Some flavour combinations seem impossible on paper - pineapple with duck, waffles with fried chicken, or savoury pork paired with sticky sweetness - but when done right, they create dishes that challenge the palate in the most delightful way. In kitchens around the country, Chefs are pushing boundaries, merging sugar and spice, syrup and sizzle, to craft plates that deliver a full-spectrum experience.
We’ve found four standout venues where the art of the unexpected flavour pairing is not just embraced - it’s perfected. Here’s where to taste-test these bold culinary experiments that somehow just work.
Annola Thai Restaurant – Grafton, NSW
Tucked away on Prince Street in Grafton, Annola Thai Restaurant brings an authentic touch of Thailand to the Northern Rivers. With a culinary team composed of Thai Chefs and produce plucked fresh from the family farm, this venue’s commitment to quality and flavour is unmistakable. The ambience is warm and understated, allowing the food to do the talking - flavour-forward dishes served in a setting where tradition is respected and freshness reigns supreme. Minimal chemicals in the produce and A1-grade meat selections elevate each bite with purity and intensity.
The showstopper here? A vibrant red duck curry that’s equal parts savoury and tropical. With juicy rambutans and sweet pineapple folded into a rich coconut-based curry, it’s a dish that dances across the palate. Basil and seasonal vegetables round out the profile and a steaming side of jasmine rice makes the perfect vehicle for soaking up every last drop. It's a fine balance of sweet and savoury, luxurious yet familiar.
Feeling adventurous? Make a booking and experience this tropical twist on a Thai classic.
My Kingdom For a Horse – Adelaide CBD, SA
Right in the heart of Adelaide's CBD, My Kingdom For a Horse has built a reputation on its fresh, local approach to café culture. Inside, whitewashed brick walls meet a colourful mural that gives the space a youthful, energetic vibe. The air hums with the scent of small-batch coffee roasted in-house and the menu is a seasonal love letter to comfort food with flair. Whether soaking up the sun alfresco or sinking into a corner with your morning brew, this spot delivers a curated casual dining experience that’s never predictable.
Then there’s that dish: waffles with bacon, but not just any waffles. Think crisp, golden waffles crowned with smoky streaky bacon, a drizzle of Canadian maple syrup and perhaps even a poached egg on request. It’s indulgent, unapologetic and engineered for brunch-time glory. The saltiness of the bacon collides beautifully with the sweet caramel of the syrup, creating a flavour contrast that’s nothing short of addictive.
Brunch plans? Lock in your table and taste what all the hype’s about.
Situated on Windsor’s beloved Chapel Street, Onethirtytwo is the kind of café that makes locals brag to out-of-towners. With exposed white brick, ambient lighting and laidback chic furnishings, it’s the perfect embodiment of Melbourne cool. Coffee flows freely, conversations buzz and every dish from the kitchen delivers a Modern Australian twist that feels inventive without losing its soul.
Then comes the bombshell: Belgian waffles topped with crispy Southern fried chicken, maple bacon, a silky fried egg and a sprinkle of spring onion. It’s the kind of dish that bridges breakfast and lunch in a way that feels rebellious yet deeply comforting. The sweet crunch of the waffle meets the salty crunch of the chicken, while the bacon adds smokiness and the maple syrup ties it all together with a golden ribbon of sweetness. It's hangover food. It's hangout food. It's genius.
Don’t miss out - book a table and try the brunch mash-up you never knew you needed.
Truly Asia Urangan – Urangan, Qld
Located on Buccaneer Drive in Urangan, Truly Asia brings a sensory feast to the Fraser Coast. The décor is a clever blend of elegance and vibrancy - filigree screens, white-linen tables and a purple-accented interior that gives a nod to traditional Asian aesthetics with a modern edge. The menu is equally ambitious, fusing elements from Malaysian, Thai and Chinese cuisines to create dishes that span regions and reimagine staples.
Sweet and savoury fans will be drawn to the nostalgic favourites with a twist - like honey chicken and sweet and sour pork. What sounds like takeaway basics are elevated here: crisp battered meat is lacquered in sauces that are sticky-sweet yet punctuated with citrus tang or peppery notes. The honey chicken delivers golden crunch and silky sweetness in every bite, while the pork dances between sharp and mellow. When paired with steamed rice or stir-fried greens, these classics become canvas-painting contrasts in taste.
Craving something comforting and bold? Book your seat and let the sweet-savoury journey begin.
These four venues prove that unexpected combinations can lead to unforgettable experiences. So the next time you spot maple syrup next to bacon, or tropical fruit floating in curry, lean in - because sometimes the most surprising pairings are the ones that stay with you long after the last bite.
