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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.

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Matcha Is Whisked to Order Until 7pm Every Night at Haymarket’s Ouji

Matcha Is Whisked to Order Until 7pm Every Night at Haymarket’s Ouji

A popular Kirribilli Markets stall has found a permanent home for its first-harvest teas paired with strawberry jam, banana pudding, jasmine syrup and more.

Sydney’s Best New Bars of 2026 (So Far)

Sydney’s Best New Bars of 2026 (So Far)

Our latest boozers zero in on Daiquiris, Martinis and Margaritas. They span beer bars and dance bars – and what is likely Australia’s smallest wine bar.

First Look: Live Jazz and Vinyl DJs Set the Mood at Meadow Music Room, Cronulla’s Newest Bar

First Look: Live Jazz and Vinyl DJs Set the Mood at Meadow Music Room, Cronulla’s Newest Bar

The day-to-night listening bar promises live music “whenever we’re open”. With a live jazz program joined by an extensive wine list and daily aperitivo hour.

First Look: The Chefs Behind a Standout Northern Beaches Bakery Open Pastry Club in Waterloo

First Look: The Chefs Behind a Standout Northern Beaches Bakery Open Pastry Club in Waterloo

The outpost arrives with crème brûlée doughnuts, brownie-stuffed croissants and croissant-infused iced lattes with mini pastries to dip.

First Look: An Irish Stout and Live Music Bar Moves Into the Old Manly Boatshed

First Look: An Irish Stout and Live Music Bar Moves Into the Old Manly Boatshed

With decidedly fancy sausage rolls and spice bags, it’s not quite an Irish pub – but there’s Irish stout, cover bands on until late and a 100 Pint Club.

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.