The hustle and bustle of downtown Ashfield (Click to enlarge)

The big picture

Located in Sydney’s inner west, Ashfield has to be one of the busiest hubs in Sydney for its size. It sits on a major highway that links the bordering inner west and south-western burbs to Sydney’s CBD. With a predominantly Asian community the main strip along Liverpool Road (aka Hume Highway) is lined with numerous Asian restaurants, “massage” parlours, discount stores and grocers, along with some mainstream eateries and community facilities. I’m pretty certain the population here far out-demands the services and amenities provided within the area but it is only a stones throw from the CBD (10 minutes by train to be precise). Ashfield sees heavy foot and road traffic pretty much day and night however most of this presence is merely passers-by. Well people, it’s time to stop and smell the dumplings! Instead of just using it as a thoroughfare, pullover and experience what all the fuss is about.

Find out about the history of Ashfield here.

Be bored no more

More than meets the eye in Ashfield (Pictured: Vajrayana Institute)

Whilst the city centre is small and on the surface seems a little sparse in terms of variety, you’ll find a few gems in Ashfield. Relatively well equipped, Ashfield Mall is not a bad place to shop for your everyday stuff and with a few specialty stores you shouldn’t have too much trouble if you’re in search of a gift. If you’re looking for something specific though you may be hard pressed to find it here. It’s well worth taking a stroll right down the strip also. Much like a chameleon, the face of Ashfield is quite fluid whilst its essence remains the same. There are shops closing down and opening frequently and whilst it may seem shady, I like to look at it as the ‘have a go’ suburb for the small business entrepreneur. It’s fun dropping in to check out what’s new every now and then. You’re sure to always find something yum, odd or interesting.

There is a great sense of community here and Ashfield Council does some good work bringing it together with community events and organised recreational activities such as Tai Chi at Ashfield Park, held every Wednesday. Another highlight in this diverse and active suburb, is the Loaves and Fishes restaurant run by The Exodus Foundation as a part of their community food and social health program. They provide free warm and healthy meals to many a hungry folk and also offer health, well-being and welfare services. If you enjoy giving back why not check out their volunteer opportunities.

Centre yourself at the Vajrayana Institute

My pick in Ashfield is the Vajrayana Institute Tibetan Buddhist Temple. A peaceful haven in a quiet residential street, they “aim to provide the opportunity for people to transform their minds and hearts into their highest potential for the benefit of others“. They are most welcoming and offer a comprehensive calendar of events including teachings, meditation classes, retreats and conferences. Just remember, try not to fall asleep when meditating, particularly on your lunch break. Aside from being a bit embarrassed when you’re jolted awake by the realisation, it makes for quite an unproductive afternoon if you’ve got to work. Thankfully they do have evening drop-in meditation classes also.

A little oasis hidden in the back streets of Ashfield

If you’re after a spot of relaxation but meditation is not your thing although I recommend everyone give it a whirl, Allman Park (corner Victoria and Norton Streets) is a gorgeous little spot hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the main strip. With blooming gardens in the spring and well-maintained barbeque facilities, it’s a nice place to chill out over a few snags (Australian for sausages) and steaks or get your vitamin D fix with a good book in hand.

Eat, drink and be merry

There are a fair few Shanghai’s in Ashfield, choose wisely

There is no chance you’ll go hungry in Ashfield with a number of good restaurants, cafes and pubs within walking distance of each other. In terms of restaurants your choices include Malaysian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Korean and Indian cuisine. I wouldn’t say you’re spoiled for choice though and you may wish to check out the NSW Food Authority’s Register of Penalty notices before settling on a place, as some of the restaurants in Ashfield have featured regularly on this register. Even the locals joke about it! Having said this, some of the offenses are minor and many of these establishments are committed to complying with regulations and improving their standards. There a a couple of local favourites including the New Shanghai Chinese Restaurant which serves up some delicious dumplings and a variety of Shanghai cuisine, and for the Thai fans head over to Thai Number One which sits opposite Ashfield Station on the other side of the tracks. Another little surprise is Excelsior Jones restaurant located a little out of the town centre. Want more of that inner west type of vibe? Well the food here I am told, is lush on the gourmet side but they’re only open during the day.

The eccentric Perry – Owner Ground Coffee

After a cafe environment? You’ll find a few about the place, in the mall and on the main street. Homer’s Cafe doesn’t do too badly down the south end of the strip whilst Ground Coffee located in the Civic Centre (next door to the mall), not only offers some healthy lunch options and a good coffee but Perry can answer just about any question you have, seriously… about anything. He is well established in Ashfield and he’ll remember your name pretty much after your second visit. Just be prepared to be interrogated yourself as he likes to get to know his customers.

If clubs are more your thing Wests Ashfield Leagues is up there with some of the better ones. Popular with local and nearby residents, this club has a lot on offer for all ages from bingo and Latino dance classes to Yum Cha and Sunday Sounds in Keato’s Brasserie. Unlike a number of similar offerings in clubs across Sydney, the Yum Cha here is real!

Wests Ashfield Leagues Club will keep you occupied

Once in a while some of us more often than others, experience what we Aussie’s call a “pub grub” (aka pub food) craving typically accompanied by a hankering for an ice cold beer on tap. You need not wander aimlessly on your quest for fulfillment. You have two options here with the traditional style pub Ashfield Hotel and the Crocodile Farm Hotel which has a more modern appeal. Both have bistros with indoor or outdoor casual dining options and each offer your favourite $10 pub grub specials.

Ashfield Hotel

The Crocodile Farm Hotel does serve crocodile

You can also partake in one of Ashfield’s annual festivals most notably the Feast of Flavours Festival which spans across three suburbs with Ashfield hosting Tastes of Asia, generally held at the Civic Centre but it sprawls out onto the main street as well. Local restaurants get their street food cooking on for you to sample their Asian fare and the entertainment on offer will keep you amused whilst you gorge.

Hot tips

“Are you talkin’ to me?” Don’t fret! Sometimes the food IS better than the signage. Though sometimes it’s not!

Not one suburb is alike and Ashfield is truly unique. To a certain degree it feels like it’s still trying to find itself but behold Ashfield, darn it… I think you’re getting there! It may not offer you a full day of pleasure but if you sneak in a massage or let your thoughts drift off with a spot of meditation, Ashfield may have some lasting effects.

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Nearby

Burwood, Croydon Park, Five Dock, Haberfield, Marrickville, Summer Hill

Location Map

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