Ben Hansen

Ben Hansen is a sydney-based writer, specialising in food, drink, culture and music. He is the former sydney editor of concrete playground, and hosts mornings with Ben Hansen weekly on fbi radio.

The latest

First Look: Sandwiches Star at a New Family-Run Pizzeria, in an Old Marrickville Factory

First Look: Sandwiches Star at a New Family-Run Pizzeria, in an Old Marrickville Factory

By V Bar & Cafe brings traditional Italian sandwiches to the historic former General Motors site.

Saigon Supper Inn Is Manly Wharf’s New Ode to Vietnamese Nhau Culture

Saigon Supper Inn Is Manly Wharf’s New Ode to Vietnamese Nhau Culture

The kitchen inside Felons’ new waterfront live music venue celebrates a tried-and-true pairing: stir-fried seafood and locally brewed beers.

Korean Doughnut Chain Knotted Lands in Australia With Matcha Cream and Banana Lattes

Korean Doughnut Chain Knotted Lands in Australia With Matcha Cream and Banana Lattes

Burwood has a new hub for pillowy filled doughnuts – and there’s another shop on its way to the CBD.

Lode Arrives in Rozelle, Adding Brekkie Plates and Bread to Its Beloved Pastry Program

Lode Arrives in Rozelle, Adding Brekkie Plates and Bread to Its Beloved Pastry Program

Federico Zanellato’s third outpost joins a healthy local bakery scene. But people are already queueing – for plump tiramisu buns, floaty chiffon cakes, sourdough, focaccia and cafe classics.

Bar Allora Does It All: $1.50 Espresso in the Morning, Cherry-Topped Aperitivo Spiders at Night

Bar Allora Does It All: $1.50 Espresso in the Morning, Cherry-Topped Aperitivo Spiders at Night

Maybe Sammy is on the Italian drinks, Rosy Scatigna is on Italian menus that take you from early till late in the CBD. Order bomboloni and frittata, then quarter-sip Negronis, pasta and bistecchina with fries.

Eight New Cafes and Specialty Coffee Shops in Sydney

Eight New Cafes and Specialty Coffee Shops in Sydney

A creative coffee house in Cabramatta, a Primary for the inner west, a Northern Beaches outpost for a top roaster, a fully automated specialty Surry Hills joint and more.

First Look: Radio Taco Rockets a Birria-Fuelled Menu Onto a Chippendale Corner

First Look: Radio Taco Rockets a Birria-Fuelled Menu Onto a Chippendale Corner

The teeny 12-seat joint, from a trio of Mexican mates, is laser-focused on ultra-rich, slow-cooked birria – and after just one week it’s already selling out daily.

First Look: A South Sydney Favourite Is Reborn with Cypriot Share Plates and Ouzotinis

First Look: A South Sydney Favourite Is Reborn with Cypriot Share Plates and Ouzotinis

Shaking up its interiors and vibe, Kyle Bay’s Jaaks Restaurant reopens as a bright and breezy waterfront mezedopolio.

First Look: Crumb Is Your Ticket to Lasagne Toasties and Calabrian Brekkie Sangas

First Look: Crumb Is Your Ticket to Lasagne Toasties and Calabrian Brekkie Sangas

The just-opened western Sydney joint comes from two locals who were so bored by the “sameness” of brunch, they opened something fast, loud and friendly.

First Look: This Family-Run Bakery Was Transported From Sicily to Sydney in Shipping Containers

First Look: This Family-Run Bakery Was Transported From Sicily to Sydney in Shipping Containers

Delizioso is, quite literally, direct from Palermo. Head in for profiteroles, bread, cherry-topped cakes and more – plus Nutella doughnuts that are just $2.50.

The Blackboard Rules at Cicci, Balmain’s New Italian Wine Bar

The Blackboard Rules at Cicci, Balmain’s New Italian Wine Bar

Industry veteran Peter Zuzza has opened his dream bar, with 30 wines by the glass and a daily menu by a chef with experience at Icebergs, Pilu and Ormeggio.

Tiktok Sensation Cherry’s Goods Brings Her Viral Cookies to a CBD Kiosk

Tiktok Sensation Cherry’s Goods Brings Her Viral Cookies to a CBD Kiosk

Cherilynn Yap’s work proves “little treat culture” has gone nowhere. Follow the queue through The Galeries and you’ll find exceptionally gooey cookies and an ultra-frothy pistachio matcha.