Life-Saving Meals to Get Delivered When You're Recovering from a Big Night

The Oxford Tav is a local favourite at any hour of the day and there’s a good reason for it. The crew here does classic pub grub and it does it well. Order your favourites from the pub menu (chicken schnitty, rump steak, OG Tav beef burger) or indulge in some American-style barbecue from the specialty smokehouse menu. Here, you’ll find smoky beef brisket, pork belly and lamb ribs (just to name a few) and sides of creamy slaw, chorizo mac ‘n’ cheese and cornbread.

Parramatta’s Paper Plane Cafe ranks high on our hangover recovery list because of its no-fuss menu of cafe staples. Craving salmon eggs benedict or smashed avo on sourdough? You got it. Or maybe you’re after a textbook big brekkie to match the night you’ve just had? Paper Plane’s Big Breakfast rendition comes with mountains of the good stuff: fried eggs, bacon, chorizo, hash brown, mushrooms, tomatoes and sourdough toast. Order in, skip the queue and give yourself a pat on the back for avoiding those weekend brunch waits like nothing else. Not confident you can stomach eggs yet? Opt for the Midnight Cuban Sandwich: a monstrous, juicy sourdough number packed with triple-smoked ham, pulled pork, swiss cheese and dill pickles.

Image: Cassandra Hannagan

If there’s one thing you’ll need after a big night, it’s caffeine — stat. Lucky for you, Industry Beans delivers hot steaming coffee — or ice-cold ones, if that’s more your craving — right to your doorstep, so you can rest up on your couch and sip your way back to life. Whether you’re into milky lattes or straight-to-business espressos, you can’t go wrong with pairing your cuppa with something from the all-day brunch menu. Savoury fans will love the brekkie roll (smoked bacon, fried egg and chilli jam), while those with a sweet tooth can pick between an almond croissant or a peanut butter brownie.

For those who don’t consider spicy curry and basmati rice as the holy grail of hangover cures clearly haven’t tried it. But for those of us in on the secret, Surry Hills’ Masala Theory is an obvious choice. This contemporary neighbourhood eatery dishes up signature Indian curries and entrees — yes, that includes your favourite goat curry and garlic naan — alongside some more experimental options. If you’re in the mood for comfort, you can’t go past the Bunny Chow, which features a hollowed-out wholemeal loaf filled with lamb curry. If you’re in the mood for an adventure, we recommend the Poutine Re-Invented. Masala Theory’s take on Canada’s national dish sees fries topped with a ruby sauce, cheesy curry aioli and banana pepper.

Image: Cassandra Hannagan

Celsius Coffee Co is known for its picturesque harbour location and equally photogenic food. On days when you can’t bring yourself to leave your bed, rest assured that the food can come to you. Feeling indulgent? Order the Celsius Waffle topped with berries, maple syrup and peanut butter cream. Maybe you’re looking for a healthier option to bounce back from last night? May we suggest the Coconut Milk Chia with granola and yoghurt. Whatever you’re in the mood for, pair it with a cold-pressed juice or iced coffee and you’ll be ready to face the day in no time.

Nothing says comfort food quite like a plate of gyoza — and, better yet, handmade ones at that. Look after your hungover self with an order from Harajuku Gyoza, a dumpling house inspired by traditional izakayas in Japan’s iconic fashion district. Choose your gyoza filling (pork, chicken, prawn, duck, vegetable or takoyaki. Then, throw in a side (miso soup, edamame or chicken karaage) and you’ve got yourself a meal that could revive even the dustiest of heads.

Nighthawk Diner made its way into the Sydney food scene via its food truck collective (so you know they’ve got takeaway down pat). Influenced by classic American and Mexican cuisine, these guys serve a range of diner-inspired sandwiches (think cubans, philly cheesesteaks and cheeseburgers) alongside tacos, nachos and quesadillas. For those in need of an extra pick-me-up, add some appetisers — we’re partial to the jalapeño poppers — and one of the super decadent thick shakes to your order. For the latter, you can mix and match flavours including malt, milo, oreo, PB&J and salted butterscotch caramel.

Image: Letícia Almeida

After a big night, sometimes all you need is a juicy burger and some fries to go. Milk Bar by Cafe Ish is home to some of Sydney’s most outrageously loaded burgers. Seriously, burgers with two beef patties aren’t a rarity here. In fact, it’s practically a prerequisite, so if you’re feeling like a bottomless pit, this is where to turn. For a seriously intense recovery meal, go for the Badboy Baconator (two beef patties wrapped in streaky bacon, double american cheese, bacon jam, onions, smoked maple aioli and peanut butter). Or feed your hangover with the very appropriately named Death by Doughnut, which, as you may have guessed, subs out the burger bun for a toasted cinnamon doughnut. Elsewhere on the menu, you’ll find loaded fries, fried chicken and milkshakes. Plus, you can try the ol’ hair-of-the-dog tactic by adding a craft beer to your order, with brews from Balter, Stone & Wood and Young Henrys on offer.

If you’re a fan of roast chook, you’re sure to have heard of El Jannah. Made famous by its flagship store in Granville (and subsequent western Sydney outposts), El Jannah made its way into the inner west last year. And its cult status followed. The specialty charcoal chicken can be bought as a quarter, half or whole. And you have the option to upgrade to a plate (add pickles and Lebanese bread) or meal (add chips and a soft drink). If you think the hangover you’re nursing calls for a higher grease content, opt for the fried chicken instead. Whatever you do, don’t forget to request extra toum (garlic sauce). This stuff is literally a gift from the gods. Seriously, you’ll thank us later.