EveLink

I walk past this cafe every time I go to Coles. It is open very early & the outside tables are always occupied with elderly couples sharing breakfast or a single lady reading a book (so new maybe bought from the bookshop next door) & sipping coffee - very relaxed, without a care in this world. Finally, I got down to drink a huge cup of hot chocolate and my my how good it was to just watch the world going round. It is easy to idle a few hours away in this manner. The staff leave you alone to enjoy your quietness & the tranquility of the surrounding, only popping in politely once in a while to ask whether you still need anything.

The queue was unbelievable & it got longer into the night. Everything looked good & I was famished. I ordered roti canai & Malaysian Fried Rice - so so delicious. The portions were definitely good for one person but I felt I could still eat. If the menu were priced cheaper, I dare say I would order another roti canai.

Approximate cost: $21

It was a love-hate experience for me at Haymarket: There were so many eateries to choose. I felt so lost. I walked round & round, finally stopping at Spring River for Chinese food. The beef noodle soup looked good & I ordered one - indeed, it lived up to its look.

Approximate cost: $10

It was by accident I came to Billy Lee's. The free CAT bus alighted me opposite the Perth train station & I wandered aimlessly into a spacious alleyway. 3 out of 4 tables were occupied so I just sat down & ordered Chinese tea & Beef Brisket Rice with Vegetables - delicious & of a good portion. Will return.

Approximate cost: $15

Walking towards the market square of Lane Cove, you can see an ice cream parlour. Chinese Kitchen is next to it . Take a short climb up the stairs - it's one level up. The layout makes the restaurant look roomy. No odd smell. The woman behind the counter typically says: "Hey, how are you?" If you get the man, it's just a short "hello". Feel free to sit anywhere. I ate in once but most of the times, I order takeaway. Their special fried rice is huge, tasty & generous on fresh ingredients. Most of their eat-in customers are Caucasian, enjoying the wide spread of food on their table & drinking wine (most probably BYO).

Approximate cost: $12

Friendly, quick & honest car repair services are what Allen W at Botany provides. The business is always brisk & cars queue up as early as 8am. But they will try their best to help if your car is in serious trouble & THEY DON'T CHARGE YOU EXORBITANT BILLS! You can trust them. Highly recommended.

Approximate cost: $130

Lestari at Ultimo is another delightful Indonesian restaurant for cheap & tasty food. Come highly recommended is the Nasi Goreng Jawa - it looks seductive & tastes gorgeous.

Approximate cost: $10

Pempek Clovelly is good for their namesake dishes. Sample their Pempek Combination (the bulet is best followed by panjang; the rest are acquired taste; go for it anyway) & drink their Teh Botol (genuine Indonesian brewed ice tea - refreshing & delightful). The dip is not authentic but good enough for locals.

Approximate cost: $20

If you stay around Kingsford & need economic food that is tasty & balanced, Sedap Rasa is the way to go. I strongly recommend Ayam Goreng Balado & Cassava Leaves in Green Curry - yummy which comes with rice Free.

Approximate cost: $10

If you like tasty dishes, cheap menu & big portions, you must go to Golden Fang in groups of 3 persons upwards. Go early & you should get a table in their extended dining room. I recommend Shandong Chicken, Seafood Tofu Hotpot & Chinese Broccoli. Hot tea & rice are free flow. Very filling & satisfying.

Approximate cost: $43