Who am I? Why the blog?
My first and foremost reason for this blog is to bring people to Cabramatta (or Cabra as it is affectionately known).
By showing you a candid view of Cabramatta, I hope to dissolve any apprehensions that you may have. I’d like to think of this blog as a showcase of all the fabulous things Cabra has to offer: fantastic food, unique wares and humble people.
The small community of businesses here are unlike any other. Like my own business, many here are family owned and run. It is easy to look into a shop and see several family members across multiple generations working alongside each other.
Businesses here rely on word of mouth and foot traffic; very few can afford marketing or advertising.
Many of my friends who have not visited before, tell me that they have had every intention of visiting, but find the idea daunting. This brings me to my secondĀ reason for the blog : I was frustrated by the lack of good accurate information available online.People do not want to go to a place that they haven’t researched before. I know I’m guilty of ‘tripadvising’ every place I’ve ever been to.
I spend 40 hours a week here for work and have grown up in a nearby suburb. Spending so much time here, I’ve learnt to shop at the better quality and reliable merchants.
Here I will share with you all the tips I have gathered along the way eg. where to go for the best pork rolls, which incredible fruit shake combo to try and where to go if you are a vegetarian.
Think of me as your local guide!
I hope you will find this blog useful and please feel free to leave a comment.
Anna
Disclaimer: I do not receive any revenue from businesses featured on my blog. I also do not allow any advertisements. This is purely a non profit project of mine.
Hi Anna! Stumbled upon your blog because one of the ladies at Cabra library told me about it. As a fellow westie living in Cabra as well I’m loving what you do. Cabra is possibly the best suburb to live it; we have the richest culture and some of the best and authentic food. Keep up the good work. I might see you around sometime
Thanks Phuoc! I love reading your blog. It’s plain to see that you always see the positive side of things. Hope to see you around cabrarat!
Hi Anna,
Looks like word is getting around as I had just seen this via Phuoc’s Twitter. I think it’s a great initiative you’ve started! You’re right, like you, I have so many friends who say they’ve been meaning to visit Cabra but find the idea daunting. Who knows while I’ve been a local all my life I’ll probably learn something new reading your posts!
Hi Aimee, Thanks for your reply. I’m constantly amazed at how much the shopowners are embracing me and the blog. I have to admit that its tough convincing them to let me photograph and ask questions…usually it takes some sneaky coaxing with their kids (who need to explain blogs to them). I’ve been known to return again and again to the same store to reassure them of my intentions.
Great to hear that you are just as passionate about Cabra as I am!
Fantastic blog! I’ve only ever ventured into Iron Chef in Cabra, this is such a great guide to where the locals go
Thanks Vivian! Iron chef is on the east side (of the train tracks), you’ll find that the heart of Cabra is just on the other side (west side). I have to admit, one of my frustrations is the lack of signage…unless you’ve been directed to specific streets, it’s easy to completely drive right past the whole CBD! Glad to hear you find the blog helpful!
Call me wind because I am aslboutley blown away.
Hi there Anna! I found your blog on grabyourfork randomly.
I’m from the area too! I’d like to see the area grow as well, there’s such much good food around here!
I’ve blogged a few times about my local area on my blog aswell, But its great to see another local blogging about the food. Keep up the good work!
Hi Denny,
Yay to fellow cabra-rat! It’s good to know that you also cherish the suburb. It still amazes me how little non locals know about the place. Things we may take for granted eg. pandan waffles are such an exotic treat to others!
Anna
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Hi Anna,
A friend told me about your blog and I love it – so much so that I’m going to stop being one of those “I want to go to Cabramatta, but..” people and I’m visiting tomorrow. I can’t wait to try some of the amazing food.
P.S. Any tips for places to go if you’re vegetarian? I know there is a Loving Hut there but would like to try ‘normal’ restaurants with good vegetarian offerings.
Hi Steph,
I’m so happy that you’re visiting!
I know the locals head to “An Lac Vegetarian restaurant”(94B John Street, Cabramatta NSW 2166 (02) 9727 5116) a buddhist temple owned restaurant. Mostly vietnamese dishes. Unfortunately food takes a while to come out (by cabra standards). They have a ‘quick grab’ selection out front with prepacked meals for convenience.
I do like Duy Linh Vegetarian Restaurant (at 10/117 John Street, Cabramatta NSW 2166 02 9727 9800) for vegetarian yum cha. Nearby, (about three stores north of them) is a great Asian vegetarian grocery store at 48 Hill Street (Viet Hoa Shopping Centre).
Hope you have an adventurous day!
Anna
Thanks Anna! I couldn’t convince my friend to try vegetarian, so we ate at Tan Viet and another place for pho. It was great heading out there and seeing all the activity and noise. It was interesting being spoken to in Vietnamese (I’m Asian). I wonder if they thought I was a Vietnamese girl who couldn’t speak Vietnamese or whether they speak Vietnamese to anyone who is Asian? Thanks again for the blog.
Steph
Hi Anna,
Your blog is such a wonderful idea. I think it’s so meaningful that you are giving back to the community in this way. I really enjoy your “Did you know” entries, I myself like to research some interesting facts about the suburbs I’m visiting and share them with my friends/family.
My family/friends and I visit Cabra at least twice a year with me as the free but enthusiastic “tour guide”. It’s surprising how many Sydney-siders haven’t taken the trip to such a foodie paradise, the overseas/interstate visitors I’ve brought to Cabra certainly had a great time. My family loves the food there so much, we are slowly working our way tasting the great variety of dishes. Even parking 15min’s walk away doesn’t deter us (hehe). I’m already planning two trips over the next 3 weeks with an overseas visitor in toll. Promise of flying fox sightings may just make the trips even more exciting!
Keep up the great work! Looking forward to many more entries from this blog (by the way, I also like the simple and clear layout) ^^
Hi fish4wish,
Thank you for your kind words. Its always great to hear from like minded people.
15minute walk!You sound like you’re parking in the next suburb! Hehe. In all honesty, the parking is a massive problem!
I love that you are sharing your experience with friends/family. Good tour guides are so hard to come by!
I’m SO glad you like flying foxes. I had a few friends give me the are-you-kidding-me? look.
I’ll share a secret with you, next post will feature best cambodian restaurants.
Anna
Hi Anna! I stumbled across your blog via Phuoc and one of her twitter posts a while ago. I love what you are doing – you’re showcasing exactly what Cabramatta has on offer. It’s really helping all those out there saying they always want to go to Cabramatta and hesitate for some odd reason. Living quite locally myself just goes to show even I don’t even know everything about this gorgeous town. Thank you and I look forward to your many posts in the future š
Hi Tina,
Thank you fir your encouraging words. I’m constantly discovering new things about Cabramatta everyday. It’s hard sometimes when you see old favorites close down (commercial rent in cabra exceeds the city sometimes!) but the community is constantly trying to get through different adversities. I’m only the messenger, the locals are the ones who make this place special.
I do hope ppl visit!!
It always puts a smile on my face to hear locals like yourself on my blog.
Anna
Hello Anna! I’m new to Sydney and decided to explore Cabra for the first time ever today.
Looked it up on the internet in the morning and found your blog. Managed to read practically your entire blog on my phone during the train ride there. It was a 1.5 hour ride for me but so worth it!).
I did try the banh xeo at Que Huong. Delicious! The friendly owner greeted me and I showed him the picture of him on your blog. He was pleased!
I also had the pork roll at Tien Minh. Soooo good. The price is 3.50 though, not 3.80 as listed on your blog. Did they reduce their price?
Will surely return for Dong Ba’s bon bu hue and Bao Forever’s desserts in near future!
Thanks for maintaining a great blog. Keep it up! I think I’ve found my favourite suburb in Sydney! Wish I were nearer.
Hi Adriene,
Thank you for your lovely words. I am ashamed of myself for not posting in such a long time. I’m happy to hear that you’ve managed to gain some good info regardless.
You’re such a trooper! Taking the train for 1.5hr PWOAR! That’s commitment! Glad to hear that it didn’t disappoint.
I hope more people take the trip out to visit Cabra like yourself.
Que Huong owner is such a nice guy! I’m glad he liked my post.
I’ll have to check the Tien Minh rolls…maybe they liked you so much that you got a discount??!
Thanks for all the comments!
Anna
Hi Anna, inspired by your blog, I had my first visit to Cabramatta today……I loved it. I want to bring my students now for an excursion so they can love it too. Do you think small groups of about 10 students with a teacher would be able to negotiate John Street etc without being a nuisance? Also do you know of a restaurant which could do a banquet lunch for a large group? Thanks…..Megan
Hi Megan,
You have no idea how happy you’ve made me to read your message! I’m so impressed by your initiative!
A group of 10 students would not be a problem on a weekday.
I know of two restaurants that would cater to your needs (Go along John St and keep an eye out for Commonwealth Bank, next door are the 2 restaurants, both are conveniently located next to each other…prime real estate!):
(1) Thanh Binh (52 John St), is smaller and seats people along the length of connected tables. They regularly contract to tours and are comfortable with banquet menu design. A very extensive menu with over 100 items (can be daunting, but staff are helpful).
Their website appears to primarily feature their Newtown store. I noticed a banquet menu on it. Maybe they would offer that at Cabramatta?
http://www.thanhbinh.com.au/
(2) Bau Truong (42 John St) is about twice the size of Thanh Binh and generally more comfortable to sit down for an hour or so. They have large round tables that would comfortably seat 10-12 people. The menu is much more user friendly. Usually with plenty of staff, so service is quick. I like taking visitors to Bau Truong!
http://www.bautruong.com.au/restaurant-locations/cabramatta/
Both places costs the same and both stores have sister restuarants in the inner west Syd. I hope that helps you. I’m so excited for your students (what lucky kids!).
These two Vietnamese restuarants are very well established in the community and are favourites among locals. I know Bau Truong only takes cash….I’m not sure about Thanh Binh.
Anna
Hi Anna,
Very interesting blog you have here. I’m somewhat local to Cabramatta (couple suburbs away) and visit quite frequently (can’t get enough).
Not sure if you plan to feature such businesses on your blog, but I’d be interested to know if you knew of any Chinese medicine places/clinics that sell herbal liniments? I know there are quite a few around, but it’s hard to tell which could have them and which might just be a general practice/acupuncturist.
I could always spend a day wandering around and asking at ones I happen across. Cabra’s so interesting, that it would easy to spend a day doing that, and then probably getting distracted along the way.
Thanks.
Scott
Hi Scott,
Thank you for your msg. I agree Cabra is quite an interesting little place!
I do have plans to do a post on chinese medicinal practices. You’re right there are quite a few…about a dozen. I do have my top 3.
The herbal stores (where you buy the ‘prescription’ of herbs) are akin to a ‘pharmacy’ and they usually have a chinese medicine practitioner in house who is akin to a ‘doctor’. Though there are many ‘doctors’ or acupuncturist who practice without association of a ‘pharmacist’.
Most are within the CBD of Cabra, however there are a handful that practices operating in the residential areas (not within walking distance).
In short, for a helpful general heralist (‘pharmacist’) my recommendation is “Tak On Trading Co.” at 48 Park Rd. They’ve been here for decades and have treated my family for years.
Hope that helps!
Anna
Hi, Anna.
Thanks for that. I’ll check out Tak On when I’ve next got the time to spare. I know exactly where it is.
Thanks again.
Scott
Hi, I am also very proud as a person who lives and works in Cabramatta. I wasn’t born here, I chose to come to Cabramatta to live; it’s just the best! Prices of things are not too expensive, good places to shop and eat. But its the people who make for the vibrant atmosphere here. I feel lucky to be in Cabra! The only negative thing is parking, but that doesn’t worry me, coz I can walk to the centre whenever I want!
Hi Peter,
I’m always happy to see comments coming from locals. I hope visitors to this blog read your comment and realise that Cabra is not as bad as the media makes it out to be!
Anna
Hi Anna,
Just read you’re blog and wanted to ask you some questions about your Seamstress. Do you have an email address I can contact you on?
thanks,
Alycia
Hi Alycia,
email me on iheartcabramatta@gmail.com =)
Anna
Thank you for the 100 fav list… I’m blown away by it, and so grateful you have taken the time and effort to produce such a comprehensive guide .. I’m kind of speechless right now. I just want to keep visiting until I’ve tried everything you have reccomended.
Thanks!
Yat
Hi Yat,
Thank you for your kind words. I’m afraid I’ve neglected my blog for a while now. I will try and get the rest of teh list up as soon as I can. Glad you find it so interesting!
Anna
Hi Anna, this is a great blog! You write well and create an inviting way of getting people interested in your town. Im wondering if you know of any nice venues for a group of up to 80 people?
Hi Leah,
Sorry for the late reply (I hope it wasn’t a Xmas party!!!! As i am soooo late!).
There are only a handful that can cater for 80 ppl. It really depends on what cuisine and budget you have.
Let’s start with Chinese dinner:
For $$ chinese dining then go to Iron Chef on teh East side of the train tracks. They have great deals on weeknights eg $28 peking duck or specials on crab. Best to call them as they don’t seem to update their website (i know they do lots of newspaper advertising in the chinese newspaper). They also do the typical chinese banquets eg steamed oysters, singapore crab, steamed fish, chicken, scallops and snow peas in XO sauce etc. They have live seafood.
http://www.ironchef.com.au/
For $ chinese, then Superdish on Hughes street (same building as Woolworths, near the train station) or Won Kee on Park rd. They do stir frys, street food and some live seafood.
For Vietnamese Dinner/Lunch:
My pick would be Bau Truong $, 42 John St. Delightful Vietnamese signature dishes such as caramelised fish in claypot, salt n pepper king prawns/squid, lotus and pork salad, beef salad, sour soup with fresh silver bream and ALL the drinks (Vietnamese iced coffee, fruit shakes and fresh lemonade). 80 people will be a squeeze as it’s a narrow long dining area!
http://www.bautruong.com.au/restaurant-locations/cabramatta/
Yum Cha:
Vinh Phat is one of the oldest yum cha joints. Renown for its silky steamed prawn rice rolls with soy sauce! Recently (6 months) it has just renovated and relocated to a new modern fit out upstairs on Hughes street (opposite to its original location).
Good luck!
Anna
Hi Anna,
Love the work you are doing. I am organising a meet up group to check out Lunar festival this year and came across your blog. I would like to know if you would be interesting in helping us run the tour as we’d love to pick your brain and get some tips.
Here is the link to the group
http://www.meetup.com/Elicit-Health-Sydney-Friends/events/161062582/
Hi Manni,
I’m afraid I will have to decline your lovely invite. I’m pregnant at the moment and find this heat exhausting! Hopefully I will be able to participate in 2015.
Anna
Thanks for the reply Anna – congratulations on your pregnancy. Look forward to meeting you in the new year.
hi Anna
i found your blog looking for food recommendations, but I can’t tell you how happy i was to see that you included the flying foxes as one of the best things about Cabra.
I’ma bat carer, and we are currently trying to start a campaign to get people to use safer garden netting on fruit trees, see:
https://www.facebook.com/sydneywildlife.smws
id really appreciate if you could help us, especially getting the message to people who may not read the english press.
many thanks and keep up the good work,
maryanne
Hi Maryanne, I have a few ideas for you. Fairfield city council will be able to help you out with spreading the message in Vietnamese and Chinese. Best to contact them. Unfortunately, flying foxes are perceived as dirty animals.
Good luck!
Anna
Hi Anna, thanks for your blog. My maternal family has long roots in Cabramatta area (the McBurney family) and we only live a twenty minute train trip away so I like to go there every month or so for shopping (often the best in Sydney!) , eating and with the kids for the CNY festivities. We’ve never had any problems there. Hoping for another great weekend this year.
Hi Anna
The last time I set foot in Sydney was 10 years ago. The only thing my mind fondly recalls was the big bowl of Pho with fresh greens n tea. I knew I could survive because of Cabramatta. Even in Ho Chin Min city while eating Pho I was thinking of Cabramatta. But I didn’t know many of the other dishes you introduced . This march will be Sydney again. And my mind is back on Cabramatta .Will lookout for the flying foxes . I’m a soup person . Glad found your blog. You have done well? Thank you
Hi Sellvi,
It warms my heart to hear that you think of Cabramatta so fondly! Would love to hear about your flying fox experience in March.
Anna
There is a fabric store called Tak On, I can’t find any information online and I wish to call to ask their availability of fabric and there trading hours – I live a good distance away! Any idea???
Sorry Jess, I can’t help you. I’m away on holidays.
I’m playing tourist in my own backyard, I’m an inner westie, and doing the big trek to Cabramatta tomorrow on my day off.
Your blog has whet my appetite. If you see a guy with camera wandering like a dumb tourist tomorrow, that’ll be me
Hi Rob,
LOL! Good on ya for making the trip out.
I have a proposition for you and your camera.
I would like you to send me your favourite pic that you take whilst out on your trek tomorrow.
I’m going to admit, I have been very neglectful with my posts.
No pressure!
I’m very interested in seeing how you view Cabramatta. I know its a very different perspective from what I see. As much as I love it here, I often miss interesting things because its become part of my everyday life.
What do you see? Is there beauty that I’ve overlooked?
Share your experience with me…..looking forward to your reply.
Anna
Ok…pressures on Anna. I’m not exactly the most observant bloke, I don’t even notice when my wife’s had her hair done, but will give it my best shot.
Btw, my camera only shoots b&w so won’t be able to show you what I see in colour but I’m up to the challenge.
Rob
Hi Anna
Great day yesterday at Cabramatta. I got lost wandering thru the many arcades, lanes and backstreets. Damn easy to get lost and that was a great way to discover your part of Sydney.
Ate at a place call Thang Long Noodles (?) in one of the many arcades. I asked for what someone else was having because it looked the goods. The shop owner was kind enough to explain to dumb old me what to do with some dipping sauce. Which was a good thing because otherwise it would have sat there unlovedā¦and I loved it to death!!
Took a few photos during the walk, attached.
Iād recommend Cabramatta to anyone looking for somewhere to check out for a day.
Keep up the blog, its what got me out there yesterday.
Cheers
Rob
Hi Anna,
Can I submit some images to your website, Cabramatta is such a great place I always enjoy heading there in the school holidays camera in hand.http://www.sheridannilsson.com.au/blog/cabramatta Cheers Sheridan
Hi Sheridan,
I’m so impressed with your
THanks for your visiting my blog. I would love to show off your photos on my site. Please send me which ones you want (with corresponding captions if you like).
I love how you compose your photos and how you love colour! The pics are so vibrant!
iheartcabramatta@gmail.com
Anna
Hi Anna, Congrats for your remarkable blog on Cabra and food that helps me decide to visit Cabra/Sydney rather than Footscray/Melbourne for a first trip to Australia. As a Vietnamese-French photographer in Paris, I plan to come over from France to shoot the lunar New Year Festival 2016. I’ll provide you then with a subjective view of a European foreigner on Cabra, and offer you my best pictures to accompany Rob’s ones. Could you please tell me how to find a private room in downtown Cabra for two weeks in February 2016 as there is no hotel? I prefer to stick to your magic town in order to better feel its soul Many thanks and all the best from Paris!
HI Trang,
That is dedication! I’m so excited for you.
I can’t wait to see your photos of Cabramatta.
There are two hotels (rated 4 stars) nearby that you can walk to and from (both are 2.5km from Cabramatta town centre which is about 30minutes walk) . Both are run by large corporate companies which offer online bookings. You probably didn’t come across them in your research as they are listed as being in a different suburb. One is in neighbouring “Lansvale” and the other in “Warwick Farm”.
Being on foot would mean that you will come across all those house temples.
1) Ibis Hotel, http://www.ibisstyleslansvale.com.au/
2) This one has more rooms, Holiday Inn in Warwick Farm NSW http://www.ihg.com/
Good luck!
Anna
Dear Anna,
I am so glad to read your kind reply, accomodation information and success wishes, many thanks. I’ll do my best to provide you with big pictures for promoting Cabra on your great blog. One or two pictures of Cabra will appear in a future art book on the Vietnamese people entitled “Vietnamese We” for which I am desperately looking for sponsors worldwide.
All the very best from Paris,
Trang
PS: Please contact me if ever you come over to Paris where food and wines also prove very good.
HI Trang,
Make sure you visit Marilyn Gallo At the local Cabramatta Library (local studies dept). She is Cabramatta’s official historian and is a treasure of information. She does run occasional free group tours, regardless, make sure you call her and book an appointment for a chat. She’s also part of a VERY exciting photography project (2014) whereby local community leaders donate copies of their photos to add to the library’s collection. She’ll help you access them if you ask her nicely! https://fairfieldlocalstudies.wordpress.com/tours/
Anna