Howard Chen

Three Rockpool alums have reunited at Blue Ribbon Bistro, bringing chef-driven pub classics to an inner-west community fave.

At the Bentley Group’s new Southeast Asian grill, the executive chef draws on fire cooking, childhood memories and a 150-dish journey through Vietnam.

After more than a year spent searching for the right home, Kay Hwang has reopened Joy Korean Fried Chicken in Enmore with a bigger kitchen, more seats and the same triple-fried crunch.

Already this year’s delivered 12 ripper new spots, including a Thai beef noodle soup shop hidden in a Haymarket tunnel, a cheffy fish’n’chipper and a buzzy corner for king-size slices of pizza.

Just-opened cafes led by chefs have popped up all over town, along with specialty coffee shops, independent bakeries and a neighbourhood stock-up shop selling matcha spiked with foraged wildflowers.

Berlin ruined kebabs for food writer Howard Chen. The serve at Keb Up brought him back.

Gaonera tacos are the star here, where thin slices of Aussie rib eye kiss the grill then land in a tortilla that’s crisp and gooey with Oaxacan cheese.

The broth simmers for nearly half a day, making for a supremely beefy base for a soup like no other. Plus, find a take on a decades-old Hat Yai fried chicken recipe.

The traditional meets creative at Bae Mi, where everything but the cold-cuts are made in-house.

Buns stuffed with thin, lacey-edged patties have taken over the Harbour City. Local food writer and content creator Howard Chen shares his favourites.

Yeongjin Park, the chef behind a famous Sydney Portuguese tart, opens his first solo venture. And it’s where you’ll find a bright market plate with makgeolli-laced sourdough that’s pure Jinius.

Razzie’s will showcase Americana classics – with a focus on chilli con carne. Expect juicy chilli burgers, Oklahoma-style smash burgers, Coney Island-style dogs and local tinnies.