to give the chips a special shoutout because they’re consistently cooked to perfection. Yum! 📍Google Map: Beast Burger⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 11am-10pm💰 Price Range: 200-400 baht/ person Smash Daddy Another burger joint serving an American-style fast food menu. I especially like that they have a smaller burger called the Baby Daddy, because regular burgers are usually way too big for me. I also liek their cheese dip to go with my chips. Their hot dogs are worth trying too, if you’re in the mood for something other than a burger. 📍Google Map: Smash Daddy⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 11am-12am💰 Price Range: 200-400 baht/ person Little Pasta Box I first discovered this place when it was literally just...a little pasta box. So it’s been lovely to see how much it has grown and moved into a bigger space! This is the place to go when you’re craving a rich, creamy bowl of pasta that feels a little naughty, hehe. You can also upgrade to their homemade pasta, freshly made by the lady owner herself, which I highly recommend! 📍Google Map: Little Pasta Box ⏰ Opening Hour: Every day, except Wed and Sat, 12pm-8pm💰 Price Range: 100-200 baht/ person Image credit: Little Pasta Box Google page Ok, these are my current go-to spots where to Eat in Chiang Mai, but I'm always on the lookout for new places to try. As I keep exploring the city, I'll continue adding more restaurants that I think are worth sharing. Thanks so much for reading, and I hope this little guide helps you find somewhere delicious to eat on your trip. Happy holidays, and enjoy the food!