Temasek - Parramatta

Malaysian/Singaporean

Today I'm out with my friends at the well known hole in the wall, Temasek. With over 900 votes and a solid overall 4/5 rating on zomato, Temasek is among the best rated restaurants within Western Sydney. Temasek has also placed many times on the Good Food under 30 list.

Temasek is literally located in the middle of small alley that no one would seem to pass through. However if you do happen to come by then glorious food awaits you. The spot has two seating areas one on the left and another on the right. Temasek gives a very cosy, homey feeling with its warm lighting and close seating.

We visit midday and the lunch spot is packed with hungry workers on break.

hidden gem

Hainanese Chicken + Rice $12

The Hainanese Chicken is a MUST GET if you ever visit Temasek. During dinner service they sell whole chickens but today at lunch we settle for an affordable combo. The chicken has that oh so splendid glisten of oil but I was a bit disappointed as not all the skin was intact. The chicken was as expected, succulent, tender and mmm delicious. The stock infused rice and soup accompanied the chicken well. Sauces consisted of a somewhat less thick and sweet hoisin sauce and a chilli sauce. The usual savoury shallots and ginger were not provided.

Curry Chicken + Rice $12

Large pieces of chicken in a pool of curry. Flavour of the curry was good and the rice absorbed all the nearby sauce. Simple but delicious. 

Mee Goreng - $12

I was a bit skeptical about the Mee Goreng when my friend first ordered it. I had pretty low hopes for this dish thinking it would be made the from the instant noodle packet. However the noodle dish, tossed in a tomato based sauce with prawns and finished off with some fried onions blew my expectations. The dish tasted somewhat like a fusion between a pad thai and spaghetti. Bean sprouts provided a nice crunch and the tomatoes were simmered till they were soft and juicy.

Chicken Laksa - $11.50

The chicken laksa was a creamy, hot and oily goop of goodness. The laksa was rich in coconut milk and the tofu did a great job of absorbing the delicious soup. There was plenty of chicken breast, broth and noodles to share around. The (hidden) fried onions and coriander were nice additional touches. Great value for its portions and would especially recommend on a cold chilly day. 

Nothing left behind

Despite being hidden deep within an alleyway, Temasek provides an affordable and comfy dining experience.

The lines at night can get quite long so make sure you make a reservation. 

ps; the hainan chicken (whole) is a must get for dinner service.  

Sicilian - Parramatta

Along Church Street, Parramatta

Italian

Hey guys sorry for the super long break. I've decided to restart my blog so hopefully I'll be back to posting regularly again!

Today I'm at the Sicilian, exploring outside of the usual Asian cuisine. The Sicilian is one of many Mediterranean restaurants along the block and isn't too busy as I visit on a chilly Monday night. The restaurant is huge and has a nice interior design.

A nice rustic, pub feel

The staff here are super friendly and the service was on point. Everything was nice and tidy and the waitress was always nearby ready to help.

FETTUCCINI GAMBERI- $27.9

A simple dish, fettuccine tossed in a napolitana sauce. Pasta was cooked al dente and there were a generous amount of prawns. The tomato base was good but a bit more sauce would be nice. Could do with some extra seasoning. Mediocre.

RAVIOLI DI ZUCCA & FORMAGGIO DI CAPRA $23.9

Homemade ravioli filled with butternut pumpkin in a creamy sage sauce. This dish was MAGNIFICENT. Mmm a burst of flavour with the pumpkin as you bite into the ravioli. The sauce is amazingly light yet still creamy and full of goodness. A good balance of flavour as the sauce didn't overpower any other parts of the dish. The goats cheese sitting on top which I mistakenly took for a chunk of chicken breast was a very nice addition. The sweet potato curls add some texture to the dish with a nice crunch.

Superb dish, would recommend.

RISOTTO DI PESCE $28.9

Not the best looking seafood risotto but it tasted damn good. The risotto was creamy yet light at the same time, amazing flavour. Could taste a hint of butter but definitely not an overdose. The seafood in this dish was really well cooked. The fish was superbly soft and pipis well cooked. Not a single hair to be found in mussels.
The octopus could have been left out but nonetheless, a great dish.

PEPERONCINO POLLO - $26.9

Strong cheese game 

Marinated spicy chicken, rocket and mozarella.
Wood-fired pizza is one of their specialities so we couldn't not get the pizza. Chicken was nice and tender but for the price, I would've liked a bit more. The rocket added a touch of freshness. I'm quite picky on crusts and it could've been a little less dense here. Other than that good pizza.





Sicilian is a great restaurant to visit if you're ever craving Italian in Parramatta. They balance their flavours really well. The ravioli and risotto were standouts, both amazingly creamy and delicious yet also light. Sicilian is a bit more on the pricey side but you leave feeling satisfied and full (minus the glut).