An incredible variety of cuisines from around the world can be discovered in your neighbourhood, writes Jostina Basta.
With Western Sydney’s incredible and unique diversity come perks – an array of different and mouth-watering cuisines. If you’re anything like me, your food choices depend on your mood. Not wanting a salad but also feeling like a delicious healthy option? Sushi. Feeling like a comfort meal? Italian pasta. Feeling like putting on 2kg? Snack packs.
Broaden your palate with some delicious cultural food joints around Western Sydney – somewhere you can head to after a study session, class, or if you’re lucky, order on UberEats while on Zoom.
Ethiopian
Gursha, Blacktown
@gurshaethiopianrestaurant
If you want to feel like you’ve been served with a flavour-packed authentic, home-cooked Ethiopian meal – this is your joint. Don’t be afraid to eat with your hands as you devour their curries, stews, and other delicacies with an Ethiopian flatbread called Injera.
Recommendation by restaurant: Tibs (Beef or lamb). Includes tender beef sautéed with rosemary, onion and green pepper served with hot or mild red pepper sauce. Mood: Homemade comfort.
Lebanese
Jasmin1, Auburn, Chester Hill, Bankstown, Leichhardt
@jasmin1_leichhardt
Jasmin’s is your local go-to if you want to try mouth-watering Lebanese cuisine with generous servings and affordable prices. To top it off, you can enjoy some hot, sweet black tea while recovering from a worthy food coma – it’s free of charge!
Recommendation by restaurant: Mixed plate ($20) Includes one lamb, kafta and tawook skewer or grilled chicken pieces served with hummus, baba ghannouj, garlic dip, falafel, tabouli and bread. Mood: Best food coma ever.
Greek
Mythos Yeeros Souvlaki, Minchinbury
@mythosyeerossouvlaki
This food truck is surely a hidden treasure you’ll find just off the Great Western Highway.
Embrace the authentic Greek experience as you enjoy a generous serving of their succulent gyros – a staple in Greek cuisine. If you haven’t yet tried it – first of all you’re missing out, and secondly, think of it as a Greek kebab. Their toasty, fluffy pita is packed with some juicy lamb, pork or chicken, chopped vegetables and topped off with their iconic tzatziki sauce and chips. A must-try!
Recommendation by restaurant: The lamb, chicken or pork yiros wrap meal, which includes tomato, onion, tzatziki and chips inside the wrap, with a side of medium chips and a can of drink or water. Mood: Flavour-packed goodness.
Mexican
Senortoro, Blacktown
@senortoro_
There’s not much to say, other than that you need to take a quick browse of their Instagram page and you’re likely to be sold instantly. The long line-up for their Birria tacos, consommé and quesadillas are worth the wait for this family-owned food stall, located at the Drive-in Markets located at Blacktown every weekend.
Recommendation by restaurant: The Combinacion, which is the choice between the Queso or Birria tacos partnered with their Birria Consume. This is a popular beef stew to dip the tacos in for extra flavour. Mood: Good food for a good mood.
Indian
Chatkazz, Harris Park & Bella Vista
@chatkazz_australia
Harris Park is a well-renowned hub for great Indian food, Chatkazz being one of the many delicacies you’ll find there. You may find a crazy line-up once upon arrival, but their Indian street food dishes are well worth the wait. With their all-vegetarian menu, you’ll be impressed by the wide variety of options they have to offer, and incredibly flavour-packed dishes.
Recommendation by restaurant: Server could not narrow down with the incredible variety offered. However, some popular dishes include the Paneer Butter Masala, the Paneer Biryani or the Gobi Paratha. Mood: Spices to spice up your life.
Afghan
Kabul House, Merrylands
@kabul_house
If you’re looking for some of the best Afghan food in Sydney – this place is your go-to. You’re likely to become a regular once you experience their tasty authentic dishes, affordable prices and generous servings. Do your tastebuds a favour and check out this local gem.
Recommendation by restaurant: Server said “everything,” but narrowed it down to the mixed kebab, which is a set of three skewers of mixed kebab, coupled with rice, sauce and salad. Mood: An unforgettable culinary experience.
