Donut Papi, RedfernCredit: Kenneth Rodrigueza
Behind the scenes baking Donut Papi's signature ube doughnuts.
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The Sydney Opera House may be NSW's most recognisable icon, but when it comes to idols of the edible kind, there are dishes with such cult-like following locals and tourists travel from far and wide for a taste. From the original cult favourites to the hottest new food trends, here are the must-try iconic foods in Sydney and NSW.
SYDNEY:
Totti’s Woodfired Bread
On a typical night at Totti’s, it’s hard to spot a table that hasn’t ordered a plate of the Bondi trattoria’s famous woodfired bread to mop up their burrata and antipasto. The 48-hour fermented dough is cooked in a flaming hot wood oven until it reaches that signature puff and lick of char.
Donut Papi’s Ube Doughnuts
Customers queue around the block rain or shine to pick up one of the ever-changing doughnuts from this Redfern shop. The bright purple Filipino ube (yam) flavour is their signature (with variations like ube tiramisu and ube birthday cake); Bailey’s custard, banana fritter and Biscoff glaze are also popular.
Totti’s, Bondi Credit: Nikki To
The Bondi trattoria’s famous woodfired bread is cooked in a flaming hot wood oven until it reaches that signature puff.
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Totti’s, Bondi Credit: Nikki To
The Bondi trattoria’s famous woodfired bread is cooked in a flaming hot wood oven until it reaches that signature puff.
Poly Restaurant, Surry Hills Credit: Poly Restaurant
Grilled Jersey Milk Cheese.
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Poly Restaurant, Surry Hills Credit: Poly Restaurant
Grilled Jersey Milk Cheese.
Poly’s Grilled Jersey Milk Cheese
Creamy on the inside, crisp and crackling on the outside – customers call ahead to make sure there’s enough plates of chef Colin Wood’s handmade jersey milk cheese for their dinner at Poly in Surry Hills. During lockdown, a cook-at-home version is on sale from their adapted grocery store, Poly Provisions, or online.
Black Star Pastry’s Strawberry and Watermelon Cake
New York Times called this Inner West bakery’s now famous creation the “world’s most Instagrammed cake”, and with pretty layers of watermelon, strawberry, luscious cream and rose petals there’s no wonder the bakery now has four outposts and sells thousands of slices every day.
Bill’s Ricotta Hotcakes with Honeycomb Butter
Sydney chef Bill Granger is credited with pioneering the Aussie café phenomenon and taking it worldwide. His original café Bill’s in Darlinghurst now has locations across the globe, and his fluffy ricotta hotcakes are the top order.
Black Star Pastry, Newtown Credit: Black Star Pastry
Black Star Pastry's Strawberry Watermelon Cake is the World's most Instagrammed cake.
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Black Star Pastry, Newtown Credit: Black Star Pastry
Black Star Pastry's Strawberry Watermelon Cake is the World's most Instagrammed cake.
Sandoitchi Cafe, Darlinghurst Credit: Leigh Griffiths
Strawberry sando with yuzu whipped cream between fresh white bread.
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Sandoitchi Cafe, Darlinghurst Credit: Leigh Griffiths
Strawberry sando with yuzu whipped cream between fresh white bread.
Marrickville Pork Roll’s Pork Banh Mi
Vietnamese pork rolls are available all over Sydney, but this one has garnered such a loyal following that a long queue is a constant outside the tiny Marrickville shop. Three more locations have since opened to cater to its legion of fans.
Sandoitchi’s Strawberries & Cream Sandwiches
A sweet fruit sandwich may seem like an unlikely hit combination, but Sandoitchi’s Instagrammable Japanese sandwiches are a cult favourite, with customers lining up long before the Darlinghurst shop opens each morning. The super-soft shokupan milk bread is the key, also encasing their popular savoury sandwiches, including the infamous $200 wagyu katsu sando.
Bell's Milk Bar, Broken Hill Credit: Destination NSW
Couple stepping back into time at Bell's Milk Bar in Broken Hill.
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Bell's Milk Bar, Broken Hill Credit: Destination NSW
Couple stepping back into time at Bell's Milk Bar in Broken Hill.
The Famous Berry Donut Van, Berry Credit: If & When Social Media Agency
Berry Donut Van opened in 1964 and has been serving the cinnamon donut since.
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The Famous Berry Donut Van, Berry Credit: If & When Social Media Agency
Berry Donut Van opened in 1964 and has been serving the cinnamon donut since.
REGIONAL NSW:
Berry Donut Van’s Hot Cinnamon Doughnut
Opening in 1964, this tiny doughnut shop in the historic town of Berry is a must-stop for road-trippers heading south. Served piping hot with a dusting of cinnamon sugar, the sweets are now legendary, with fans such as food writer Melissa Leong, chefs Hayden Quinn and Miguel Maestre, and Guy Sebastian.
The Oyster Farmer’s Daughter’s Sydney Rock Oysters
With such a pristine coastline, NSW abounds with fresh seafood, and there’s nothing more iconic on a sunny day than slurping up a dozen Sydney rock oysters. At this fourth-generation oyster shack in Narooma, order them freshly shucked then settle back on the shores of the Wagonga Inlet.
Bell’s Milk Bar’s Malted Milkshake
Sporting original 1950s decor, this vintage milk bar in Broken Hill offers a nostalgic step back in time, serving classic milkshakes and spiders made with house-made syrups and cordials, just like in the old days. Milk bar memorabilia serves as a fun dose of history in the attached museum.
The Big Banana’s Choc-coated Frozen Banana
After selfies with Coffs Harbour’s iconic Big Banana, the next must-do at this popular fun park is to head to the café and pick up a choc-coated frozen banana for the road, available with your choice of nuts or sprinkles on top.
Woy Woy Fisherman’s Wharf’s Fish and Chips
Some Sydneysiders make the one-hour journey from the city just for lunch here – where fresh-from-the-ocean fish and chips are served right by the water.
Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory, Junee Credit: Destination NSW
Licorice produced at the Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory, Junee.
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Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory, Junee Credit: Destination NSW
Licorice produced at the Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory, Junee.
Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory’s Organic Licorice
A visit to this sweet factory in the Riverina is like stepping into Willy Wonka’s lair, and after watching how the treats are made, a must-buy souvenir is their organic licorice; the factory makes more than 900 kilograms of licorice every day to keep up with the demand.
For more information go to www.sydney.com and www.visitnsw.com
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Bouddi National Park, BouddiCredit: Destination Central Coast
Scenic coastal views from Bouddi National Park, Bouddi.
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What better way to keep the adventure going after your Vivid Sydney visit by exploring our natural wonders just outside of the city? A treasure trove of experiences await: hike into the mountains, taste wine from the barrel and walk among the treetops. And best of all, these trips are all within 2.5 hours’ drive of Sydney – perfect if you’re looking to extend a holiday for just a few days.
Blue Mountains | 1.5 HOURS’ DRIVE
Named for the beautiful haze that hangs over the sleepy villages, ancient rock formations and bushland, the magnificent Blue Mountains is one of Sydney’s favourite weekenders for good reason.
There’s nothing quite like a hike in the fresh mountain air at golden hour, though taking in the expansive valleys atop a lookout or cable car comes close. Whether you adventure and abseil all day or focus on fine-dining and uncovering some stunning op-shop finds, soak off the day at luxury accommodation.
Things to do
- Take a sunset selfie at Three Sisters
- Ride the Skyway into the clouds at Scenic World
- Soak into true serenity at the Japanese Bath House
- Explore Jenolan Caves’ limestone labyrinth
- Embrace the wilderness at Turon Gates Mountain Eco-Retreat
- Learn about Indigenous culture on a walkabout tour
Central Coast | 1 HOURS’ DRIVE
A stone's throw from Sydney, a million miles from a care in the world… that wraps up the Central Coast region in a nutshell. There’s an enviably relaxed beach lifestyle here – with kilometres of sand and Pacific Ocean to explore – but national parks abound, too, and calm waterways ideal for throwing in a line, or conquering with a kayak. The coast with the most? You bet.
Things to do
- Take in the eight kilometre Bouddi Coastal Walk
- Zip-line through the Ourimbah State Forest at Treetops Adventure
- Embrace First Nations knowledge and culture with a Girri Girra walking tour
- Have breakfast with alpacas
- Whale watch and explore coastal rainforest at Wyrrabalong National Park
- Catch a flick at the colourful Avoca Beach Theatre
- Stay at the idyllic The Boathouse Hotel Patonga
The Hunter Valley | 2.5 HOURS’ DRIVE
The Hunter Valley is renowned for its Sémillon and shiraz varietals, acclaimed wineries and restaurants, luxury resorts, world-class spas and championship golf courses.
Wander through the wine-tasting hotspot of Pokolbin, explore the majestic Hunter Valley gardens, picnic amongst the vines on fresh local produce and don’t miss spying the lush Hunter from above in a hot-air balloon.
Things to do
- Try out top-drops from the historic Tyrrell’s, explore organic wines at Tamburlaine or biodynamic options at Krinklewood
- Visit a Provencal pocket at Bistro Molines
- Take a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise with Beyond Ballooning
- Stay in luxury at the Crowne Plaza
- Ride through bushland and vineyards with Hunter Valley Horses
Scenic World, Katoomba Credit: Destination NSW
Cablecar at Scenic World, Katoomba
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Scenic World, Katoomba Credit: Destination NSW
Cablecar at Scenic World, Katoomba
Beyond Ballooning, Hunter Valley Credit: Destination NSW
Couple arriving for a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Beyond Ballooning in the Hunter Valley.
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Beyond Ballooning, Hunter Valley Credit: Destination NSW
Couple arriving for a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Beyond Ballooning in the Hunter Valley.
Kiama, Jamberoo & More | 2 HOURS’ DRIVE
Feel the sea spray hit your skin at the blowhole at Kiama, only 30 minutes south of Wollongong. Away from the famous rock formations, epic waves and grassy seaside slopes, Kiama is a place of nature hikes, fancy seafood feasts on waterside decks and unique adventures. Take yourself on a wild and wonderful trail winding through windswept headlands and extraordinary beaches.
Things to do
- Get your Tarzan on and try the after-dark zipline at Illawarra Fly
- Swoosh down a waterslide at Jamberoo Action Park
- Enjoy breakfast with a beach view at Penny Whistlers
- Have a surf lesson with Surf Camp Australia
- Hike through Minnamurra Rainforest
- Stay in luxury at The Pause, Gerringong
Newcastle | 2 HOURS’ DRIVE
Newcastle is an unbeatable mix of golden beaches, luscious food and buzzing culture that makes you feel high on life. Have a dip at Merewether, dine overlooking the surf break and delve into the edgy boutiques and bars. This coastal hub is also in a sweet spot with the Hunter Valley less than an hour west.
Things to do
- Hop between cafes, museums and more at the waterfront Honeysuckle precinct
- Stay at the boutique QT Newcastle
- Take a long stroll along Bathers Way
- Visit Newcastle Art Gallery
- Dine on fresh seafood at Merewether Surf House
Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour, Minnamurra River Credit: Destination NSW
Friends kayaking on the Minnamurra River on the NSW South Coast
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Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour, Minnamurra River Credit: Destination NSW
Friends kayaking on the Minnamurra River on the NSW South Coast
Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle Credit: QT Hotels & Resorts
A selection of dishes from Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle
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Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle Credit: QT Hotels & Resorts
A selection of dishes from Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle
Southern Highlands | 1.5’ HOURS DRIVE
Located midway between Sydney and Canberra, the NSW Southern Highlands provides a welcome relief to the hustle of city life – a meld of classic and contemporary country culture. Innovative winemakers immersed in traditional methods. Morning truffle hunts evolving into modern dégustations. Pack your gum boots and head off to stay in an ivy-draped country manor or an architecturally designed farmhouse.
Things to do
- Get back to nature with a forest bathing session at Osborn House
- See cutting-edge art in a restored dairy turned art gallery, Ngununggula
- Browse literary treasures at Berkelouw Book Barn
- Antique the afternoon away at Dirty Janes Bowral
- Enjoy sustainable wines at Tractorless Vineyard Cellar Door
- Visit picture-postcard village Robertson (the setting for Australia’s hit film Babe)
- Spend a night at the charming Old Bank Boutique Hotel
Wollongong | 1.5 HOURS’ DRIVE
Adorned by rainforest-covered escarpment and the stunning golden beaches of the South Coast, NSW’s third-largest city is a fun, vibrant and delicious urban centre that offers diverse appeal.
Just getting to Wollongong from Sydney is a tourist attraction. Instead of taking the M1 Princes Highway, take the Grand Pacific Drive, a spectacular touring route through the Royal National Park to Stanwell Park and south over the Sea Cliff Bridge.
Things to do
- Spot fairywrens, herons and more at Puckey’s Estate Nature Reserve
- Dine at the award-winning Babyface Kitchen
- Spend an afternoon at Wollongong Art Gallery
- Explore the Southern Hemisphere’s largest Buddhist Temple, Nan Tien
- Take a guided tour of the historic Blue Mile
- Catch live tunes and good vibes at La La La’s
Looking to go further afield?
If you have time on your hands, NSW has plenty more wonders to explore. Head to the Snowy Mountains for some time on the ski slopes; venture west towards the edge of the Great Dividing Range for world-heritage wilderness and Mudgee’s wine region, or escape it all on the Sapphire Coast.
Plan your Vivid Sydney trip now: vividsydney.com
Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton Credit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over the Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
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Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton Credit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over the Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
Horse Riding, Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Horse riding in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
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Horse Riding, Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Horse riding in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.