Cuckoo Callay Cafe, Newtown, Sydney

During my trip this time, I also visited it couple of times, and I was surprised to see some changes, from the newly-revamped train stations to all the hype about many eating places. It seems like many trending spots in Sydney now reside there, say, Black Star Pastry, Hartsyard, The Pie Tin, etc (more on these stuffs later on the separated blogposts), and this beautiful cafe that nobody can miss, Cuckoo Callay, which is located in the station complex, and because of its beautiful surroundings, it will attract you so bad to stop by like it did to me. XD

The building is dominated by white color, with lovely decorations of hanging flower pots on the wall. I There are indoor and outdoor area, and since I usually take photos before eating, I chose to sit in the outdoor area to get better lighting. The indoor area is much darker but definitely has intimate feeling and can be a better option during hot, sunny days.

So basically the system is, we make our order first then find a table. The cafe serves breakfast and lunch menu and they are open 7 days a week until 3-4PM. The breakfast menu is served all day until 3PM while lunch menu is served from 11AM to 3PM only. Since Australia is known as great ingredients sources, Cuckoo Callay also use locally sourced ingredients: meat comes from multi-award winning Vic’s Meat, eggs are organic, bread and pastries from Bourke Street Bakery’s Bread & Butter Project. What can go wrong? 😉

I tried the Callay’s Brekkie Board (AUD 22), which is quite pricey for a breakfast but totally worth the price. First of all, the serving is big, and it can easily be shared for two. I myself am not a big breakfast eater (still in learning process) and I was glad I wasn’t alone. The board comes with double smoked ham, house cured salmon, avocado, two eggs, roasted heirloom tomatoes and mushrooms, rosemary and lamb sausages and sourdough. I won’t even talk about these things separately, but everything is awesomely delicious! My least favorite was the texture of the toasted sourdough, I think they toasted it too long so they became a bit harder than it was supposed to be. 

Another menu that I tried (thanks to recommendation made by the barista) was the Pulled Pork Baguette (AUD 15), which is actually a 16-hours slow-roasted pork shoulder served on baguette with whiskey doused rough cut apple sauce and coleslaw. Telling you the truth, I was deeply impressed by this ever since it was presented in front of me. The appearance was unbeatable, with super colorful and attractiveness that will make you want to grab your camera to freeze it in a still frame. Taste-wise, it was WONDERFUL. The pork wasn’t slow-roasted for nothing, it was so soft and tender it literally melted in the mouth. The sauce was perfect, sweet and savory, completely suited the pork and baguette itself.

Then there is also Nutella Thick Shake (AUD 7), which was also recommended by the staff. My expectation was high because I heard that it is good, although in the end I didn’t really agree to that point. Yes, it had distinctive Nutella flavor but not strong enough for me to go wow and praise it just like that. And how could it be even called thick shake when it’s not even thick at all? Maybe I am the only one who say this, but it failed horribly to impress me, and if you want some milk drinks with weak hint of Nutella, go for it.

Overall, I really love Cuckoo Callay as a place, not only the beautiful surroundings, the food are great, and the service is excellent! I really recommend this place for people visiting Newtown looking for good food without having to walk so far from the station. XD Hope to be back someday! <333