Kammadhenu

Slick when it doesn’t need to be, because having something other than Thai already makes Kammadhenu a winner on King St. But the fresh coat of purple, green neons and the pine veneer furniture in line with the ever-increasing modernisation of Newtown. This matters little if they can’t deliver great Sri Lanka / Indian food, but they duly do a great Karl Malone impersonation.

Claiming to have the Sydney’s best, a rice and black lentil thinly curled crepe dosa comes with a couple of chutneys and a wet curry for dipping. Edible pancake bowl hoppers and fried flatbread roti chanai provide perfect savoury backdrops for the delicious creamy smooth eggplant curry, fragrant spinach curry of lamb saagwalla and a beautiful butter chicken that’s not overly sweet, yet bloody flavoursome and a mild level of heat.

Having never required long appointments with the porcelin god after a meal, with a great range of beers both from here and abroad, Thums Up for those missing the motherland and lassi, you’d be hopping mad not to check out Kammadhenu.


3.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? 171 King St, Newtown, VIC
What? Dishes under $10

Kam Fook

It’s as if there’s only one yum cha joint on the entire North Shore, which is probably why Kam Fook at Chatswood Westfield has had to build such a massive room to house the masses that cram in here. There’s precious little space between tables and barely enough in the lanes for the carts which transport those bamboo steamers filled with a bevy of dim sum. Highlighting the quality were the har gao prawn dumplings, white and plump and siu mai bloated large. Despite Kam Fook being on the North Shore, the only premium you’ll pay is the toll to get back across the bridge.


3 / 5 yums!
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Where? Westfield Shopping Town, Level 6, Shop 600, Help St, Chatswood, NSW

Ivy

If you have self-esteem issues and you want your sense of fashion vindicated by respected style gurus, then you’ll get a boost getting into the Ivy. Also, if you want vindication for your wealth and enjoy paying the ridiculous premiums on drinks, then this is the place for you.

So they might be more lenient during the day, which was probably the only reason why I gained entry for lunch. Admittedly it’s a very impressive venue, it’s pretty much decked out like backyard of mansion in Hollywood Hills that’s plagiarises Madame Brussels but wankier, complete with a pool and plush cocktail havens. This is Justin Hemmes’ jewel in the multimillion entertainment playground that is the Ivy.

Price tags on the food befit the surrounds, but too bad about the quality, because it demands better. Though I guess satisfying meals are secondary when you’re mingling with the social “elite”. A gourmet attempt at a burger comes in a white bun that’s a bit too wholesome which doesn’t allow the flavour burger patty to come through and indeed needs the tomato relish, standard salad of sliced tomato and lettuce inside and chips included. They don’t hold back on the tomato in the simple spaghetti that causes deep stains upon contract with a business shirt.

Alright, it’s not all bad at the Ivy. Cut the clipboards, the attitude, the prices and the doorbitches (that goes for both the boys and females) and it might be a half decent bar. This is Justin Hemmes’ jewel, but the Ivy is also the crown jewel of Sydney wank.


1.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? 320-330 George St, Sydney, NSW
What? Under $20

Italian Pizza Factory

I rarely think about delivery. In fact, this was probably the first time I’ve had delivery, alone, ever. Without a car to drive anywhere for pickup, or the guts to brave the wet weather outside, this pamphlet was my hunger saviour.

Thankfully, they are a store of their word, arriving as advised 30 minutes after ordering a chicken parma. Whilst the schnitzel was thick and reasonably moist and the tomato based napoli sauce was good, the cheese topping was a little too charred and lessened the experience. That said, I’m impressed by the delivery so kudos to Italian Pizza Factory.


2.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? 128/362 Mitchell Road, Alexandria, NSW
What? Parma $16

Indochine

With just the right amount of Asian charm, without going Robin Williams overboard, Indochine Box Hill is a local favourite that struggles to seat the hungry at meal times.

Go for the Hanoi spring rolls over the Saigon, it’s blistered deep fried texture more interesting. Rice paper rolls are fine, as is the beef pho which is heavy with a savoury salty stock. Bun of vermicelli and lemon grass grilled beef firm and nicely charred, the chopped peanuts adding crunch, extra flavour from the chilli infused fish sauce. Pork chop on broken rice great value, though not so is the combination crispy fried noodles although admittedly is one of the better examples around, the base expertly crispy and a generous amount of beef, prawn, chicken and sautéed gai lan all smothered in that corn starchy soy gravy.

Easy to see why this place is so popular, as the fast, friendly service and general cleanliness appeal to the Western folk, the reasonable prices and tasty food to the Asians. “Good Morning Vietnam!” or afternoon or evening at Indochine.


3.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? 51 Carrington Rd Box Hill, VIC
What? Under $10

India Quay

India Quay is a lesson in location, location, location. And tourists. Thankfully India Quay has both, otherwise it’ll probably be flat lining.

For what it is, the food ain’t cheap. Small portions, the butter (four chucks of thigh) chicken a major offender in a creamy but very sweet sauce, just like you’d get from a bottle. Other curries ordered lacked depth and suffered at the hand of the same frugal chef. Finding a shred of steel wool in one of the dishes least provides comfort that they clean the copper serving pots.

Fair enough for unsuspecting frauens and messieurs to wonder in, it’s in a good spot and one of the few Indian places in the city. This food tourist has learnt and won’t be returning.


1 / 5 yums!
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Where? 2 Phillip St, Sydney, NSW
What? Dishes $15

Imperial Kingdom

While Jimmy Bartel and Gary Ablett Jnr get all the accolades, spare a thought for Joel Corey and Corey Enright, two of the most underrated players of the Geelong Footy Club. Imperial Kingdom has a lot in common with the other two. Plugging away on the corner of Blackburn and Waverley for yonks ever since the move from perhaps the now more famous New Royal Garden. Kids, now young adults, from around the area have probably grown up with this place such is its longevity and remains a sentimental favourite. Yum cha always a busy period, you’ll be relegated out the “back” where the carts frequent less if you don’t make a booking. A great variety of dim sum, from the har gous to the har cheongs to the char siu baos. Ever reliable, just like the Coreys.


3 / 5 yums!
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Where? 546 - 554 Waverley Road, Glen Waverley, VIC