Chicken Caesar Wrap @ Viaggio Espresso & Bar, Sydney International Airport

If you happen to be waiting to board your plane and you're feeling a bit hungry, why not drop by at Viaggio Espresso & Bar @ T1 Sydney International Airport.

My airport shuttle was running a bit late.  So, my initial plan to have a nice sit-down breakfast at the airport totally went down the drain (not to forget, I had to rush to the boarding gate).

So, as I was walking towards Gate 36 (that's where the plane I need to board was parked), I saw Viaggio.  Seeing as I still have some time to grab some sandwiches/wraps, I went to check out their selections in the "Grab n Go" section and took the Chicken Caesar Wrap (AUD 9.50).

There were a few strips of Chicken Schnitzel and omelette wrapped in lettuce, topped with generous amount of Caesar dressing.  Somehow, I find the wrap really delicious although it was cold (Boring, cold sandwiches had been served throughout the workshop I attended in Sydney, which I find pretty depressing.  So, I was not expecting a lot out of cold stuff anymore).  Seasoned perfectly well, I must say.

Munching it with the view of the runway was definitely a good end to my short trip in Sydney.

Viaggio Espresso & Bar

T1 International Airport

(near Gate 32)

Sydney, Australia

Open daily, 6am - 9pm

Pork Rib Ramen @ On Ramen, Hay Street, Sydney

I came here once 4 years ago and after trying it, I immediately fell in love with On Ramen @ Hay Street.  Although there are a few other good ramen stalls around in Sydney, but I find their broth being the better one.

First thing on the menu which caught my attention (which I ultimately ordered) is the Tenderous Pork Rib Ramen (AUD 12.90).  Their signature Tonkotsu-based (pork bone broth) ramen with tender braised pork ribs, served with half-boiled egg, seaweed and marinated bamboo shoots, is just so good and yummy-licious.

The ramen is not too overcooked and is quite springy.  Tasted lovely with the soup, which I find very flavourful and packed with lots of collagen.  You will definitely want to finish every drop of that lovely, concentrated soup.  However, I did find it a bit salty after a while, which is fine as you can wash down the saltiness with a complimentary glass of lemon-infused water.

But the highlight of this bowl of delicious ramen is the pork ribs.  The juicy ribs, with edible soft bones, are braised until the meat can be gently pulled off - that is how tender it is.  Wonderfully cooked and well-marinated!  Plus, they were very generous with the ribs (maybe around 3-4 pieces, if I am not mistaken).  Definitely worth the price.

Although this shop is tucked deep inside away from the main streets, but if you walked from Central Station towards Chinatown, you will easily find this shop.  This tiny shop is very warm and cosy (despite the strong,cold winds outside).  Service is quick and friendly.  Highly recommended for a quick, satisfying meal.

On Ramen

No. 4, 181-187 Hay Street

Haymarket

Sydney, Australia

Opens daily, 11am - 10pm

The Tea Cosy @ The Rocks, Sydney

It's been a while since I stepped back onto the soils of Australia.  Right after I landed in Sydney, I decided to stroll around The Rocks looking for somewhere decent to have brunch.

Almost to the end of George Street, I stumbled across this tiny little souvenir shop called the Irish Design Shop.  Tucked deep inside the rear courtyard of the Irish Design Shop, lies a cute cafe, The Tea Cosy @ The Rocks.  Previously known as the "Tara Tea Room", it serves really nice Grandma-style scones.

As you enter the 180-year old heritage building, you will slowly be greeted by the wonderful smells of freshly-baked scones (not to mention, the beautiful decorations of Irish themes all over the place).  I was pretty lucky as I came just in time for the tray of scones to come right out from the oven.

The Devonshire Tea (AUD 12 per person) consists of two freshly-baked scones with all natural double thickened cream and gourmet fruit jam, served with any choice of drinks.  As I was too early, there were only limited choices.  I went for the Apricot scone and Raisins scone.

The scones, they are really huge!  I must admit, they definitely tasted slightly different from the ones I had before - more crumbly.  I love the Apricot scone as it is sweet and has slices of apricot in it.  However, I was not very fascinated with the Raisins scone as the raisins were a little bitter (or maybe I was just too bloated to have another bite).

Their jam are all homemade with fresh ingredients.  With so many choices available, I went straight for the Staff's Pick of Pear & Vanilla jam.  It was definitely a wise decision as the jam is really good, although on the sweeter side.  I just couldn't help licking off every bit of the jam off the knife.  You know it was made from the real thing as you can feel little bits of the pear.  Pairing up with that double cream and jam on the scones, it is just so wonderfully tasty.  Yum yum.

For drinks, I ordered the Barry's Imported Irish black tea.  Served loose in a pot dressed in handmade tea cosies, it was a pretty sight.  Unfortunately, I didn't really like the tea as much as I wanted as it sort of gave me quite a numb feeling after a drink or two.  I shouldn't have been so adventurous and stick to the usual English Breakfast or coffee.  Well, at least I know what Irish tea tasted like.

Enjoying tea by the sidewalks was definitely a very relaxing and enjoyable treat, while getting some sun to warm the body.  But if you come here during the weekends, it would be more lively as you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the famous weekend "Rocks Markets".

The good thing about The Tea Cosy is that they put up a sign right outside the store to let you know when the next freshly baked scones will be out, so that you will know when to come back and get your hands on those scones.

I will definitely return here again for the scones and jam.  Word of advice, the portion can be quite big for a small eater (I couldn't finish it myself), so do bring along a partner to share.

The Tea Cosy @ Irish Design Shop

33 George Street

Sydney

Australia

Open Thursday & Friday (10am - 4pm) and Saturday & Sunday (10am - 5pm)