In the 10 years I’ve been a food photographer in Sydney, I’ve not just captured the city’s fascinating multicultural restaurants, cafes and bars, but the communities that revolve around them. I’ve predominantly documented this side of Sydney life for a Japanese publication I’ve run since 2003, Japanese Entertainment Paper Cheers, and I’ve seen it as my role to let the Japanese expat community know about these amazing places so they can explore beyond their own tastebuds. (I’ve also contributed to Broadsheet Sydney for a number of years.) Of course, that was before coronavirus changed everything.

We all know the virus doesn’t discriminate and every sector of the hospitality industry has been hit hard – from the corner cafe to the exclusive fine diner. But I think it’s going to be the small businesses that this pandemic will impact the most, in particular those run by people who speak English as a second language. They’re usually staffed by migrant workers, who, because they don’t qualify for Centrelink and often aren’t covered by the government’s stimulus measures, have had to abandon their craft. Seeing restaurants close for good and hearing that their incredible chefs had returned to Japan broke my heart. I wondered: how many will come out the other side?

So for the past three weeks, armed with a face mask and hand sanitiser, and using my roller bag to maintain my social distance, I’ve travelled around Sydney visiting Japanese restaurants and cafes to photograph the takeaway dishes they created as a result of the lockdown. They have responded quickly to the crisis by making remarkable food for people to eat at home, but many owners don’t have the resources to market their businesses. I decided I could do something to help – I could take photos for them to use on social media and help them stand out among competitors on UberEats and the like.

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This was also a new challenge for me. Instead of shooting culinary works of art against crisp white tablecloths, I’ve had to take photos of food in takeaway boxes. But the quality of these dishes is no different from before, and it was my job to capture that deliciousness with a single image.

I’ve truly enjoyed it – it’s been a steep learning curve, but I think I’ve come up with some creative ideas (such as using eye-catching colourful backdrops), which I wouldn’t have done were it not for coronavirus.

Here are my picks for the top Japanese cafes and restaurants you should visit now:

Kuro, CBD
This high-end, inventive CBD diner is doing ready-to-eat dinners, chef’s boxes and pretty pre-batched cocktails. kurosydney.com

Koh-Ya Randwick, Randwick
The dishes at this fast and friendly spot resemble what you might find at a Korean barbeque place, just with a Japanese spin. Don’t miss the gyoza. facebook.com/kohyarandwick.

Ryo’s Noodles, Crows Nest
Some of the best ramen north of the bridge is now available for takeaway and delivery. facebook.com/ryosnoodles

Azuki Bakery, Newtown

Azuki has been one of the most creative bakeries in town for the last couple of years. After a brief hiatus, it’s back for takeaway only. It’s worth going for the savoury breads alone. (Yuzu-and-bacon bread, anyone?)
azukibakery.com.au

Eiju, Pyrmont

Go here for fun fusion Japanese that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Our pick? The carbonara (with onsen egg and white miso) with a side of lotus-root chips. eiju.com.au.

Harada, Glebe

Harada has devised a clever way to deliver omakase (chef’s choice) dining at home. All you do is order the sushi platter or the bento box and the chefs will prepare a meal based on what’s available at the market on the day. harada.net.au

Yakitori Yebisu, CBD

This is usually one of the best spots in the CBD for hearty, izakaya-style eating – now, it’s doing takeaway and delivery. It’s a great option if you can’t decide between sushi, fried chicken or sukiyaki hotpot.
yakitoriyebisu.com.au

Ramen Bar Goku, Glebe
This offshoot of Sydney noodle icon Menya is still going strong. Stop by (or order ahead) to pick up some peerless ramen. There’s also kaarage chicken.
ramengoku.com.au

Edomae Sushi Yokocho, CBD

The takeaway menu is huge at this versatile diner. Order hungry.
edomaesushi.com.au

Cafe Oratnek, Redfern
The full range of dishes at this Redfern staple (including the peerless katsu sandos) is available for takeaway.
oratnek.com.au

Spanish Sakaba, Willoughby

Go here for Spanish-Japanese fusion. (Don’t knock matcha churros till you’ve tried them.) spanishsakaba.com.au

Ken-Chan Curry, Haymarket
Takeaway bowls of curries, ramen and udon. Delivery is available via Uber Eats and Deliveroo.

Jipang, Manly
There’s a lot to love about this place, but special points go to the gyoza. At $10 for six, it’s a good deal.
jipang-manly.com

Tamagawa, Balgowlah

There’s a wide range of dishes at this northern beaches restaurant, from sushi to tempura. (And delivery’s free for orders above $80.)
facebook.com/Tamagawa-Restaurant.

Momiji, CBD

If you live in the city, check out Momiji’s daily lunch boxes – they’re a great deal. And there are lots of excellent dinner options, too.
facebook.com/sydneymomiji

Jicca Dining, Neutral Bay

This Japanese-Italian spot is doing takeaway. Most dishes involve natto (fermented soybeans) and mentaiko (Japanese cod roe pasta).
facebook.com/JiccaDinning

Jazushi, Surry Hills

You mightn’t be able enjoy an evening of live jazz here right now, but grabbing some takeaway and playing some tunes at home is almost as good.
jazushi.com.au

Mappen, Bondi Junction

This low-key eatery is now takeaway-only, and the meal deals are great value. Delivery is available through Uber Eats.
facebook.com/mappenbondi

Shiki Japanese Restaurant, The Rocks

This long-running restaurant has shifted to takeaway and delivery – check out the menu here. If you’d rather just plan your next IRL visit, you can do a virtual tour here.
shiki.com.au

Fujiyama Noodles Bar, Chatswood

The name suggests this spot does noodles only, but that’s not true – there’s also outstanding katsu chicken with curry. Now available for takeaway and delivery via Deliveroo.
facebook.com/FujiyamaNoodlesBar

Tenkomori, CBD

There’s always plenty of great stuff on the regular menu (such as bento boxes, ramen and bowls), but before you order it’s worth checking out the specials for the day.
tenkomori.com.au