Adam Liaw’s guide to Sydney

Interviewed by Dan F Stapleton

Adam Liaw hosts a popular TV program, Destination Flavour, and has written six books. Born in Malaysia, Adam spent most of his childhood in Adelaide before relocating to Sydney. He loves roaming the length and breadth of the New South Wales capital in search of great food and secret beaches. These are his go-to venues and most cherished outdoor locations.

Outdoor secret spot: coastal pools

“Sydney’s beaches justifiably win a lot of praise, but I think Sydney’s rock pools – coastal swimming pools carved out of rock – are even better. It can be early morning laps or just playing around with kids, but they’re always a joy to visit, particularly when the tide is coming in and the waves break over the side. Combine them with a walk along the ocean and a good lunch. My favourite is at Dee Why, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. There’s a fabulous kids’ pool there, and when the little ones feel adventurous you can just walk with them along the cliffs and explore the natural rockpools. A little closer to the city, I like the Maccallum Pool at Cremorne Point for wonderful views of Sydney Harbour. We like to go there on Australia Day to watch the tall ships and planes while swimming at the same time.”

Lesser known suburb: Chatswood

“I love Chatswood for its mix of great food and shopping. There are restaurants everywhere, and the shopping includes everything from big malls to small, independent boutiques. I love that I can have Korean (Asiana), Chinese (New Yen Yen), Indian (Spices of India) and Filipino (Sari Sari Store) groceries within a few metres of each other. There isn’t an ingredient or dish I can’t find in Chatswood. Chatswood is a half-hour train ride from central Sydney, and the trip includes a Sydney Harbour Bridge crossing, which guarantees great views.”

Eat street: Victoria Avenue

“Victoria Avenue in Chatswood is definitely my go-to strip for food. It’s lined with amazing Asian restaurants – from established local favourites like Chatswood BBQ Kitchen, to modern Khao Pla or Chat Thai, considered by many to be the best Thai eateries in Sydney (and that’s saying something). On Thursdays and Fridays, Chatswood holds a street market along Victoria Avenue with all kinds of hawker food.”

Favourite bar: Bennelong

“It’s better known as a fantastic restaurant, but the bar at Bennelong at the Sydney Opera House is my favourite in the city. It’s great for a few drinks or a relaxing dinner. I think they have the best bar menu in Australia, and it can be anything from a light snack to a full but casual meal perched at the bar. The suckling-pig sausage rolls and Australian shellfish with buckwheat pikelets and cultured cream are must-orders. Plus, you can’t get more ‘Sydney’ than having a drink inside the Sydney Opera House.”

Destination shopping experience: Sydney’s markets

“Sydney’s markets are some of the best shopping experiences in town. Our farmers’ markets pack a punch: check out the massive indoor offering at Carriageworks in the inner-city suburb of Eveleigh, or the sun-drenched Mona Vale Organic Food Market on the Northern Beaches. Sydney has great general markets, too: visit the Glebe or Bondi markets for everything from restored vintage Italian sunglasses to locally designed jewellery. I love that in a world where so much can seem mass-produced, these markets are all about care and personality. Everything sold – from organic vegetables to handmade goods – is something that someone has put their heart and soul into.”

Only in Sydney: Bondi Beach

“It’s hardly a secret spot, but Bondi Beach remains one of Sydney’s – and Australia’s – must-visit destinations. Where else can you take a swim in a pool fed by ocean water, have a beer outdoors at a pub (try The Royal), go shopping along Campbell Parade and then have dinner at a world-class restaurant like Bondi Icebergs – all without changing out of your swimming trunks? I think the outlook from Icebergs is among the best views of any restaurant in the world and literally everything on the menu is excellent. It’s the kind of place where you want to order a bottle of nice Australian wine and settle in for a beautiful afternoon.”

Favourite hotel: The Old Clare Hotel

“The Old Clare Hotel, in inner-city Chippendale, is fantastically cool and unique. No two guestrooms are alike – you might stay in an industrial-style room with exposed brick and modernist furniture, or find yourself in sleek contemporary digs with sweeping views of the suburb. The hotel is ideally located for exploring Sydney and is a particularly good pick for foodies: the in-house restaurant Automata is internationally acclaimed. Chippendale was the first place I came to stay in Sydney more than 20 years ago when I was still a student. Now it’s a bustling modern hub, but it still hasn’t lost the charm of old Sydney. Wander down the street for an afternoon beer at classic Sydney institution, The Rose Hotel.”