One of the things I enjoy most about traveling is the chance to seek out delicious local specialties. I’m always curious about the spots the locals frequent and what dishes are truly characteristic of each destination. In Texas, it’s all about Texas BBQ and Tex Mex. In Montreal, you can’t miss poutine. In Britain, fish & chips is a classic. Apparently, the same goes for Australia! I’m accustomed to having cod, haddock, or halibut fried in batter often beer-battered. While visiting Manly, Australia (just outside Sydney), I stumbled on a charming place called the Fish Shack. Situated right on Steyne Street, directly across from the beach, it was the perfect stop for takeaway fish & chips. I tried the Barramundi variety, a white fish known for its firm texture, high omega-3 content, protein levels, and environmental friendliness. We opted to take our food to the beach, and although the service was just okay, our order arrived in about 15 minutes.
Of course, I couldn’t finalize my order without including the iconic Bundaberg ginger beer. This type of beverage takes me back to my childhood when Reed’s Jamaican Ginger Beer was a special treat. If you’re a fan of ginger, you must try this! Bundaberg has been around since the 1960s, praised for its quality ingredients. Lucky for me, they export to the US, so I can always get my fix.
Manly itself has numerous dining options, and it was a lovely experience overall. Unfortunately, I only had one afternoon to spend there, so I didn’t get to explore any other establishments.

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