- Café Ish
Café Ish isn’t sure what it wants to be when it grows up. Or maybe it wants to be lots of things. The menu has Japanese-ish inspired items such as the Tuna Congee (Light Japanese rice soup, Tassie peppered seared tuna, shallots, seaweed, bonito flakes $15.5) and a fusion of Japanese/ French items such as the Emperor Don (Toasted brioche, lemon myrtle ricotta, sake scented rosella and raspberries with passionfruit $14.5) and our favourite, the Croque Nippon (Toasted sandwich w red bean jam, mochi, banana and molten Lindt chocolate on the side $10.5). The café also has a distinct Australian touch serving rarely seen items such as crocodile sausages, damper, emu prosciutto and Kangaroo Island eggs. Strewth
- Café Ish Masala Chai
The Café Ish Masala Chai (black $4, latte $4.50, soy latte $5) is described on the menu as “an authentic recipe for Indian spiced tea with a touch of Australiana”. Although they extort an extra WHOLE dollar from us for ordering soy, we don’t have much of a choice as April is lactose intolerant. On a positive note, the unique blend of spices ensures that all those cafes selling powdered chai are put to shame. It is fragrant, comforting and tastes like honey. We love it and wish we could have it every day.
- Sparkling Fuji apple
- Japanese Ish
April is transported back to Japan as the Japanese Ish ($18.50) arrives. It is beautifully presented and includes “Aburi (slightly seared) salmon, rice, Kangaroo Island egg, house made pickles and miso soup”. It is a great dish for a Saturday morning pick-me-up as the miso and fish are salty and the egg and rice are filling. It is unusual to find rice dishes on breakfast menus in Sydney and we applaud Café Ish for being brave in their decision. The only downside is that it is quite expensive. For the same price we usually get a meal and a drink.
- Crab omelette
With such a unique and varied menu, Dane is perplexed as to what to choose. Having previously tried and enjoyed the little ish ($13.50) which was bacon, egg and roast tomato on some amazing toast he wants to try something different. Well, the crab omelette ($24) is a super choice. Just look at the photo above for proof! The kara age (deep fried) soft shell crab is deceptively soft and there certainly is plenty of it. Avocado adds some freshness to the dish but the majority of the flavours come from the chilli, garlic and soy on top of the omelette. It starts off with pure flavour but there is a heat from the chilli that builds up over time (although it’s definitely bearable). This dish is a masterpiece and an absolute joy to eat. Despite the price, it’s well worth it – so much so that along with the orange pancakes at Morso being number one, this dish is Dane’s second favourite breakfast dish over the course of SoS so far. After trying over 80 cafes, that is testament to its quality!
Other dishes on the menu that make it worth returning to Ish include: brioche with spreads ($4), B & E roll ($7) “quattro stelle bacon, Kangaroo Island egg, HP sauce, house baked roll, Sweet Ish trifle ($9) “Lush yoghurt, native berry compote, house made rosella, nashi & coconut toasted muesli”, Croc on the rock ($10.50) “crocodile sausage, egg, shallot and organic fetta in toast with tomato relish” and Big Ish ($24) “2 eggs, bacon, tomato, croc sausage, mushroom, beans, toast and fried potato mochi”.
Café Ish is hidden a short stroll away from the hive of activity on Crown Street. It’s closer to the Central Station side of Surry hills and easily accessible by train or bus. We recommend taking a group of friends so you can share a few of the interesting items on the menu. We’ll be doing that next time!
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Overall Rating: 22/25
Phone: 9281 1688
Address: 82 Campbell Street, Surry Hills, 2010
Website: www.cafeish.com.au
Payment Options: Credit card, EFTPOS, cash
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