Hong Ha, Mascot

A famous pork roll joint in Mascot. Who would have thought? I didn't even know it existed until 2011 when my date at the time mentioned that this joint was much better than all the pork roll shops in Cabramatta. Say it isn't so! Not long after, I found a few articles about the same pork roll shop in various food and lifestyle mags, websites and food blog reviews. Since then, it has been on my wishlist for a freaking long time. There has to be something special about those pork rolls that gets every pork roll lover lining up even before opening time at 6am! (Many thanks to my colleague for sharing that story btw :)).

After countless times getting asked to check Hong Ha from V, I finally found the time to visit this part of Sydney after getting the massive cravings. Not surprisingly there was that inevitable queue when I arrived in front of this tiny but incredibly busy shop. If you are impatient like myself, never fear! The queues actually went by pretty fast that I was still somewhat indecisive when it was my turn to order.

While the sign itself has been updated compared to how it appeared in past reviews, the fitout has that old school appeal that was most likely the same when it opened more than 20 years ago. Pretty much your typical pork roll shop with all the condiments laid out at the frot (the cheese was interesting though). While the service can be abrupt and blunt, they were all super quick so you can get your pork roll fast after waiting in that infamous queue. 

Pork Roll ($5.00)

Ordered a pork roll and a chicken roll because I had no idea when I will be there next. The bread roll was crispier and crustier compared to the ones I've had another pork roll joints but it was also quite soft on the inside. This worked out well since it was still not soggy after leaving it for a while when I finished it up later that day. Some of the rolls I've had at Cabra had way too much bread and not enough fillings so it was good to see that Hong Ha ensures that the fillings were balanced out. Along with the thin slices of pork meat and the generous amount of fillings (including pickled carrot, onion, coriander, cucumber and soy sauce), there was a decent serving of mayo an pâté which was definitely the highlight for me. Plus the soy sauce did not overpower the flavour which can be the case for many pork rolls I've tried in the past. I also asked for the optional chilli but it ended up being too spicy for me after multiple bites.

Chicken Roll ($5.00)

Sorry about the photo. Was so hungry when I got my hands on this roll that I forgot to take a proper pic. The chicken roll that I tried later was also good as well especially after hearing the hype from other foodies (apart from V who wasn't a fan). The combined use of shredded boiled and cooked chicken packed into the bread roll stood out from the other chicken rolls that I've tried elsewhere. While I personally prefer the pork roll in terms of taste and flavour, the chicken roll at Hong Ha is certainly a winner so far. 

Is Hong Ha the best Vietnamese pork/chicken roll shop in Sydney? Well it really depends on what you prefer. Personally I think Hong Ha is as good as Marrickville Pork Roll but (gasp) I also found it to be better than most of the ones I've had in Cabramatta - mainly for the generous fillings and that freshly baked and crusty bread (though Vinata and KK Bakery remain as my local faves). On the other hand, it was also slightly pricier than the local Cabra pork roll shop (some of my friends are still reminiscing the days when those rolls only cost $2). If I live closer to Mascot, I can definitely see myself as a regular here whenever I get my pork roll cravings. And Hong Ha sells spring rolls too if they floats your boat.

Hong Ha

1151 Botany Road, Mascot NSW 2020
(02) 9667 2069
Mon-Sun: 6:00am - 4:30pm

Mr Crackles, Darlinghurst

If there is anything more guilty than sweets and carbs, it's pork belly and pork crackling. Think of all the fatty layers and juices of pork dripping down onto your plate. If that is not foodgasm for you then I don't know what is. Otherwise, rejoice pork lovers! Mr Crackles has opened its doors recently to satisfy your juicy pork belly and irresistible pork crackling cravings

PORK CRACKLINGGG!!!

Recently opened on Oxford Street where the old New York Slice Pizzeria used to operate, Mr Crackles is running in the same way as the local take away pork roll shop (Think Viet Hoa in Cabramatta, Marrickville Pork Rolls or Hong Ha in Mascot for example). Don't expect to come here thinking you will be seated at a table like a restaurant (though there is limited seating). This works as an advantage to the hurdles of nearby office workers lining outside this eatery to buy a quick and easy lunch during the day or a bunch of drunk people looking for a late night-early morning snack.

If you're keen for a roll, you get a choice of a small size for $7 or a large size for $10. Remember to specify if you want a small or large size. I think the default size is the large one if you do not mention the size when you are ordering based on previous experiences. Not that it's a bad thing.

Crackles Classic Roll - Small ($7.00)

Of course the one thing that you should order at Mr Crackles is the rather addictive 'Crackles Classic', which consists of crispy pork belly, Vietnamese salad (the pickled veggies that you would usually get in a Vietnamese pork roll like cucumber, carrots and coriander) and as much chilli as you can handle. Just like your average pork roll shop. The pork belly is so crispy, tender and juicy while the Vietnamese salad helps to counterbalance the meat with its cool and fresh ingredients. It is filled inside a bread roll which has a very crunchy and crusty texture as you bite into the roll. It's a must order if you ever stop by Mr Crackles! You also have a variety of other options if you don't eat pork. Roast meat flavours include the Wagyu beef, Lamb, Classic Chicken, Sweet Pork, Vego and a special Roll of the Month. For those who LOVE their meat, you can get the Manwich for twice the meat and half the salad in the roll. ZOMG...

Crackles Classic Roll - Large ($10.00)

Another thing that I always order every time I head to Mr Crackles is the Cup of Crackling. Yes that's right. Pork crackling. This is the ultimate crunchy crackling. Despite its original name as 'salted crackling', it actually isn't too salty and also has a slightly sweet taste though I'm not sure what that is exactly. If you try eating it at a really quiet place, everyone can hear you chew that pork crackling very loud and clear. It is that crunchy. What's even better is that you can leave it for a day or two and it still doesn't get soft. Or you could be like me and eat the whole thing then want even more!

Cup of Crackling ($5.00)

If you are feeling guilty about eating carbs but you don't mind eating some fatty pork belly (hehe gotcha) or you're just keen for other types of meat and salad without the bread roll, then this place offers a salad with roast meat filling option. One evening, I stopped by Mr Crackles and saw heaps of diners ordering the salad with Crackles Classic meat a lot more than the Crackles Classic roll. It is quite oily and once again the salad helps in balancing the ingredients and flavours. And it was incredibly filling! Felt so full after eating the salad haha. 

Roast meat with salad: Crackles Classic with Vietnamese Salad - Small ($8.50)

VEGGIE CORNER: If you can't eat any meat at all, don't let this place sway you away. Mr Crackles also has a vego roll filled with cinnamon, coriander, spiced roast pumpkin, caramelised onions, tahini and watercress salad. You can also have a salad without meat option or just hot chips on its own (just don't get the chicken salt).

If you are looking for somewhere to eat very late at night and you are sick of greasy kebabs, this is a great alternative as it opens till 3am on Friday and Saturday night. It is also a great place to eat during your lunch break as they do make it quick enough for you to get back to work on time unless the lunch time queues get crazy, which is sometimes does. Will come back to try the other flavours as well as the hot dogs and chilli fries. But it's really hard for me to take my mind away from the pork belly roll and the crackling cup every time I visit here. It's that good.

Mr Crackles

155 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
(02) 8068 2832
http://www.mrcrackles.com.au/