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Susuru Japanese Izakaya: our favourite ramen spot in Newcastle
Susuru Japanese Izakaya in Newcastle has reopened with a fresh new look and the same comforting Japanese flavours locals love. From rich, velvety tonkotsu ramen to crispy karaage and sticky honey soy wings, hereโs what we tried โ and which dishes weโd order again.
Our Top 5 Best Playgrounds and Parks in Newcastle and Beyond
Looking for the best play parks in Newcastle and Maitland? Discover our family’s top 5 playgrounds, from harbourside favourites to quiet suburban gems.
Fresh Finds: July Roundup
This monthโs roundup is wrapped in winter warmth, big life shifts, and little joys worth savouring. From comforting bowls of pho to some of the best shows out there recently, and a few beauty gems in between, hereโs everything I wrote, loved, and recommend from July.
Bringing Filipino Flavours Home with Beef Bicol Express
This Filipino Beef Bicol Express is a lighter, beefy twist on the classic โ rich coconut milk, savoury bagoong, a hint of ginger warmth, and just the right amount of spice (or none at all, if thatโs your thing). Comfort food, Filipino-style.
Hanok Korean BBQ Newcastle: Authentic Charcoal Dining Experience
Hanok Korean BBQ is an authentic charcoal dining experience on Westfield Kotaraโs rooftop. Explore the Hanok Korean BBQ menu featuring premium wagyu cuts, seafood, and a fun Korean BBQ buffet vibe in Newcastle.
The Swordfish Co Warners Bay: Fresh Seafood & Lakeside Dining
Fresh seafood and classic fish and chips by the lake โ discover Swordfish Warners Bay for casual dining, takeaway, and generous seafood platters.
Antojitos Newcastle: This Authentic Mexican Taqueria Is A Local Favourite For A Delicious Reason
Antojitos Newcastle serves fresh, bold Mexican food in a vibrant space. Delicious tacos, burritos, house-made aguas frescas, and chill vibes make it a local favourite.
Best Ramen in Chatswood: Our Visit to Manpuku Sydney
If youโre searching for the best ramen in Chatswood, Manpuku Ramen is worth the hype. This cozy spot serves up soul-warming bowls like the vegetarian Yasai Shoyu with its delicate soy-based broth, and the Tsukemen with thick, tangy dipping sauce thatโs an umami explosion. With dishes on the Manpuku Chatswood menu that range from crispy Karaage Chicken to perfectly pan-fried Gyoza, this is the ultimate destination for ramen in Sydney.
Quick and Easy Niku Udon (Beef Udon) Recipe: Savory Japanese Beef Noodle Soup That Is Comfort In A Bowl
If youโre craving beef udon or looking for an easy niku udon recipe, this comforting beef noodle soup is perfect for chilly winter nights. Made with tender beef slices, chewy udon noodles, and a light soy-based broth, itโs comfort food you can whip up in 20 minutes.
Best Pho In Newcastle: Pho Huy Is The Hidden Gem We Need To Talk About
This family-run Vietnamese restuarant serves the best bowls of rich, delicate Pho.
Featured posts
Susuru Japanese Izakaya: our favourite ramen spot in Newcastle
Susuru Japanese Izakaya in Newcastle has reopened with a fresh new look and the same comforting Japanese flavours locals love. From rich, velvety tonkotsu ramen to crispy karaage and sticky honey soy wings, hereโs what we tried โ and which dishes weโd order again.
The Swordfish Co Warners Bay: Fresh Seafood & Lakeside Dining
Fresh seafood and classic fish and chips by the lake โ discover Swordfish Warners Bay for casual dining, takeaway, and generous seafood platters.
Best Pho In Newcastle: Pho Huy Is The Hidden Gem We Need To Talk About
This family-run Vietnamese restuarant serves the best bowls of rich, delicate Pho.
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.
A Real Mother’s Day in Newcastle: My Bucket List of Simple Joys
Motherโs Day always seems to fly by โ a coffee, a quick lunch, a lovely card โ and before you know it, itโs back to real life. This year, Iโm doing it differently. Iโve made a Motherโs Day bucket list โ 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 thatโs equal parts lively and laid-back. Whether youโre catching up with friends, wrangling the kids for a family dinner, or just chasing a killer margarita, this two-storey gem is one youโll want to come back to โ again and again.
Nothing Grumpy About It: This Newcastle Bakery Sparks Pure Joy
Grumpy Baker might be grumpy, but Iโm not โ hereโs 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, itโs the kind of spot that keeps you coming back for more.
Salt Chili and Lime: East Maitlandโs 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 Motherโs 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 youโre searching for the best breakfast buffet in Newcastle, NSW, look no further than Roundhouse at Crystalbrook Kingsley. With its stunning views of Newcastleโs coastline and a menu that features locally sourced ingredients, this breakfast spot offers a unique dining experience thatโs perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a luxurious morning meal. Whether youโre a foodie exploring Newcastleโs 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
Donโt 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 ๐