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

East Ocean and Passionflower for Sunday Brunch

East Ocean

A trip to East Ocean for Yum Cha was long overdue. My wife and I decided to hit this joint for a Sunday brunch.

Roast suckling pig

The roast suckling pig, is one of my weaknesses in life. It was delicate and lethal with suckling taste. In my opinion, nothing beats the texture and crunchiness of a suckling pig crackling.

Pork ribs with black bean sauce

The pork ribs with black bean sauce here is one of the best that I’ve had. The taste of black bean was present but subtle. It was succulent and full porky goodness.

Pork dumplings with crab roe (Siumai)

Pork dumplings with crab roe (siumai) is a classic must have in any Yum Cha. I could devour these dumplings all day long.

Stir fried sticky rice wirh dried sausage

The Stir fried sticky rice with dried sausage was very filling. One serving was enough for me.

Rice paper wrapped prawns with sesame

A new addition to our choice of Yum Cha items is the rice paper wrapped prawns with sesame. Compared to other rice paper wrapped prawns that I’ve tasted in the past, East Ocean’s version has more filling and flavour. This will be a permanent to our list of “must be ordered yum cha items”.

Mango and cream pancake rolls

Mango and cream pancake rolls was the last item. The combination of mango and cream had a very refreshing and tropical taste. The cream complimented the mango well. Whilst the pancake that it was rolled in had a delicate soft texture.

Passionflower

Just before ending our Sunday in town, we decided to go to Passionflower near Town Hall station on George street. No matter what time of the year, it is never too warm or cold for an ice cream.

Black sesame ice cream

My wife ordered the black sesame ice cream in a waffle basket. It wasn’t just a pretty looking ice cream. It also tasted pretty damn good. Infusing black sesame into ice cream is genius.

Thai tea ice cream

I went with their thai tea flavoured ice cream. This will definitely be one of my new favourite ice cream flavours, which I will frequently order. It tasted exactly like my favourite Iced Thai Tea drink.

I’m looking forward to my next visit to East Ocean and Passionflower to have their food that is yummy for my tummy.

East Ocean Restaurant
Level 1
421-429 Sussex Street, Haymarket NSW 2000
(02) 9212 419a8
Open Weekdays 10am-2am
Weekends 9am-2am



Passionflower Pavilion
Shop G01, Ground Level
Pavilion Plaza
580 George Street
Sydney, NSW 2000
Phone number: (02) 9267 0075
Sunday to Thursday: 10am - midnight
Friday & Saturday: 10am - 1am
Public Holidays: 10am - midnight