This article details a food adventure to C Cafe, a Hong Kong diner in Sydney, with the goal of introducing the narrator's father to Hong Kong-style French toast and satisfying her own cravings. The diner is known for its massive menu and variety of classic Hong Kong dishes.
Exploring the Extensive Menu
The menu at C Cafe is incredibly diverse, offering everything from French toast to curry fish balls, fresh tomato soup, and fried rice. It exemplifies the typical Hong Kong diner experience, where one can find a wide range of options.
Recommendations from the Menu
The narrator received some recommendations from the staff.
-
Honey Pepper Chicken Wings: A highly recommended appetizer.
-
Brisket with Rice: A top seller.
-
Oxtail: Slow-cooked with black pepper and red wine juice.
-
Stir-fried Barbecue Pork with XO Sauce: A spicy option.
-
Wanton Soup: A classic choice.
-
Pork Chop with Rice: Another number one seller.
The Order and the Drinks
The strategy was to order one item from each section of the menu to sample the variety. The narrator also reminisced about a previous experience in Hong Kong where she was thrown out of a famous egg sandwich shop, the Australian Dairy Company, for having a camera. For drinks, they ordered a lemon ice tea, a salted lemon Sprite (the narrator's personal favorite), and a red bean ice.
The Feast Begins
The Curry Beef Brisket arrived first, quickly followed by a flurry of other dishes. They even considered ordering an egg sandwich, but decided against it due to the sheer amount of food.
Tasting the Dishes
-
Honey Pepper Chicken Wings: Described as having an amazing flavor combination.
-
Curry Beef Brisket: Tender with a mild, enjoyable heat.
-
XO Noodles: Packed with ingredients and textures, including fresh veggies and soft meat.
-
Pork Chop Baked Rice: A unique combination of pork chop, cheesy tomato sauce, and rice.
-
Wanton Noodle Soup: The wontons had a great texture with juicy prawn and soft pork.
-
Oxtail: Rich and flavorful, very tender
The Oxtail Revelation and a Spam Surprise
The oxtail was a standout dish, described as comforting and hearty, with European flavors. It became a top contender for the narrator's favorite dish of the day. After the richness of the oxtail, they tried an egg and spam sandwich. The mother found it nostalgic, reminding her of camping trips. The father wasn't particularly enthusiastic, finding the spam ordinary compared to the other dishes.
The Grand Finale: Hong Kong-Style French Toast
Finally, the Hong Kong-style French toast arrived. It was noted that every version looks different, but this one was exceptionally thick. It was served with honey, maple syrup, and condensed milk. The father, trying French toast for the first time, found it nice and rich. The narrator loves it because it hits all the notes.
Conclusion and Upcoming Adventures
The narrator concludes the Hong Kong diner adventure, expressing her excitement to have finally explored this type of cuisine in Sydney. Her recommendations include the French toast, pineapple bun, oxtail, and wanton soup. The family is planning a trip to Bali, where the narrator will be getting married.