Date & Banana Loaf and Chinese Cake

Gumshara Ramen, Haymarket.

120kg of fresh pork bones simmered in water with the addition of soy, produces a rich soup that comes from the marrow of the bone and the soft bone to produce TONKOTSU SOUP! This stock is filled with collagen, quoted as 'essential in maintaining smooth skin'.

Gumshara Ramen, located in the food court of Eating World Chinatown, has become a popular place amongst ramen lovers. There are many varieties of Ramen to choose from such as pork spare rib ramen, tonkotsu ramen, tomato noodle soup and rich dishes.

Today, I have chosen to order the Garlic Tonkotsu Noodle but with less thick stock. After reading numerous reviews on Gumshara, the traditional soup has been deemed very thick and 'chronic'. I decided to choose the safe direction and opted for the less thick soup. Surprisingly my soup was still thick. I can't imagine slurping the normal tonkotsu soup which may be thick like gravy.

My Garlic Tonkotsu Noodle is very generous in serving. Topped with shallots, crunchy bamboo shoots, seaweed sheet and delicious pork slices. The ramen is soft and firm, one of the best tasting ones that I have had. The only downside with my dish was it was warm not hot.

Gumshara Ramen
Shop 209, Eating World Food Court
25 - 29 Dixon Street, Haymarket

Hurricane's Grill and Bar, Darling Harbour

My friend A really wanted to try the food at Hurricane's, renowned for their steak and ribs. Hurricane's, located at Bondi Beach is the more famous of the two restaurants with its prestine views but unfortunately it isn't open for lunch on weekdays. I love eating steak and wasn't going to miss out on this opportunity. The day was sunny, the weather was warm, making it a great day out to the city. Having lunch on friday during peak-hour meant that the place was busy, but we were lucky to get a table despite not booking ahead. We got a table right next to the window, with excellent views of Cockle Bay and the city skyline.

First up was the lemon, lime bitters. It was rather sweet compared to other ones I've tasted, but still tasted good and refreshing.

Complementary crusty, warm bread was served with spreadable butter. Delicious bread with an added crunch factor.

My friend ordered the half-rack of pork ribs with chips ($28.00) which was aplenty. Basted in Hurricane's own special rib sauce and grilled until tender. The serving was generous and as such, she struggled to finish the dish.

My other friend who wasn't very hungry after having a very filling breakfast opted for the short cut sirloin steak 200grams with chips, medium-well ($26.00). As noted on its website, the finest cut of Australian aged beef basted in Hurricane's secret sauce and grilled to perfection. As she didn't order any sauce on the side, she found it to be rather dry and overcooked.

I ordered the junior t-bone 400grams with chips, medium-well ($31.00) with pepper sauce ($2.50). The steak was tasty, tender and succulent but got over powering at times with the basted sauce. I enjoyed my meal but I still prefer the bistro steaks. Neverthelesss, it was a great place to hang out with friends whilst enjoying the view.


We also ordered a ceasar salad ($20) but due to my poor photography skills, the picture was blurry. The serving was small and there was way too much caesar dressing. I think I will skip this dish the next time I go to Hurricane's.

Overall, a decent place to have steaks and ribs but a little on the pricey end.

Hurricane's Darling Harbour
Harbourside Shopping Centre
Shops 433-436, Level 2, Darling Harbour, Sydney
Open 7 days a week
Lunch from 12pm-3pm
Dinner 5:30pm till late

Savoy Taro Cake!

I love eating taro cake, especially the one from Tim Tim's in Cabramatta. However, the quality hasn't been as good as it used to be and it seems to be getting more expensive. After randomly reading through forums, I stumbled across a post on Taro Cake. It definitely captured my attention straight away.

Savoy Cake has stores in Haymarket, Chatswood and Burwood. I was in the City, so I dropped into the Haymarket store after I had yumcha at Zilver. It seems as though more cakes are made on weekends to meet demand, as I saw quite a few small size cakes. I got the 9inch taro cake costing $19.50 which is a bargain considering I normally pay about $40 for this cake at Tim Tim's.

With minimal detailing on the cake and no fruit in sight, it is a very plain looking cake. That is how I like my cake to look. I prefer no fruit on it. Fresh cream layered together with taro paste makes the cake taste smooth and creamy. The inside sponge is soft, moist and not too sweet. A great tasting cake liked by everyone.




I recommend this place for anyone wanting to buy cakes of any sort. Savoy has got rave reviews for other cakes as well. I will definitely come back and try other flavours.

Savoy Cake
Shop 4, 76 Ultimo Rd,
Haymarket NSW 2000
92127453