Charlie Chen has trimmed prices at WeLive2.0 but is reluctant to use cheaper ingredients.

The rise of solo dining spaces and other dining trends we loved (and hated) in 2024

Sweet touches such as chocolate with the bill were a delight. But disintegrating sandwiches,edible flowers and mangled cutlery stood out for all the wrong reasons.

  • Emma Breheny andEllen Fraser

What’s the go with all the froyo?

Frozen yoghurt has grown into much more than a swirly,soft-serve,yoghurt-based,icy-cold treat,writes Terry Durack.

  • Terry Durack
The black vinegar sauce on these Sichuan-style cumin and lamb skewers also serves as a glaze.

One of the top dining trends of 2024 is fun and easy to make at home,too

Something magical happens when you thread ingredients onto skewers,then apply heat.

  • Katrina Meynink
A selection of iconic dishes from Sydney restaurants for the 40th anniversary of the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide.

The 40 defining dishes from 40 years of the SMH Good Food Guide

From Berowra Waters Inn brioche to fish liver chermoula:A dish-by-dish snapshot of the past 40 years of The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide.

  • Callan Boys andDavid Matthews
Pantry Story owners Hari Wibowo and Mutiara Putri Sucipto.

Matcha limits set and prices set to soar as global shortage hits Australia

It’s turning up in everything from lattes and smoothies to pastries. Here’s why the world has gone mad for matcha and why the price is set to spike.

  • Bianca Hrovat
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Kate Matheson from Cake Creations by Kate sells her cakes from a vending machine as well as a shop.

From birthday cakes to choc tops:Vending machines gather momentum around Melbourne

At a time of rising costs,robots are coming to the rescue,ushering in a new age of food on the run.

  • Bianca Hrovat,Tomas Telegramma andEmma Breheny
Cake Mail founder Jonathan Mussaad at his new Chatswood vending machine.

The new-wave vending machines making cakes,steaks and cocktails more convenient than ever

At a time of rising costs,robots are coming to the rescue,ushering in a new age of food on the run.

  • Bianca Hrovat
Gemini is a cafe by day,and wine bar by night.

Our 10 favourite new Melbourne restaurant and bar openings of the year (so far)

Half-way through 2024 it’s clear economic pressures are hitting the hospitality industry hard. But there’s been some exciting new venues,and trends,to emerge.

  • Emma Breheny andDani Valent
Caterpillar Club’s long (very long) bar rarely has a free seat.

Our eight favourite new Sydney restaurants and bars of the year (so far)

Despite a harder economic climate for hospitality operators than usual,plenty of bars,restaurants and cafes are still pumping in the city.

  • Callan Boys
Marry me chicken,braised chicken breast in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes,is a recipe that went viral on TikTok in 2023.

Adam Liaw on why viral recipes are complete garbage (except maybe this one)

The key ingredient for a viral recipe is engagement,and that can be both positive and negative,writes Adam Liaw.

  • Adam Liaw