There are numerous, numerous threads that fit the bill, but probably no single master thread. Make sure that when you do your search that you uncheck the default for the past 12 months, and check the search for the past five years. When I do this, I get more than 400 threads that discuss Borough Market. If I recall, there were some very robust threads on Borough Market 2-3 years back. I'd start with the "newest first" sorting order, and work my way backwards.

I can recommend a pub in nearby Deptford that we used to frequent called the Dog & Bell (116 Prince St.). They have an amazing list of bottled Belgian beers that sets them apart in London pubs. Also a decent set of UK beers on tap. (It's a Fuller's pub, IIRC.)

http://www.thedogandbell.co.uk/

Otherwise you can do a crawl along the Thames Path. None of the pubs are particularly noteworthy in a Chow sense, but for a visitor to London the riverside pubs can have a certain charm. We usually ended up at the Cutty Sark, which was just OK for food and beer, but a really charming historical setting with extraordinary river views of the O2 and Canary Wharf. It looks like they are under new management now, so that could bode well.

http://www.cuttysarkse10.co.uk/

Very inspiring, Harters. I always enjoy reading your reviews, even though we no longer live in the UK. I love the idea of trying anything and everything. If there's one thing we really enjoy about living in different places, it's the opportunity to make those little discoveries-- all the more sweet because of how many tries it takes to land on a gem. You have a breadth of experience that brings a lot of value to this board.

Seconding Herbies and Fiji Market as a source for Sazon, Adobo, and chipotles (the canned version). Fiji Market gets a lot of Mexican items, but I think they only get shipments so often, so it's best to stock up when they have stuff, because they often run out before the next shipment arrives. It's best to stop in there frequently and see what's in stock.

Fresh jalapenos are pretty widely available at supermarkets and greengrocers, but I find that the supply tends to be spotty-- sometimes they have them and sometimes they don't. Also, I often find that the Aussie jalapenos are much hotter than the US version, and vary quite a lot from one batch to another.

I have seen fresh okra at indian and some asian markets, and at David Jones food hall. It's also sold frozen at many of the larger asian supermarkets.

The plantains I find here are the Hawaiian variety, which have a slightly different texture/taste profile from the US/Latin American ones.

Can't help you on the cheese, as I'm lactose intolerant and can't eat it (though I was born in Wisconsin).

Overall, I find that you can find a lot of US- and latino-type ingredients, but just not in one place. Every so often I'll do a Mexican-themed dinner for friends, and it always involves shopping at half a dozen markets to get all the necessary ingredients.

There's a marine farm in Freycinet/Coles Bay that we visited while there and had the most magnificent oysters and mussels. We bought several dozen of each and took them back to our cottage. They were also selling a ginger soy vinaigrette to pair with the oysters, which was hand labelled "Tetsuya's". When we asked about it, we were told that the restaurant sources oysters from this farm, and had shared the recipe for the vinaigrette.

Kate's Berry Farm was good, but we were there off season, and so it was only jams and preserves and baked goods on offer.

Thanks for the detailed write-up. Sounds like a fabulous culinary weekend. Gives me something to think about for my next trip to Melbourne.

I just came across this thread because I had the same question.

I'm shocked at how few cooking/cookbook apps there seem to be out there, particularly for serious cooks. I bought the Bittman app, How to Cook Everything, and found it quite disappointing. It's very elementary and assumes that you are complete noob in the kitchen. If you have a basic set of skills and repertoire already (ie, you know how to roast a chicken or make a piecrust), then you won't find much of anything very educational. I do like the layout and design of the app, however. I just wish there were more/more interesting recipes, perhaps more comprehensive, like the Joy of Cooking.

I am interested in another app, The Professional Chef. This one is a whopping $50, so I haven't sprung for it yet, but it is the full textbook for the Culinary Institute of America. It doesn't have any reviews, so I'd be keen to hear from people who have used it.

Perhaps you could provide a little more of a clue about what constitutes "unique" for you? If you check some of the previous Sydney threads, you'll find suggestions for places like the Fish Market, the food halls at David Jones department store, the Viktor Churchill butcher in Woollahra, Bourke St. Bakery in Surry Hills.

Some restaurant recommendations I usually make to visitors that represent the good stuff Sydney has to offer are:

Malay chinese for laksa
Mamak for Malaysian roti
Gumshara Ramen in the Dixon St Eating World food court
Menya Oiden, fast food style udon
Madang or Seoul Ria for Korean
Spice I Am or House for Thai
Maya Sweets for S. Indian dosas and thalis
Mohr Fish for seafood
Porteno is more "unusual" argentinian restaurant (not the usual churrasco-type joint).

You might also want to check out the blog: http://grabyourfork.blogspot.com.au
Helen covers all manner of Sydney food experiences.

I've only recently learned to love mussels, and I'm not sure if it is the result of moving to Australia from the US. They are fresher, more local, and more available in this part of the world than in the US, and I find that most restaurants handle them pretty well. They shouldn't be rubbery if they aren't cooked too long. I prefer the traditional and basic moules marinières preparation. I can't speak specifically for NZ, and the green lipped variety, but thrown in a pot with some shallots and a glug of Marlborough sauv blanc, you really can't go wrong.

We tried the Diner location in Camden just once, and it was a real let-down. Pancakes were thin, and were served with golden syrup (not maple or even maple-flavoured-- regardless of what the menu says). It's British bacon, not US-style rashers. The coffee was OK, but lukewarm, and not served never-ending style. In fact, the waitress seemed annoyed when we kept trying to flag her down for a second cup, although the menu says it's free refills. It just didn't come together the way an american-style diner breakfast should. I suspect that no one who works there has ever experienced the real thing. The shame of it is if they really tried to get some of these details right, they'd probably have queues out the door! They certainly have the decor down pat. If you go with minimal expectations, you'll be OK.

About a block southwest of St. Paul's is the Blackfriar's pub. They have a decent, although pedestrian, pub menu that focuses on pies. They also have an excellent selection of cask ales, and it's a beautiful, architecturally significant setting. You could also shoot across the Millennium Bridge and have lunch at the Tate Modern restaurant. Wonderful views of the dome you'll be climbing. There's also a cafe in the basement/crypt of St. Pauls. (I did the climb a couple of years ago. The climb itself isn't that bad, as it goes in stages. But if you have a fear of heights or claustrophobia, beware. Some of the flights are on open spiral staircases between the inner and outer dome. The view of London from the top is spectacular.)

By all means, PhilD, not saying that Sydney doesn't have some fantastic Italian. (It absolutely does.) Just that it might not be better or different than what a New Yorker is used to.

And I've heard you rate Aki's before. I admit I've never been, so will have to put that one on the list.

Harry's and Hannah's are the two usual recommendations for an authentic Aussie meat pie. You're not too far from Hannah's, which is next to the Powerhouse Museum.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/419980

The only reason it matters where you're from is that it helps frame what you might find interesting and good. For example, I'd never recommend any Italian restaurants to a New Yorker, because what you can get at home is so much better and so common. Similarly, if you're from LA, you probably wouldn't be that impressed with any of Sydney's sushi. If you're from London, you'd be disappointed with our Indian offerings. etc. I can only speak for myself, but when I travel, I like to seek out dining experiences that are unique to the destination, and different from what I can get at home. Most tourists who post here only have a short time and a limited number of meals, so it helps to know how to make the best suggestions out of a multitude of options. That's why I asked. It's hard to give a good answer when people simply ask "what's good?" It's so subjective.

Sydney does a lot of Asian cuisines really well. Thai, Korean, Chinese, Malaysian, Vietnamese— done really authentically. Far more so than than you would find in most American cities, where things tend to get toned down for American tastes. For this reason, I tend to emphasise these cuisines for American visitors.

You'll love FishFace. Fratelli Paradiso is a good casual Italian bistro, but not exceptional in any way. Are you asking about Porteno in Surry Hills? It's Argentinian, but not usual churrasco style place. I really enjoyed the one meal I had there. They do a whole roasted lamb and pig every day, and that's on the menu until it sells out (which is often with the first seating). We enjoyed the roast pig with cracklings, pickled tongue, blood sausage, and the brussels sprouts were divine. The plates are generous and seem to be designed for more family-style sharing.

Note that both Fratelli and Porteno do not take reservations. You might need to be prepared to wait for a table. Porteno has a really nice bar upstairs where you can order small plates. That might be another option. I don't think Porteno is open on Sunday, though. I believe Fratelli is only until 6:00pm on Sunday, so that would have to be lunch.

If you are an American (your profile suggests that you might be), definitely give Mamak a try, because we get so few opportunities to sample Malaysian food back in the US. People here might argue about whether Mamak is the best example in its class, but it's certainly good enough. You have to sample the roti.

For coffee, try Mecca Espresso at 67 King St., ground floor of the Grace Hotel. They roast their own beans. The aforementioned Central Baking Depot also does a good flat white. Make sure you check this thread too:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/831842

We might need to kick up a new thread just for CBD coffee recommendations, as most of the cafe suggestions on this board are for other neighbourhoods.

As for Chinta Ria, I used to be a fan, but the last time I was there it seemed that quality had gone down and prices had gone up. It felt much more corporatised, and seems to have lost some of its atmosphere. Also, the stink of incense was overpowering and kind of ruined my appetite. I'd choose Mamak over Chinta Ria for sure. Chinta Ria's only edge is its outdoor seating in the summer.

I think the first thing people will want to know is where are you from (Aussie or foreign) and what do you like? You mention everything being overpriced, but you include Momofuku and Sixpenny on your list. Are you looking for bargain eats or value for money at any price?

Yes, there are endless opportunities in Sydney to spend lots of money on very mediocre food. Especially around Darling Harbour where you are staying.

To focus on your request for "walking distance" and the lower end of the price scale, I can make a few quick suggestions:

For lunch:

Malay Chinese (for laksa), 58 Hunter Street, between Castlereigh and Pitt.

Central Baking Depot (same owners as Bourke St. Bakery) Nice pizze, daily lunch specials, and pastries. Check the website: http://www.centralbakingdepot.com.au for daily menus. (Note also, Laksa King next door isn't too bad, if there's no seats left at the bakery.

Menya Oiden or Menya Mappen, 537 George St, (dual sites, inside the little shopping centre). Japanese kushiage place for udon and ramen.

Also, you're not far from the Westfield food court.

For dinner:

Madang Korean, in an alley off of 371 Pitt Street.

Thanon Khao San, 413 Pitt St, or Chat Thai,188 Pitt St, for authentic Thai

Keep in mind too, that public transport can get you to a lot of places, and "walking distance" is a relative term. (I, for example, don't mind a 30 minute walk.) You might do a bit of reading on some other recent threads like:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/851283
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/853675

Also wanted to chime in to warn about Sailors Thai. We had an extremely disappointing meal there a couple months ago, and the restaurant was nearly empty on a Friday night. I nearly cried, as we could have had a much better meal somewhere else for $300. We ordered the tasting menu, and I believe we could have had a meal of equal quality for a third of the price at Spice I Am. We have been to the Sailors Thai Canteen in recent months, and that was fine, but I would warn anyone off venturing downstairs.

If you are staying in Pyrmont, you will be close to the Fish Markets, and that's a good lunch spot if you like seafood. Some of the stalls are heavy on the fried food, but you can get a wonderful selection of oysters, sashimi/sushi, and there's one place that will cook your fish selection to order.

For single person dining, I second PhilD's recommendation for Spice I Am in Surry Hills (or their sister restaurant House, down the street), or there's a couple of spots in "Thaitown", Chat Thai or Thanon Khao San on Pitt Street, for good Thai. You might also consider Malaysian, either at Mamak, or there is Kopitiam in Ultimo, which borders on Pyrmont and would be a short walk from your hotel.

A fun place that I like that is also on the cheap end of the spectrum and well-suited to single diners because of the crazy crowded seating is Menya Oiden (537 George St, inside the little shopping centre). This is a Japanese kushiage place where you get in line to order a bowl of udon or rice/yakitori, and then there is a cafeteria-style--but very fresh-- selection of breaded and fried meats and veggies to add to your bowl. It's cheap as chips, and really delicious. Pay at the counter and jostle for a seat at the communal tables. They have a sister restaurant next door, Menya Mappen, which is the same deal, but more focus on noodles. Pro tip: get the onsen egg with your bowl.

Reasonably close to Circular Quay is Malay Chinese, 50-58 Hunter Street, which is ideal for the single diner-- again with the crowded shared seating-- and one of the better places for laksa. If you are an American new to Australia, and especially Sydney, you must try laksa. However, they are only open during the day on Saturday (close at 5:00), closed on Sunday, and lunch-7:30pm on weekdays.

For Indian, I really like the southern Indian thalis and dosas at Maya Indian Sweets in Surry Hills (on Cleveland, near the corner of Crown St.). (No alcohol served, however.) Barebones cafeteria style eating, but extremely good.

Crown St. in Surry Hills is a good strip for cafes restaurants, if you are looking for breakfast/brunch. It might be challenging to get a table for one, but you'd be sure to find something eventually. Bill's is kind of a favourite for the ricotta pancakes. You could also try Bourke St. Bakery nearby.

Lastly, this may seem less chow-y, but there is a pie stand in Pyrmont/Ultimo next to the Powerhouse Museum called Hannah's. They're really good pies, and if you're still experimenting with the whole "Australian food" experience, it's a good example of its species.

Oh, and I meant to add, I consider the sushi bar in the Food Halls at David Jones to be the best takeaway sushi in the CBD. It's not close to Phillip St, but might be worth the walk if you really are concerned about quality. I have to think that sourcing and prepping standards are very good there.

What, exactly are you paranoid about? Where the fish is sourced? How it is handled in the shop? How long it sits in the shop? If more the latter, then I should think that finding the places with the longest queue is best. You want a place that has a lot of turnover. If you're more concerned about the condition of the fish before it gets to the shop, then I think this is harder to judge, especially for anything in the "takeaway" category.

The place Phil recommends at Chifley has been a favourite of mine too, and is the place I most often go for lunchtime sushi in the CBD, but I have noticed on my last couple of visits (in the past month or so) that the quality has deteriorated noticeably (fish is cut sloppily, tough cuts, rice is over-sweetened and too cold, nori is wet). But if your only concern is how much fish gets turned over in a short time, they're probably still a good bet.

There's a place on the lower ground floor of the Hunter Connection food court, just off the Hunter St. entrance at the foot of the stairs, that does a lot of turnover. I don't think the quality (taste and prep-wise) is all that great, but they seem to sell a lot of fish.

The place in the food court between the two AMP towers is OK too. They seem to only make a certain quantity each day, and simply stop selling when it runs out, which I take to be a good sign. I also like the place in the outdoor food court under the Westpac building on Kent, near Wynyard. But again, these are all just takeaway-quality. Not necessarily the best sushi, quality-wise.

Fiji Market is a wonderful find. Most of their merchandise is dedicated to Indian ingredients and spices, but they have a good selection of other Asian and Mexican/South American spices and groceries. I buy a couple of my favourite Mexican sauces there-- Valentina Salsa and Herdez tomatilla salsa. They also sell small and large cans of chipotle en adobo, achiote, and dried chiles. Last time I was in there (a few weeks ago) they were out of a number of things they normally carry, and the shopkeeper told me they were waiting for another shipment. But yeah, I can never walk out of there without a backpack full of stuff.

I don't know about the andouille, as I've never tried to look for it. You might try the Blackwattle Deli at the Sydney Fish Markets. If they don't have it, they might be able to tell you where you can find it.

For file powder, the first place I'd try is Fiji Market on King Street in Newtown. They seem to have the best selection of Latin American spices in town, and if anyone had file, it would likely be them. Herbies Spices might be another potential source. You could call their main store in Rozelle and ask.

Thanks for all the updates, zinfanatic. This board doesn't get enough of that. Would love to hear about the wineries you visited in Tassie. Will be planning a trip there sometime later this year.

mr_gimlet, we did not make it over to Queen Vic Market, so I'm in no position to compare the two. All I can say is that I wish Prahran Market was in Sydney.

Here's a review of Josie Bones that I recently posted. It ticks off your charcuterie, offal, and craft beer items. Not sure if it qualifies as moderately priced, but you can have a look at the menu online to decide. I think our total bill for 2 people with 6 dishes and 7 beers was about $150.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/8077...

Also, I wanted to add that I was really impressed with the Prahan Markets (easy tram ride from the CBD). It beats the pants off of any of Sydney's markets, for both farm fresh/heritage produce and gourmet deli items. It would make a great place to visit for lunch, or pick up a range of charcuterie, cheese, pies, and wine for a picnic in the Botanic Gardens.

Of your list, I've only been to District Dining, but we enjoyed it quite a bit. You might also consider Billy Kwong in Surry Hills. (I know you said no Asian, but if you exclude Asian, I think you're missing a huge part of what makes Aussie cuisine special.) You could easily blow your budget there, but if you order somewhat carefully, you can have an exquisite meal that doesn't break the bank. There's no reservations there, so you need to show up just before opening time at 6:00 and put your name in. They'll send you to the pub across the street and call you when there's a table. Note though, it's a tiny space with very close seating, so you are very intimate with other diners. It's not a white tablecloth experience, but the food is extraordinary and exemplifies what is wonderful about Sydney cuisine.

Porteno in Surry Hills is another option. Argentinian, with lots of spit roasted meats, but extremely well executed in a charming setting. Servings are generous, and two mains with a shared starter should be plenty of food. Like Billy Kwong, there's no reservations, but going early should get you a seat. Both restaurants have menus online.

This thread might also be helpful:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/816509

Oh, and for the Botanic Gardens, my favourite thing to do is to first stop by the Food Halls in the basement of David Jones department store and pick up the ingredients for a gourmet picnic in the gardens. Having said that, the restaurant at the Art Gallery of NSW is extremely pleasant.

I swear this exact same question got asked, and thoroughly answered, a couple of years ago, but I can't find it in the search results. Does Chowhound delete threads that are over a 18 months old? What a shame to lose the older threads.

Belgo Noord, across from the Roundhouse isn't too bad, if you're happy with a bucket of mussels and some chips. Yum Cha, further down Chalk Farm Road is good. There's some options on Regents Park Road, just over the bridge from Chalk Farm: Lemonia and Lemani for Greek food, and Trojka for Russian/eastern European. Also, you might consider one of the excellent pizzas at the Lansdowne Pub on Gloucester Ave. in Primrose Hill. El Parador, down by Mornington Crescent station is nice for tapas. It's been over a year since I lived in the area, so not sure if there are new places to add.

This thread might also be helpful:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/797419

Perhaps a bit more downmarket, but Phoenicia market in Kentish Town (near Camden) has an impressive array of olive oils, olives, capers, and other provisions from all over the Mediterranean.

I can recommend a couple of places-- not foodie destinations by any stretch, but both have really great atmosphere and a sense of history, without feeling overly-touristy.

The Pie Room at the Newman Arms pub in Fitzrovia does just that-- pies. You'll get a terrific pie served on a plate heaped with potatoes and veg for £10-12. They don't have a huge range of beers (it's a tiny pub), but they've got London's Pride (Fullers) and usually a decent guest beer. The puddings (dessert) are pretty fantastic too. After dinner you can hang out downstairs for a few more drinks. Note that this pub is only open on weeknights, closed on the weekend.

Close to St. Paul's (174 Queen Victoria Street) is a wonderful pub called The Blackfirar. The pub is turn-of-the-century arts & crafts style, with incredible architectural details. There is a little back room with pretty vaulted ceilings and gorgeous tilework. It's one of my favourite pubs in London. They do a fine selection of beers, including several cask ales. They'll let you sample a few before you buy, if you can't decide. There's a basic food menu, leaning heavy on the pies. Nothing gourmet, mind you (and not as good as Newman Arms), but decent pub grub. If you're in need of lunch near St. Pauls, this is a nice place to rest your feet for a while.

And if you've read any of the other recent threads for visitors to London, you've probably picked up the suggestion for the Bull & Last in Highgate, which is a pub with more emphasis on the food than the beer. But they do get some nice beers on. It's a nice finish to a wander around Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill (one of the best views of London).

I think the OP has already completed their trip, but in case anyone else is referencing this thread, Thursday is a better day for Borough, in my opinion, as it is less crowded than Friday. And although the market gives official hours of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, a good number of the vendors are actually open every day, and weekday visits can be much more pleasant than trying to squeeze in with the weekend crowds.