When I think of winter comfort food, Hungarian food comes to mind. 21 Espresso in Double Bay is doing local deliveries of classics like Matzo Ball Soup, paprika chicken, Langos, cherry strudel or their famous schnitzel. All delivered contact-free within the Eastern Suburbs.
With Double Bay being within the epicentre of the start of the COVID-19 2021 breakout, business has been very much affected at this popular family run Hungarian restaurant that has been operating for 60 years. Owner Michael Schiffer says, "Locals are extremely compliant and self isolating which has seen sales plunge, but we know they’ll come back as a sign of support when things clear." Instead of coming in, they're been ordering soups and schnitzels to be delivered. Delivery is free for orders $50 and more and they deliver as far as Vaucluse, Potts Point and Randwick with the possibility of further than those areas depending on the driver availability.
21's full menu is available for delivery (except for the oysters and veal ragu) and that includes their famous matzo ball soup. You can get that either paired with their home made broth or you can change that to one of their other chicken soups like the Hearty Chicken Soup with egg noodles, chicken breast and carrot coins (I'm told everyone customises everything here). I adore matzo ball soup and I especially like chipping away at a gigantic, soft matzo ball with a spoon.
My favourite Hungarian street food is Lángos, a puffy deep fried bread served with garlic oil and sour cream. While the menu says "a touch of garlic", it's a bit more than that and I'm not complaining (although it is served on the side so you can make it as garlicky as you want)! It's as delicious as it sounds, a savoury, creamy donut of sorts and the stuff that dreams are made of.
Heartier dishes include the paprika chicken which is served with nokedli. This is a substantial and hearty dish with a rich and creamy sweet paprika sauce. There's enough for two in this serve and you can add creamed spinach on the side for a comforting vegetable side dish.
21 is known for their wonderful schnitzel (it travels surprisingly well and just needs a little reheating in the oven when it comes to eating). You can order either a chicken or veal schnitzel but as a sauce lover I went for the Gypsy chicken schnitzel served with creamy paprika sauce (like the paprika chicken sauce) on the side.
The dessert menu is long and features a lot of traditional Hungarian sweets from Gundel pancakes, Pischinger torte or baked cheese noodles but we can't go past the house-made strudel. There's a choice of apple or sour cherry and we opt for the sour cherry strudel which is substantial enough to share!
So tell me Dear Reader, do you have a favourite Hungarian dish? And do you prefer apple or cherry strudel?
21 Espresso
21 Knox St, Double Bay NSW 2028
Open 7 days 8am-10pm
http://21espresso.com.au/
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