From Across the Kitchen Table: Bairro Portuguese Food and Wine Festival, Petersham NSW, Australia

The annual Bairro Potuguese Food and Wine Fair was recently held in Petersham, otherwise known as Sydney's 'Little Portugal'. It was the first time I've attended this festival and it reminded me so much of the times I spent in Lisbon and I miss it. Besides missing Portugal, there's one thing I simply cannot miss whenever I visit Petersham, and that is the Pastel de Natas or custard tarts from Sweet Belem. This place has the best Portuguese custard tarts in Sydney. A bite of this is like a slice of heaven, it's absolutely divine. But it is not just the natas that are delicious here, their Queijadas either in orange or cinnamon are amazing as well. You cannot go to Petersham without having some of them.

Portuguese national costume varies region to region. Some are rich and colourful while others are modest dresses with kerchiefs.

The ever colourful Barcelos Rooster (refer to the first photo) is a national symbol of Portugal which symbolises integrity and honour.

Adobo seasoning mix comes in many flavours like cumin, bitter orange, coriander and even saffron. Did you know that the word 'adobo' originated from the Spanish word 'adobar' meaning marinade?

Malasadas are famous Portuguese doughnuts but without the hole. They are deep-fried then coated with granulated sugar and boy, oh boy they tasted amazing!

The aroma of grilled sardines immediately transported me back to Portugal.

These Pastel de Nata were absolutely delicious and heavenly.

Molotof is a Portuguese meringue. It has a pillowy soft texture and tastes very, very sweet.

Cinnamon and Orange Queijadas. They are small but quite filling.

Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked Pastel de Natas straight out of the oven.

I cannot stress enough how delicious Portuguese custard tarts are, have you tried them?

These paellas will tantalise your tastebuds. Everyone loved it.

Who doesn't love a good churro dipped in chocolate?

Sardines are a staple in Portuguese cuisine and culture.

Watching this flamenco show has brought me straight back to Seville (Spain). It was in Seville that I first got a taste of Flamenco. I watched in awe as these dancers in colourful costumes, fans and castanets stomped and clapped with grace and harmony.