Iron Chef, Cabramatta

One of my favourite phrases  is from rapper Jermaine Dupri, which goes -"If you wanna dance, Imma make you dance". That's just what suckling pig and dumplings do to me. They make my heart want to dance from excitement. I normally get my dumpling and suckling pig fix from Chinatown, Haymarket.  As much as I love getting my dimsum and suckling pig from Haymarket, there are times when I just don't want to do the travel to the CBD.

Then, I heard of Iron Chef in Cabramatta from two of my favourite blogs - Noodlies and Chocolatesuze. I've always wanted to try this place since it's not too far for me travel to. Especially due to the good reviews that I've heard and read.  Recently, I received an invite from Wasamedia to join other fellow food bloggers for yum cha lunch at Iron Chef.

It is a Cantonese restaurant similar to the likes of East Ocean and Marigold at Haymarket that serves Yum Cha for brunch and lunch. This establishment boasts of contemporary Cantonese themed decor. When several food bloggers are gathered in one place, a delicious massive feast comes pouring down.

Siu mai

The siu mai is one of my all-time favourite dumpling to have at yum cha. Their version of this classic silky pork in wheat flour wrapper dumpling was nicely done.

Chicken feet

Har gow

I also liked their har gow which is prawns wrapped in an almost see through thin rice flour sheet. The wrapper has a perfect slightly gelatinous & chewy yet firm texture. The prawn filling was quite flavoursome.

Haam sui gok

The Haam sui gok also known as a fried pork dumpling tickled my fancy too. The rice flour surrounding the pork filling is sticky and slightly sweet with crispy outer layer.

Deep fried prawn dumplings

Crispy fried prawns

The crispy fried prawns are battered prawn that is deep fried.  The batter has a crispy and slightly chewy texture. The whole dish is nicely seasoned with salt and pepper.

Suckling pig

Suckling pig pancake

The suckling pig pancakes were my absolute favourite. My mouth was partying to the tiles of perfectly crispy crackling and suckling pork meat. To top all of that, it was wrapped in a slightly sweet thin doughy pancake wrapper with hoisin sauce and cucumber. This truly deserves the title of awesome!

Egg tarts

The egg tarts have this fluffy and flaky pastry that I love so much. It is filled with egg custard filling. The filling is creamy and not too rich with the right amount of sweetness and brûlée like flavour.

Mango pancakes

Another favourite yum cha item of mine is the mango pancakes. Iron Chef's version was one of the best I've had! The wrap is like a smooth doughy pancake. The combination of mango pieces and sweet cream was absolute bliss.

Iron Chef

To all my Western Sydney readers, we don't have to travel too far just to have amazing dimsum. Iron Chef will not just satisfy your yum cha cravings, it will also take you on a dumpling journey that you wouldn't want to end.

Ramen Raff was invited by Wasamedia to dine at Iron Chef.

Iron Chef Chinese Seafood Restaurant
84 Broomfield Street
Cabramatta NSW 2166
tel:0297236228
ironchef.com.au

Three Ropes Espresso, Parramatta

If one were to ask a coffee aficionado for great coffee and food in Parramatta, one would be directed to Circa on Wentworth Street. But what happens when the great Circa decides to branch out? A laneway cafe such as Three Ropes would be born. That is exactly what happened a few months ago.

Three Ropes Espresso is nicely located as a corner/laneway cafe on Darcy Street, Parramatta (close to Hungry Jacks and across the Parramatta train station).  It is humble and yet it embraces everything cool.  I love the rustic hip look with decors including a vintage robot and vinyl record player. It even has a dope street art right next to the takeaway counter on the laneway area.  On a day off work weeks ago, I made my way to Parramatta to check out Three ropes. I sure am glad that I did!

Flat white

Mocha

The flat white ($3.50) was made with Little Marionette beans. It had a thin layer of velvet foam, milk was at perfect temperature and the coffee had a full body taste. It also had a hint of fruity taste on the palate. The mocha ($4) had the perfect balance of chocolate and coffee flavours.

Silverbeet sandwich

The silverbeet sandwich ($9) is one of the most awesome sandwiches I've had. It had silverbeet that is cooked down, mixed with three cheeses namely: Feta, parmesan, and gouda. There was also some aioli and a little bit of chilli for some kick.

Flourless chocolate cake

The flourless chocolate cake ($3.50) was dense and very moist. It was full of flavour and definitely a good way to end my breakfast.

Three Ropes is another Cafe and food establishment that Parramatta should be proud of. It is perfect for a quick caffeine fix where you can just chill and savour your coffee and food.           

Three Ropes Espresso

10A Darcy Street

Parramatta NSW 2150