Delima, Chinatown, Sydney

Hello readers!

It's the 18th day of fasting month, Ramadhan Kareem! I took a break from cooking in tonight and went out for dinner with my flatmate. Lin suggested a place in the City and we walked far to get there but alas it was closed! Wanting somewhere nearby to feed our hungry tummies, we walked back towards Haymarket and looked around in Dixon Street. There are several halal restaurants in the vicinity but we somehow settled for a fine-dining Indonesian restaurant called Delima. 

The entrance. Walk up the stairs to get to the restaurant.

The interior fits the exclusive theme. Staff is accommodating and efficient. 

Being on a strict student budget, we shared a plate of noodle that costs AUD18.90. On a lighter note, the restaurant serves complimentary snacks and fruits :D Taste of the noodle was rich and flavorful although a little bit too spicy for me. 

L: Mee Kangkung Belacan (stir-fried noodle with water spinach in shrimp paste sauce).
R: Lin helping herself :D

Complimentary prawn crackers and watermelon

Other meals served here are satay, ayam cabe hijau (green chili chicken), black pepper fish, belut cabe kering (deep-fried eel fillet with dry chili paste), and many other authentic Indonesian dishes and desserts.  Despite the price, I must say this is one place worth going to try several if not all the exquisite meals.  

Shalom, Sydney

Hello readers! 

We had a farewell dinner today for one of our fellow friends who is going back to Malaysia for good next week. They kindly obliged to go to a halal restaurant to accommodate me (thank you guys for changing the plan on the last minute ;D). We settled on an Indonesian restaurant named Shalom located at Sussex Street which is about 20-minute walk from Central station. To get there from the train station tunnel (on the CBD's end), walk towards Paddy's market and you can find Sussex from Hay or Thomas Streets. It should be near Chinatown area and the shop will be on your left. We arrived late at 8.30 pm and it was full house. Just our luck though there's one table for 4 vacant at the back. 

Look for this red signage

Halal certification is displayed at their front door

Order and pay at the counter

Tight space but loving the decor and ambiance

All of us had grilled chicken with rice but with different sauces. The menu states the spiciness level of each meal and please DO take them levels seriously. Levels 4 and 5 had my chili-lover friends sweating and burning their senses off haha. I had mine with non-spicy rojak gravy which has a hint of sweetness to it. Served with soft white rice, they were just simply amazing.

Clockwise from top: Level 4 something (I don't remember the name), Level 4 Red Onion Chili Sauce, my Rojak Sauce and Level 5 Fresh Chili Sauce. Each costs AUD10.

Us. Photo credit: Sharmila (not in picture)

Other meals offered here are entrees (fried tofu, spring rolls etc.),  side dish (spinach with chili, fried tempe etc.), soup (oxtail soup, beef ball soup etc.), noodle, satay, and dessert (durian ice, cendol etc.). Other than grilled chicken, you can have your rice served with fried chicken, duck and beef. Teh botol is available here for only AUD1! 

Hope you enjoy my semi-blurry piccas! :D