As one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs, everything Neil Perry touches turns to food gold. He is behind some of the most celebrated restaurants in Australia, not to mention he works closely with iconic airline Qantas, to curate an in flight menu which is updated ever 3 weeks. His restaurant Spice Temple, located in the heart of Sydney in no exception. Once you push past the front door covered with an LCD screen and make your way down the winding entrance steps, the scent of temple incense fills the air, setting the mood for world-class fine dining experience.
A celebration of modern Chinese food, Perry’s menu is best enjoyed shared amongst groups of 4 to 8 as there are an abundance of flavours for your palette to enjoy.
There is a strong Cantonese feel woven through the menu, with Schichuan, Hunan, Yunnan, Jiangxi, Guangxi and Xinjang among the influences listed. Generous lashings of chilli and Sichuan pepper will have your mouth tingling. Flavours are strong, think hot and salty, sweet and sour, all skilfully combined to create an array of mouthwatering dishes.
Stand out items include Steamed shredded chicken with ginger and spring onion oil, Fried squid, Hong Kong Typhoon style and Kung Pao chicken with Sichuan peppercorns, heaven facing chillies and cashews. Finish your meal with the refreshing taste of Pineapple granita with coconut meringue.
The Chinese theme is carried all the way to the cocktail menu, with unique blends named after the animals of the Chinese zodiac. I recommend the Pig (a lychee infused delight) and the Rooster (a tangy drink with essence of passionfruit). The service is top notch, with the friendly waitstaff always ready with a menu recommendation should you need one.
Spice Temple has also recently started serving Yum Cha. Before you conjure up a crowded restaurant filled with people yelling at the top of their voices, all trying to out talk each other, this Yum Cha is done Neil Perry style. Think delectable hand made delicacies made with only the finest ingredients. You can taste the freshness with each bite.
Address: 10 Bligh Street, Sydney
Phone: (02) 8078 1888
Hours: Lunch (including yum cha) Mon-Fri; dinner Mon-Sat
Couturing recently travelled to Sydney to research this article. Thanks to: Nuffnang, Qantas, ECQ Bar, Destination NSW, Burger Project, Rydges Sydney Central, Pullman Quay Grand Sydney.
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