Chang, 34, is the chef behind the growing Momofuku catering empire. Last year, he opened Momofuku Seiobo, the first restaurant outside New York in Sydney, with 30 seats and a tasting menu of 175 Australian dollars (about 180 dollars). Seiobo Restaurant was warmly welcomed by local food critics.
But Chang said that the restaurant is still looking for its own pace. He said, "We haven't reached that stage yet, and the cooking style hasn't reached that stage yet."
In the past two years, he spent about six months in Sydney to get familiar with the local catering situation. He adjusted the menu according to the local specialties and began to like the ingredients of Australia. He said, "Their shellfish can be said to be the best. Spiny lobster? I don't like lobster, but I like spiny lobster."
Where did he eat when he was in Sydney? Here he shared with us his five favorite restaurants in Sydney.
Jintang Seafood Restaurant Golden Century
Chang said that this Cantonese restaurant is his most frequent restaurant. "I try not to order from the menu there. The XO sauce they make is great, and they also have a kind of chow mein, which is similar to Spanish mixed rice. I don't know how to describe it, but I like it."
393-399 Sussex St, Haymarket, NSW 2000, Australia
Tel:+61 (02) 9212 3901
Website: goldencentury.com.au
Chat Thai Restaurant
Chang said that when he was in Sydney, he would go to Chat Thai once a week. He said, "They are simple food, but they are well prepared and served quickly. I really like their bamboo salad." Chat Thai has five stores in Sydney, one of which is located at 20 Campbell St, Haymarket, NSW 2000, Australia。
Tel:+61 (02) 9211 1808
Website: chatthai.com.au
Spice I Am Thai Restaurant
He said, "This is also a Thai restaurant, but no Thai restaurant in the United States can match it. I usually go there and ask for a curry rice and satay barbecue for lunch. Sydney has many Thais and Vietnamese, so there is a strong flavor of Thai and Vietnamese food culture."
Address: 90 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia
Tel:+61 (02) 9280 0928
Website: spiceiam.com
Spice Temple
This is one of the restaurants opened by Neil Perry, a famous Australian chef. Chang said, "I like this restaurant because it does not seek to reflect the original flavor of the ingredients, but focuses on the overall taste of the food. I love to eat very hot food, and this restaurant has many very hot dishes. I can order everything, and I know everything will be very hot."
Address: 10 Bligh St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Tel:+61 (02) 8078 1888
Website: rockpool.com
Porteno
"In the 1950s, country rock music met Argentine barbecue" is Chang's description of Porteno. He said, "I don't know where this style can exist except in Sydney. Sometimes they will leave a pig's head or sheep's head for roasting, and then serve the whole thing. But all the barbecues on the menu are also great."
358 Cleveland St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia
Tel:+61 (02) 8399 1440
Website: porteno.com.au
Text/JASON CHOW
