The Melting Cheese, Sydney

Thai-inspired cafe with a fusion twist are popping up everywhere in Sydney lately, and Melting Cheese on Liverpool Street is the latest spot riding that wave.  Backed by the same team behind the already popular Mango Coco and Issho Cafe, this venue leans more into proper, filling meals rather than just light cafe fare.

The concept is playful and bold, clearly designed for the Ig and TikTok crowd, but with enough substance to stand on its own.  Not only looking good in pictures but they are also backed up with a great taste.

Salted egg yolk beef tartare

We started with the beef tartare, which was executed beautifully.  Well-seasoned, balanced and fresh.  It showed a more refined side of the kitchen.  Easily one of the most satisfying dishes of the meal and something we'd happily order again.

Warm melting cheeseburger

We also ordered their famously cheeseburger served on a hot plate with a dramatic cheese flood.  Something that's been getting a lot of attention on social media.  Presentation-wise, it definitely delivers.  The bun was soft, the beef patty was tender and well-cooked keeping them in a medium rare stage.  However, the cheese didn't quite live up to expectations.  Instead of a bold, melted cheddar or something similarly punchy, the cheese was more like a very light, creamy-cream-cheese-style sauce.  Visually impressive, yes - but flavour-wise, it lacked the 'wow' factor we were hoping for.  

Chilli beef pappardelle

The pasta on the other hand was cooked perfectly al dente, full of flavour, and generously coated in a rich, creamy sauce.  What really elevated the dish was the beurre blanc foam on top, adding extra richness and a silky finish without being overwhelming.  Comfort food done right.

Wagyu Japanese curry pappardelle

Fries with spicy mayo dip

By the end, we were completely full, so we skipped dessert this time.  But given the cafe's reputation and our past experiences with their sister venues, we'll definitely be back to try their sweets. 

The Melting Cheese

Level 1/88 Liverpool Street, Sydney

Ph: +61 2 9967 9265

Open: Mon - Fri 11am - 10pm, Weekend 10:30am - 10pm

Ribs & Burgers Rhodes

If you're serious about ribs, this restaurant is worthy to be on your list.  The ribs are easily among the best in town.  Slow cooked until perfectly tender, with a deep smoky flavour balanced by a subtle sweetness.  They're generously bashed with sauce that's rich and sticky without overpowering the meat, which pulls cleanly off the bone and stays juicy throughout.  They're totally finger-licking good.

Pork baby back ribs

Hands down, this was one of the best ribs I've had.  The ribs are incredibly juicy, with a rich, smoky flavour and a beautifully caramelised glaze.  Both pork and beef ribs were tender inside with just the right char on the outside.  Honestly, these ribs are so addictive.

Beef ribs

Southern chicken burger

The rest of the menu holds its own as well.  The burgers are hearty and well-built.  Wraps offer a lighter option but still deliver on flavour, packed with fillings and satisfying sauces.  Portions are generous across the board, making it great value whether you're ordering for yourself or sharing.  They also do some lunch specials on weekdays as well.

Loaded chips

The loaded fries piled high with smoky bacon and generous sauce, making them the perfect side to share (or not).

Overall, it's a comfortable, family-friendly spot with something for everyone.  Great food, especially the ribs, is clearly the star here.

Ribs and Burgers

Shop 53-54/ 1 Rider Boulevard, Rhodes

Ph: 02 9743 0880

Chargrill Charlie's, Rose Bay

I've lived in Sydney for over two decades and somehow only tried Chargrill Charlie's in Rose Bay recently.  I can't believe I waited this long.  The chicken is incredibly juicy, well-seasoned and full of flavour.  Honestly, I'm impressed.  Dare I say it, I actually prefer it over El Jannah.

 

The chicken is the real standout: perfectly cooked, so juicy and seasoned just right.  The skin has that lightly charred, smoky flavour without being dry and every bite feels comforting and satisfying.  

The salad are just as impressive.  There's a huge variety to choose from, from classic coleslaw and garden salads to more flavourful options like pasta and roasted veggies.  Everything looks fresh and well-prepared, making it easy to mix and match sides depending on your mood. 

With so many branches around Sydney, it's easy to see why Chargrill Charlie's has such a loyal following.  Great chicken, great sides and consistently solid quality.  Seriously good chicken.

Chargrill Charlie's 

2/779 New South Head Road, Rose Bay (many other branches across Sydney)

Ph: 02 9388 1180

Open: Every day from 9am - 8:30pm

Kajiken Aburasoba, Sydney

Aburasoba is a brothless style of ramen that focuses on thick noodles tossed in a rich sauce made from soy sauce, oil and umami-packed seasonings.  Instead of sipping soup, you're meant to mix everything thoroughly before eating so the sauce coats every strand of noodle.  Kajiken recommends adding a splash of extra chilli oil or vinegar to enhance the flavour. 

Wagyu beef aburasoba

Original aburasoba

We ordered the original aburasoba and the wagyu beef aburasoba, with extra toppings like chashu, corn and mentaiko.  The noodles were chewy and satisfying, the flavours were bold and savoury.  The wagyu beef added richness, while the mentaiko brought a nice salty kick and lifted up the whole dish.

While the food tasted good, the portion size felt a bit small for the price.  The value-wise it feels slightly overpriced compared to what you get.  Overall, it's tasty and worth trying if you're curious about aburasoba, but not something I'd go back for often given the cost.

Extra topping: Chashu $4 (2pcs), Mentaiko $2.50, and corn $1.50

Chicken karaage $12.80

Takoyaki $9

Kajiken Abura Soba

Shop 1 and 2, 605 - 609 George Street, Sydney (Enter from Goulburn Street)

Open: 11am - 9pm 

Blue Heaven, Hurtsville

I found a Burmese Thai restaurant in Hurstville which is truly a one-stop spot for a complete dining experience.  From main meals and snacks to desserts and drinks, they cover it all under one roof.  Their savoury dishes focus on Burmese cuisine. while the sweets and beverages lean towards Thai flavours.

Golden tofu

We started with the deep-fried tofu, which was a standout snack.  Served in tiny, bite-sized pieces, it was beautifully golden and crisp on the outside while staying soft inside.  Simple but yet satisfying. 

Crab spring rolls

Warm tofu noodle

I was so excited to try this dish.  It is a Shan noodle dish served with chicken and tofu gravy.  But a little disappointed.  The tofu noodle dish had a creamy texture but lacking in flavour for me.  I expected something with more pungent and more kick.

Fish noodle soup

Their mohinga, on the other side, was delicious and aromatic.  The flavour of this Burmese national dish reminded me a lot of Indonesian soto Lamongan, with its comforting, savoury broth and fragrant spices.  Overall, the savoury dishes can be a hit or a miss, but when they hit, they're quite enjoyable.

Shan noodle

Pandan custard caramel toast - served with coconut ice cream, cookie crumbles, pandan custard and salted caramel sauce

Where Bue Heaven truly shines is in their desserts.  Their shokupan honey toast was perfectly toasted with a light brown sugar crunch coating the bread.  We tried two different toppings: the classic banana caramel and a more Southeast Asian-inspired with pandan custard and coconut ice cream.  Both were equally impressive and indulgent.  Their bingsu was another great way to end the meal.

Banana caramel toast - shokupan toast with caramel butter served with vanilla ice cream, cookie crumbles, caramelised banana and salted caramel sauce

Lod Chong bingsu - Coconut milk bingsu served with pandan vermicelli, jackfruit, coconut jelly, and a drizzle of palm sugar sauce and whipped cream

To drink, I loved their chanom or Thai milk tea, which had a slightly bitter note that kept it from being overly sweet. 

The owner also gave us a complimentary deep-fried banana, which was amazing.  The batter had the perfect thickness, making it light and crispy.  They also offer take away Thai sweets such as mango sticky rice and amazing butter cookies.

Overall, Blue Heaven is worth a visit, especially if you have a sweet tooth and enjoy exploring Burmese and Thai flavours in one place.

Blue Heaven

238 Forest Road, Hurstville

Ph: +61 416 327 143