Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m the recently elected Federal Independent Member for the electorate of Fowler – a vibrant, diverse and multicultural community in Sydney’s south west. I am grateful to represent the people who live and work here. I live in the area with my husband and our two gorgeous dogs, Bella (a beagle) and Clancy (a Maltese). We have a son who’s in his first year at university and we love catching up with him for family dinners.
What do you love about Sydney?
I’m always inspired and excited by the cultural diversity of our city. Our multicultural heartbeat is the life of the city, bringing together people from all parts of the globe in a melting pot of delicious food and cultures.
Where do you like to eat?
Enjoying food with family and friends is an important part of my Vietnamese heritage and I just love to eat. I recommend Tan Viet Noodle House on John Street, Cabramatta for its Vietnamese-style crispy skin chicken. It’s a taste of Vietnam in the centre of Cabramatta.
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Find out moreWhere do you go for brunch or breakfast?
During the weekdays, I usually opt for an early morning green tea. On the weekends, I enjoy a long, lazy brunch with family and friends. My usual go-to is V Lounge in Canley Heights. I savour the delicious flavours of their Shanghai pork buns and I also love their take on okonomiyaki, a Japanese cabbage pancake.
When you want to impress someone, where do you take them?
I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t love a good Korean barbeque. If I have family or friends in town, I make sure our itinerary includes dinner at La Grilla Korean BBQ in Canley Heights. It’s busy, bustling and always makes for a fun night out.
It’s your birthday – how do you spend it?
One of my favourite dishes to eat (on any day of the year) is the fish noodle dish at Bun Cha Hoa in Canley Heights. They marinate the fish in a sublime concoction of turmeric and dill so it sings with flavour – an absolute must-try.
Do you have any fave shops?
I’m a big fan of pearl tea, also known as bubble tea, so I love to check out the many new and existing pearl tea shops around Western Sydney.
What’s one of the city’s most underrated places?
When I have a chance to go for a walk, I head to the 5,280 hectares of Western Sydney Parklands. It’s a stunning place to walk, cycle or enjoy a family picnic.
What makes Sydney a better place?
Sydney is home to more than 5.3 million people. Many of us have come to this beautiful city in search of new opportunities, and we’ve been lucky to have found new friends, inspirational people and a city with a global food culture. For me, the city is the sum of our friends, our family and the food we enjoy together.
Dai Le is speaking at It Happened to Me as part of Antidote at Sydney Opera House on September 11.
“My Sydney” is a regular column discovering the places and spaces that captivate and entice Sydney’s well-known residents.
