2020
A post-yoga visit led to a first experience at XS Espresso.
Shakshuka ($18.00)
Eggs poached in a tomato-based sauce with sujuk, cherry tomatoes and spinach, served with sourdough and butter. The sauce was thick and well seasoned, with a deep tomato base. Cherry tomatoes introduced small bursts of sweetness that lifted the heavier, savoury profile of the sujuk. Heat was present but controlled, warming without lingering burn beyond the inclusion of a whole chilli. The butter arrived melted, making it difficult to apply to the toast, and residual heat from the sauce pushed the eggs beyond a runny centre. Otherwise, the dish was cohesive and filling.
XS Stack ($18.00)
Poached egg, halloumi, grilled tomato, avocado, za’atar and sourdough. The combination offered contrast across textures—creamy avocado, firm halloumi, and soft egg. The egg held a clean run, binding the components when cut. As an open format, the structure leaned more towards presentation than ease of eating.
Big XS Breakfast ($24.00)
A full plate of eggs, bacon, chorizo, potato gems, halloumi, mushrooms, avocado, spinach, tomato, aioli and sourdough. Portion size was substantial. Mushrooms absorbed surrounding flavours well and stood out among the components. The aioli lacked a clear role within the plate.
Taro Latte ($4.40, regular)
A mild taro aroma was present, though the flavour itself was subdued and overtaken by milk. Texture was light rather than creamy.
Cookies & Cream Latte ($6.00, large)
Coffee base remained unsweetened, while the added component introduced a strong sweetness. Cookie crumbs lacked texture, sitting soft at the base and requiring constant agitation to integrate. Flavour was inconsistent across sips.
Lotus Latte ($5.00, regular)
Coffee remained unsweetened, with sweetness delivered through Lotus sauce and crumbs lining the rim and base. Each sip carried a caramelised note, though the format became messy as the sauce melted. Once fully mixed, sweetness dominated.
Biscoff Cookie Dough ($15.00)
Warm cookie dough with vanilla ice cream, strawberries and biscuit elements. Temperature contrast between hot and cold was immediate. Textures varied across soft dough, creamy ice cream and light crunch from crumbs. Strawberries introduced acidity. The pouring sauce was dense and overly sweet, pushing the dessert towards excess.
Overall, the menu ranged broadly, with dishes prioritising impact and variety. Execution was uneven but engaging, particularly in more composed savoury items.
2021
A return followed the lifting of lockdown restrictions.
Pita Bowl ($19.00)
Falafel with pita, hummus, roasted eggplant, greens, tomato, feta and dressing. Texture variation was present, though the overall profile leaned heavily salty, with limited freshness to offset it.
XS Stack ($18.00)
Poached egg, halloumi, tomato, avocado and sourdough. Avocado provided a soft, creamy base against the firmness of the halloumi. Tomato added acidity, and the egg introduced a runny element that tied the components together. The balance held more effectively in this iteration.
Chicken & Chips ($16.00)
Grilled chicken breast with chips and cherry tomatoes. The chicken was moist with a light smokiness. Tomatoes added some freshness, though the quantity was limited relative to the portion size.
Chicken & Waffle ($18.00)
Fried chicken with a cinnamon waffle, bacon, slaw, cheese and sauce. The chicken carried a crisp exterior and juicy interior. The dish leaned heavily on contrast, though some elements, such as the sweet potato, lacked the expected crispness and sat closer to chewy.
Oven Baked Cookie Dough ($15.00)
Warm cookie dough with ice cream and chocolate drizzle. The base remained enjoyable, though the additional chocolate increased weight without adding complexity.
Doughnut Fries ($14.00)
Cinnamon sugar-coated doughnut sticks with dipping sauce. Exterior carried light crispness, with a chewy interior. Oiliness was noticeable, contributing to heaviness across the portion.
Overall, portions remained large, with a focus on contrast and variety. Balance occasionally shifted towards excess, particularly in sweeter items, though core savoury dishes held more consistency.
XS Espresso is located at 9A/2 Windsor Rd, Northmead NSW 2152