Sydney Eats

By Lee Atkinson

Ever heard of the saying "you get what you pay for"? It is usually proven true-unless you're lucky enough to be in Sydney, where you can get a whole lot for not very much at all. But here's the really good news: here in sunny Sydney, you'll often find that the very best things on offer -- the types of things you just can't find anywhere else, and that are worth crossing the country (or indeed the world) for -- are all free or dirt cheap. From mouth-watering food to knock-your-socks-off harbour views, fantastic beaches, great shopping finds and the hottest live acts-you can find them all in Sydney and at pocket-pleasing prices, to boot.

Best Lunch on the Run: Roll up for some brilliant Vietnamese finger food from the hole-in-the-wall cafe in Darlinghurst, MISSCHU (cnr. Bourke and William sts.; tel. 02/8356 9988; www.misschu.com.au).

Best Snack Under A$2: The scrumptious little savoury pastry pillows from the Maltese Pastizzi Cafe (310 Crown St.; tel. 02/9361 6942) in Surry Hills are addictive, and at just A$1.50 each you can have half a dozen and still get change from a A$10 note.

Best Dumplings: The piping hot soup-filled dumplings at Din Tai Fung (Level 1, World Square Shopping Centre, 644 George St.; tel. 02/9264 6010; www.dintaifung.com.tw) are bursting with eye-popping flavour. Just one is enough to send you to dumpling heaven, but go all out and order a dozen.

Best Fish and Chips: During the 1970s and '80s Doyles on the Wharf (Fishermans Wharf; tel. 02/9337 6214) was Sydney's most famous place to eat fish. But skip the dining room: The kiosk next door sells pretty much the same food at takeaway prices, making it some of the best fish and chips in Sydney.

Best Salt-and-Pepper Squid: It's a tough call to make in a city that is obsessed with spicy deep-fried tentacles, but the salt-and-pepper squid at Coogee's Banana Palm (260 Arden St.; tel. 02/9665 1212) is pretty close to perfect.