Cyril's, Haymarket

Merely approaching Cyril's and catching sight of the goodie-laden baskets outside, is enough to quicken my step and tantalise my tastebuds whenever I'm in the area.

This quaint and traditional European deli has been on Hay Street since 1956. Its owner, Cyril Vincenc, is a permanent fixture behind the counter, offering advice to customers in English, Russian, Polish and Czech. Back in the 1970s, Sydneysiders were apparently fascinated with the exotic smoked goods within. These days Cyril is best buddies with all matter of chefs--a picture of him with Neil Perry sits proudly behind the counter.



I love to have a quick browse in here whenever I get the chance. The stock in the baskets outside changes regularly, and can hold anything from Norwegian celeriac salad, to Danish jams to 1kg tubs of Dijon mustard. Inside it's a flashback to old-fashioned delis, where canned and bottled goods line the back wall, loaves of bread sit on the counter and smoked goods hang in the window.



The cheese table is always a treasure trove of goodies. There are lots of reduced cheeses (although I've found the bries and camemberts tend to be very over-ripe), pate, dips and other delicious morsels.

Tubs of marinated baby octopus are always delightfully tender, the chunky nut pesto is very more-ish and in the fridges you can get 500g packets of smoked salmon for $9.95.


There's half a wall of imported chocolates and gourmet biscuits, our favourite Wild Game pate (in the shape of a pig) in the display chiller, and plenty of mascarpone-stuffed figs.

Look, smell, see, touch. Ahhh... they don't make delis like they used to.


Cyril's Delicatessen
181 Hay Street, Haymarket, Sydney
Tel: 02 9211 0994.