It’s not often one gets to try a new fruit. Lulo (as it’s referred to in Colombia) can be ordered as a freshly squeezed juice ($6). I’m not sure where CcL sources theirs from but it tasted spectacular. It is definitely something that you would love or hate. Slightly similar to a passionfruit in tartness, it is also quite sweet and I was instantly reminded, strangely, of a typical sweet American candy when I tasted it. It was served with crushed ice which made it even better!
The envuelto ($14) is like a fried corn bread. It was dense yet quite fluffy and served topped with more of the white crumbly cheese. A pleasant flavour but this was not my favourite dish of the morning.
The best way I can describe tamal ($14) is that it has the consistency and flavour of a very reduced soup. It is solid enough to slice and serve but quite soft. There is a strong corn flavour throughout and layers of vegetables such as potato and carrots. The chicken inside has obviously been cooked for a long time and so is very tender. The guacamole on top is apparently not traditional.
This platter is based around three kinds of arepa. Available in many varieties and with many fillings, this muffin-come-fritter came to us in the form of (from left to right) cheese filled, white corn and sweet yellow corn (choclo). The condiments provided the flavour hit. In the centre was ropa vieja which is slow-cooked shredded beef with spices. The small bowls (from left to right) contained aji (chilli), guacamole, hogao (tomato with spices) and sour cream. Both the aji and hogao were favourites and we found ourselves mopping them up with our arepas. A great dish to share.
Something for us simple Australians! The South American eggs can be ordered with chorizo ($14), on toast ($8.50) or vegetarian. Even the eggs by themselves tasted fantastic. They have a delightful chilli and spice kick but that doesn’t stop them from adding plenty of chorizo too. The guacamole on the side tasted good but it was simply not needed. Great flavours here. At this point may I say we had two of these dishes at our table! All of this between four and we weren’t done!
Caldo de costilla ($14) is a traditional breakfast soup made with beef ribs and apparently a fantastic hangover remedy! The marrow from the ribs provide a lot of the flavour and the meat literally falls off the bone. Potatoes make up a large proportion of the soup but it was altogether very flavoursome and highly recommended.
Another must-try from the morning! The arequipe is a South American caramel that will literally leave you wanting more. Again served with the white cheese, it actually works together remarkably well. Regardless of what you order, be sure to have this!
I thoroughly enjoyed my tour of Colombian breakfasts and would happily return. You may be crying out that we did not review the coffee and you are right. However we could not have managed to try anything else! Columbian coffee is available at Café con Leche though so you now know where to go for your South American fix! Note that CcL is not open on Sundays.
Overall Rating: 17.5/25
Phone: 9331 8157
Address: 104 Fitzroy Street, Surry Hills, 2010
Payment Options: Cash, credit card, EFTPOS