The Sydney Royal Easter Show is back at Sydney Showground, serving up all the classics (yes, cheese on a stick is back) alongside a wave of viral treats. To help you snack smart, we’ve taken a look at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show food prices, so you know exactly what’s worth the splurge and what you might want to skip.
There’s plenty to love about the Sydney Royal Easter Show, from the thunder of the woodchopping arena to adorable dog shows and heart-racing carnival rides. But let’s be honest: the food is a big part of the experience – and it can come with a hefty price tag.
With so much ground to cover and grub to savour at the Easter Show, not only do you need to stay fuelled up, you’ll need to pace yourself too. Having a “meal plan” before you head to the show can make all the difference.
The most expensive eats
Sushi Hub
Sushi Hub is once again a major sponsor of the Sydney Royal Easter Show, meaning that there’s quite a few places dotted around the Showground where you can buy a roll. Don’t expect to pay normal prices, though. One tempura prawn roll will set you back $6.50, with a California roll costing $6. Considering rolls at regular Sushi Hubs are generally priced under $4, these rolls have been hit by inflation.
Spaghetti from a Parmesan wheel
What is it about pasta tossed in a giant wheel of cheese that gets everyone so excited? No need to answer that. At Bianco, spaghetti is spun through a 24-month aged Grana Padano wheel to give it that rich, glossy finish. But at $23, it’s one of the pricier dishes at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
You do get a generous serve, so it could be worth it if you’re seriously hungry. Still, the value feels a little hard to justify, especially when an extra sprinkle of Parmesan will set you back another $1.
Strawberries and chocolate in a cup
Ever since the strawberries and chocolate stand at London’s Borough Market went viral, strawberries and chocolate cups have been popping up everywhere, and often at high prices. A cup of strawberries and chocolate (with the option of an ice cream or cream topping) at the Sydney Royal Easter Show will set you back $15. The strawberries do look deliciously sweet (and very tempting on a hot day); however, I couldn’t justify spending that much on fruit.
Dragon’s Breath
Dragon’s Breath is one of the viral eats of this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show. This was reflected in the long queue that swarmed the Fruity Poppin truck, as showgoers lined up to get their hands on this theatrical sweet snack. It consists of crunchy cereal flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen. As you take a bite, cold vapour pours out from your mouth and your cup.
It’s fun to watch; however, Dragon’s Breath won’t fill you up, and it’s more of a trend than a proper snack. It’s also $14, so maybe best to just watch it being handed out rather than actually purchasing it yourself.
Twisty Potato
The Twisty Potato stall is always busy, as showgoers flock to buy those twizzled crispy sticks doused in chicken salt. One stick will set you back $8 and is probably equivalent to half a pack of chips. At $8, it’s not the most expensive snack at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, but it’s hardly great value for something that won’t keep you full for long.
The bites worth buying
Whenever I go to the Sydney Royal Easter Show, I check out the Woolworths Fresh Food Dome, which features plenty of stalls from Aussie producers, alongside the usual “viral” snacks.
In the Woolworths Fresh Food Dome, you’ll find the Prawn and Oyster Bar. You might think this would be a ridiculously expensive stall; however, you can get half a dozen freshly shucked oysters for $15, and a dozen for $29, which isn’t too expensive in comparison to restaurant pricing.
A plate of prawns will set you back $25, but it’s a generous serving, and the prawns are fresh and juicy, making it worth the pricetag.
If you’re planning to grab a bite, it’s worth taking the time to properly explore the Dome. Many of the stalls offer samples before you buy, so you can try before you commit, and spend your money on something you’ll actually enjoy. Whether it’s funky cheese, cured meats, gelato, veggies, nuts, or hot sauce, the stallholders will greet you with a smile and usually encourage you to try their products.
Fresh lemonade and cheese on a stick are staples of the Sydney Royal Easter Show, with stalls popping up at every turn across the showground. At $8 for a cheese on a stick and $7 for a regular lemonade, they’re not exactly cheap, but notably, those prices haven’t budged since last year. In a sea of rising costs, that consistency almost makes them feel like better value.
Our tips for saving money
1. Don’t buy the first thing you see
At the Sydney Royal Easter Show (especially if you’ve got little ones in tow), it’s easy to buy the first snack you spot when hunger strikes. But it’s worth taking the time to explore the showground first. You might spot something even tastier later, and you’ll want to avoid spending your food budget too soon on a treat you’ll regret.
2. Bring your own food
The Sydney Royal Easter Show lets you bring your own food, and I spotted plenty of visitors enjoying homemade meals on the benches. Bringing something hearty is a smart move, so you can treat yourself to a few fun, indulgent snacks at the show without worrying about going hungry and having to spend more money.
3. Try before you buy
As I mentioned above, plenty of smaller food stalls in the Woolworths Fresh Food Dome will let you sample their food. Make the most of this, and enjoy plenty of Aussie produce without paying anything. Or, if you’re looking to buy, make sure you try first, so you know that the product is worth your dollars.
4. Skip the viral food stalls
Trendy treats like the Dragon’s Breath might look impressive, but all the hype usually comes with a price tag to match, and, more often than not, the taste doesn’t live up to expectations.
