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Fresh Finds: The May Roundup
A personal roundup of May favourites on Fresh Saturdays — from an easy homemade pizza recipe to local Newcastle food gems, a Korean street food pop-up, and Mother’s Day reflections. Includes restaurant reviews, lifestyle favourites, and what I’ve been watching lately.
Quick and Easy Homemade Pizza for Busy Weeknights (Faster Than Takeout!)
This quick and easy homemade pizza recipe uses store bought dough for a fast, fresh meal that tastes just like takeaway — only better and cheaper.
Sukimama: The Korean Street Food Pop-Up in Merewether Locals Are Raving About
If you’re after soulful Korean street food in Newcastle, look no further than Sukimama — the beloved pop-up tucked above the Merewether Surf Life Saving Club. From handmade dumplings to bubbling corn cheese and the sweetest Hotteok, it’s food that feels personal, comforting, and full of heart. This Sunday marks Sukimama’s final pop-up at Merewether, but word is something exciting is coming. Here’s what we ate — and why you should catch it before it wraps up.
MuMu Sydney Review: Bold Southeast Asian Eats, Cocktails & Fun in the Heart of the City
Looking for a vibrant spot to celebrate a birthday or long lunch in Sydney? MuMu Sydney, located in the ivy precinct on George Street, serves bold and flavour-packed Southeast Asian street food in a lively, neon-lit setting. From prawn betel leaves to buttery claypot garlic rice and char siu chicken, this is one of the best modern Asian restaurants in Sydney for shared plates, cocktails, and good vibes.
Hokkaiya Japanese Restaurant: Cosy Hidden Gem in Hamilton, Newcastle
Craving ramen in Newcastle? Hokkaiya in Hamilton is a cosy, underrated Japanese spot that’s perfect for autumn. Think rich tonkotsu ramen, some of the best takoyaki in town, and prices that won’t sting. Locals love it — and now I do too.
A Real Mother’s Day in Newcastle: My Bucket List of Simple Joys
Mother’s Day always seems to fly by — a coffee, a quick lunch, a lovely card — and before you know it, it’s back to real life. This year, I’m doing it differently. I’ve made a Mother’s Day bucket list — five simple things I actually want to do, slowly, over time. Think sunrise walks, spa mornings, and coffee in new places. No pressure. Just joy, stretched out.
El Chapos Maitland: Authentic Mexican Taqueria & Cocktails
Looking for bold flavours, vibrant vibes, and a spot that delivers every single time? Tucked in the heart of Maitland, El Chapos serves up authentic Mexican dishes in a space that’s equal parts lively and laid-back. Whether you’re catching up with friends, wrangling the kids for a family dinner, or just chasing a killer margarita, this two-storey gem is one you’ll want to come back to — again and again.
Best Sandwiches in Newcastle: A Local’s Visit to Arno Deli
Looking for the best sandwiches in Newcastle? Arno Deli on King Street delivers gourmet paninis packed with flavour. Here’s why it’s a must-visit lunch spot.
Nothing Grumpy About It: This Newcastle Bakery Sparks Pure Joy
Grumpy Baker might be grumpy, but I’m not — here’s why this Junction bakery has the some of the best pies and breads in Newcastle, NSW.
Filipino pork adobo
If you’re craving a taste of home or eager to explore Filipino cuisine, this authentic Filipino Pork Adobo recipe delivers savoury perfection every single time. Tender pork braised in a flavourful blend of soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic — it’s comfort food at its finest.
10 best things to do in Newcastle with kids (that are toddler-approved!)
Newcastle is a goldmine of activities when you have a toddler in tow, but it can get overwhelming to figure out what to do. This list offers some best things to do in Newcastle with kids – activities which are free, fun, and engaging.
The best TV episode of 2025 and other small joys
TV’s best episode of 2025 and authentic Thai in Westfield Kotara
Emilio’s Italian Restaurant: A cosy spot in Warner’s Bay, NSW
Emilio’s at Warner’s Bay is a rustic Italian restaurant with coastal vibes that’s perfect for a date night or an intimate gathering.
Restaurant Review: Umaya at Westfield Kotara
If Japanese food is your love language, Umaya Japanese Restaurant at Westfield Kotara is a must-visit, serving up bold flavors and comforting eats without the hefty price tag. Sleek, modern, and packed with authentic flavors, it’s the kind of spot that keeps you coming back for more.
Salt Chili and Lime: East Maitland’s hidden gem
Regarded as one of the best restaurants in Maitland, this hidden gem is a must-visit for food lovers seeking an intimate and delicious dining experience.
Mother’s Day Brunch at the Rydges Hunter Valley Breakfast Buffet
Looking for the ultimate breakfast experience in the Hunter Valley? Our Mother’s Day visit to the Rydges Hunter Valley breakfast buffet was nothing short of amazing! With an extensive selection ranging from a hot food bar, salad station, pancake and cereal bar, to a coffee station for that perfect morning pick-me-up, it was a feast for all senses.
Quick & Easy Prawn Roll Recipe: How to Make Delicious Prawn Rolls at Home
If you’re craving something light, fresh, and packed with flavor, this easy prawn roll recipe is perfect for you! In just a few simple steps, you’ll learn how to make prawn rolls at home using fresh ingredients. Whether you’re in need of a quick lunch or looking to impress at a dinner party, this quick prawn roll recipe is bound to be a hit. The combination of succulent prawns, crisp vegetables, and a touch of tangy seafood sauce makes this dish an instant favorite. Plus, it’s a healthy prawn roll recipe that’s perfect for busy days!
A Morning Feast at Roundhouse: Breakfast Buffet at Crystalbrook Kingsley, Newcastle
If you’re searching for the best breakfast buffet in Newcastle, NSW, look no further than Roundhouse at Crystalbrook Kingsley. With its stunning views of Newcastle’s coastline and a menu that features locally sourced ingredients, this breakfast spot offers a unique dining experience that’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a luxurious morning meal. Whether you’re a foodie exploring Newcastle’s top breakfast places or simply looking for a delicious buffet breakfast with a view, Roundhouse provides the perfect setting to start your day right.
I’m back and ready to dish out more deliciousness!
I missed this humble space – how are you? 🙂
Why I Started Fresh Saturdays
Decades of witnessing my mom’s love for food has led me to where I am today.
Introducing: Fresh Saturday’s Fresh Picks of the Week
This week’s fresh picks include an amazing blow dry brush perfect for short-haired gals and two intriguing and binge-worthy series, and more.
Starbucks Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso Recipe Dupe
This Starbucks dupe of their famous Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is notoriously good and delicious. Guaranteed to get you out of bed, energised AND happy.
Our Family Trip to Mudgee (and what to do when you have kids!)
This wine country is only three and a half hours away from Sydney, and is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. Think stars hallow (Gilmore girls!) but filled with vineyards and amazing food.
Restaurant Review: The Humble Thai is a proud contender in the Newcastle food scene
Don’t be fooled by its name – this unassuming restaurant in King Street delivers a packing punch when it comes to flavor and character.
Weekly Roundup #6: Includes the sexiest song from Cowboy Carter and athletes fighting for their life
Fresh lifestyle recommendations including the sexiest song from Cowboy Carter, athletes fighting for their life, and a baby eczema cream that actually works.
Cafe Review: Convoy Commune brings the good vibes to Merewether
This cafe in Mereweather, Newcastle, is as much a lifestyle destination as it is a cafe. It brings good coffee, good food, and positive vibes – all within a stone’s throw away from the beautiful beaches of New.
Easy Beef Nilaga Recipe
This easy beef nilaga soup is Filipino comfort food at its finest!
Fresh Weekly Roundup #5: an epic sci-fi trilogy, an effective yet cheap retinol, and more
This weekly roundup of recommendations include an epic sci-fi movie, an effective yet cheap retinol, and a playfulness practice that will bring you joy at the end of it
Cafe Review: Local Customs is the New Kid on the Block
This new cafe in Newcastle aims to bring an already tight-knit community even closer together. Spacious, lush, and welcoming – introducing, Local Customs in Adamstown.
Fresh Weekly Roundup #4: a charming Netflix food series, an eczema cream that works, and more
Your fresh dose of weekly recommendations include a charming and feel-good Netflix food documentary series, a cheap yet powerful eczema cream (that works!), and more.
Featured posts
A Real Mother’s Day in Newcastle: My Bucket List of Simple Joys
Mother’s Day always seems to fly by — a coffee, a quick lunch, a lovely card — and before you know it, it’s back to real life. This year, I’m doing it differently. I’ve made a Mother’s Day bucket list — five simple things I actually want to do, slowly, over time. Think sunrise walks, spa mornings, and coffee in new places. No pressure. Just joy, stretched out.
El Chapos Maitland: Authentic Mexican Taqueria & Cocktails
Looking for bold flavours, vibrant vibes, and a spot that delivers every single time? Tucked in the heart of Maitland, El Chapos serves up authentic Mexican dishes in a space that’s equal parts lively and laid-back. Whether you’re catching up with friends, wrangling the kids for a family dinner, or just chasing a killer margarita, this two-storey gem is one you’ll want to come back to — again and again.
Nothing Grumpy About It: This Newcastle Bakery Sparks Pure Joy
Grumpy Baker might be grumpy, but I’m not — here’s why this Junction bakery has the some of the best pies and breads in Newcastle, NSW.
The best TV episode of 2025 and other small joys
TV’s best episode of 2025 and authentic Thai in Westfield Kotara
Restaurant Review: Umaya at Westfield Kotara
If Japanese food is your love language, Umaya Japanese Restaurant at Westfield Kotara is a must-visit, serving up bold flavors and comforting eats without the hefty price tag. Sleek, modern, and packed with authentic flavors, it’s the kind of spot that keeps you coming back for more.
Salt Chili and Lime: East Maitland’s hidden gem
Regarded as one of the best restaurants in Maitland, this hidden gem is a must-visit for food lovers seeking an intimate and delicious dining experience.
Mother’s Day Brunch at the Rydges Hunter Valley Breakfast Buffet
Looking for the ultimate breakfast experience in the Hunter Valley? Our Mother’s Day visit to the Rydges Hunter Valley breakfast buffet was nothing short of amazing! With an extensive selection ranging from a hot food bar, salad station, pancake and cereal bar, to a coffee station for that perfect morning pick-me-up, it was a feast for all senses.
A Morning Feast at Roundhouse: Breakfast Buffet at Crystalbrook Kingsley, Newcastle
If you’re searching for the best breakfast buffet in Newcastle, NSW, look no further than Roundhouse at Crystalbrook Kingsley. With its stunning views of Newcastle’s coastline and a menu that features locally sourced ingredients, this breakfast spot offers a unique dining experience that’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a luxurious morning meal. Whether you’re a foodie exploring Newcastle’s top breakfast places or simply looking for a delicious buffet breakfast with a view, Roundhouse provides the perfect setting to start your day right.
Starbucks Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso Recipe Dupe
This Starbucks dupe of their famous Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is notoriously good and delicious. Guaranteed to get you out of bed, energised AND happy.
Our Family Trip to Mudgee (and what to do when you have kids!)
This wine country is only three and a half hours away from Sydney, and is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. Think stars hallow (Gilmore girls!) but filled with vineyards and amazing food.
Restaurant Review: The Humble Thai is a proud contender in the Newcastle food scene
Don’t be fooled by its name – this unassuming restaurant in King Street delivers a packing punch when it comes to flavor and character.
Weekly Roundup #6: Includes the sexiest song from Cowboy Carter and athletes fighting for their life
Fresh lifestyle recommendations including the sexiest song from Cowboy Carter, athletes fighting for their life, and a baby eczema cream that actually works.
Easy Beef Nilaga Recipe
This easy beef nilaga soup is Filipino comfort food at its finest!
Fresh Weekly Roundup #5: an epic sci-fi trilogy, an effective yet cheap retinol, and more
This weekly roundup of recommendations include an epic sci-fi movie, an effective yet cheap retinol, and a playfulness practice that will bring you joy at the end of it
Cafe Review: Local Customs is the New Kid on the Block
This new cafe in Newcastle aims to bring an already tight-knit community even closer together. Spacious, lush, and welcoming – introducing, Local Customs in Adamstown.
City Guide: Newcastle Digital Library
The Newcastle digital library takes it up a notch. This Newcastle library has a full suite of technologies and digital playscapes you and your family can definitely enjoy
Review: Sticky Rice Thai in Newcastle
This authentic Thai restaurant in Newcastle will leave you feeling utterly satisfied yet wanting more
Welcome to Fresh Saturdays!
We’re a Newcastle-based lifestyle blog dedicated to bringing you stories, experiences, food and recipe recommendations plus other musings all anchored on a love of community and discovery. I’m so glad you’re here 🙂