Mother Chu’s Taiwanese Gourmet

14/20Critics' PickUpdated October 26, 2026,first published 7:00pmMother Chu’s Taiwanese GourmetTaiwanese$This venue is included in Good Food’s 100 Essential Restaurants list.Mother Chu’s Taiwanese Gourmet has been a constant during unpredictable times, but when the 35-year-old Chinatown restaurant recently announced major changes to ensure economic survival, it was a reminder: never take any place for granted. The 14-page menu is now one laminated sheet. All-day breakfast cuts off at 2pm. Certain labour-intensive dishes are gone.But Alan Chu, the restaurant’s second-generation owner, has kept the hits his late father made great: beef noodle soup and Taiwanese breakfasts; soft, golden youtiao crafted by hand and fried until they’re puffed and tanned all over – perfect with congee or a cup of fresh soy milk.Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to discover new favourites, from sesame-crusted black pepper pork buns reminiscent of those found in Taipei’s famous Raohe Street market, to addictive curry fried rice. It might have downsized, yes, but thankfully its fan club continues to grow.=Must-order: Hot-and-sour soup, dark and tangy, sharp with white pepper and swirling with cloud-like egg whites. Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox.Sign upLast visited: September 2026More:HaymarketMother Chu’s Taiwanese GourmetSydneyTaiwaneseAccepts bookingsBreakfastFamily-friendlyGluten-free optionsOutdoor diningVegetarian-friendlyLicensedWheelchair accessGood for solo dinersPet-friendlyBudget friendlyVegan-friendlyTakeawayRestaurantTakeawayReviewsGood Food Guide100 Essential RestaurantsCritics’ PickFrom our partners