Ditch your passport and venture through Asia in this iconic South West suburb (and yes, there’s a 24-hour banh mi spot).
Lovingly referred to as ‘Cabra’ by locals and neighbours alike, the South West Sydney suburb is a swift 40 minutes (both by train and car) from Sydney’s CBD. Cabramatta houses one of Australia’s largest Vietnamese communities, but it hosts a melting pot of Asian cuisines and eateries — often along the suburb’s main strip, John St. It’s best known for its yearly Moon Festival, where the iconic street bursts with food, lights and music.
Here’s a list of Cabramatta’s hidden gems and local favourites, in no particular order.
1. Vinh Phat
Lines snake around this spot, and for good reason. This cheap and cheerful yum cha spot is quick, tasty and big-group friendly. The queue goes by faster than it looks, and the wait absolutely pays off. I’d recommend the chicken feet and mango pancakes. Separately, of course. Unless that’s your thing, no judgment here!
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2. Lucki Kebab
This is this list’s youngest addition, having only opened late 2023. It may be its most controversial too, with many foodies on TikTok torn by its fusion menu. The shop’s hero offering sees shaved kebab meat on a banh mi bun. I say it’s genius. This Middle Eastern and Asian fusion only works in a cultural crossroad like Cabramatta.
3. Viet Hoa Hot Bread
This wouldn’t be a Cabramatta list without this legendary pork roll spot. Many credit Viet Hoa for instating the ‘late-night pork roll run’ across all of Western Sydney. This cash-only eatery runs 24 hours (yes, you’ve read that right) — perfect for that 3am pate and mayo hit. These simple and tasty rolls are best enjoyed with freshly squeezed sugarcane juice from right next door.
4. Katsu Cafe
This lil’ concrete cafe gives Studio Ghibli vibes in the best way possible. Their humble sandoitchi (sandwich in Japanese) and matcha offering make it the perfect escape from the chaos of John St. Order two sets of their sashimi tacos — trust, you’ll be swimming for more.
5. HOT-STAR Chicken
While more and more HS stores are popping up throughout Sydney, nothing truly ever compares to their OG flagship store on John St. It’s a small spot but packs a mighty punch. You can’t go wrong with an original cutlet combo with curly fries and an extra serving of fried mushrooms.
6. Com Ga Ba Nga Hoi An
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to pho in Cabramatta, but this one spot takes the cake (or more, the bowl) for me! Its flowery exterior is the cherry on top of a flavour-packed menu. While their specialty is Hoi An-style fried chicken and rice, you should also give the chicken pho a go. It’s food for the soul.
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7. Battambang
This Cambodian restaurant is so good, it has two separate locations just minutes away from each other. Their crispy pork intestines (served with your choice of rice or noodles) are my personal fave — I love a good crunch! If my recommendation isn’t enough, It was also most recently crowned Goodfood Guide 2026’s Critics’ Pick.
8. Tan Viet Noodle House
This iconic blue-tile corner eatery also has lines out the door. While primarily a noodle spot, Tan Viet is known best amongst locals for its crispy skin chicken. Head here if you’re feeling clucky!
9. Mama Tang
This malatang (Chinese soup) spot is giving Mother — pun very intended. Mama Tang’s DIY soup experience draws from Chinese, Cambodian and Thai flavours. While I personally go with a dry noodle, you can’t go wrong with their tangy Sour Nana soup base.
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10. Uncle Joe’s Malaysian
This Newtown extension has taken Cabra’s Asian cuisine umbrella offering to the next level. Their menu boasts Malaysian classics like laksa and beef rendang curry, with locals loving their combos and generous lunch specials. This eatery is also Halal Certified.
