Melbourne Food Trail 2024
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These were the places we visited and ate at, as regular paying customers, on the Melbourne Food Trail 2024 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Day 1
- Lune Croissanterie
- South Melbourne Market
- Ling Nan Restaurant
- Day 2
- Bakemono Bakers
- Piccolina Gelateria
- Meatmaiden
- Day 3
- The Pancake Parlour
- HK Cafe (茶记 Chá Jì)
- Pacific Seafood BBQ House
- Day 4
- National Pies
- Bowery To Williamsburg
- Supper Inn
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Day 1
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Lune Croissanterie
@ Shop 16, 161 Collins Street, Melbourne Central Business District (CBD), Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 7:30am – 5pm, Sat - Sun 8am – 5pm
https://www.lunecroissanterie.com/
Founded by former Formula One engineer turned baker Dr. Kate Reid in 2012, and co-owned with brother Cameron Reid, Lune Croissanterie draws long queues of customers daily, with lines that often stretch around the block. The waiting game can sometimes take up to 3 hours, even in the rain, before fans get hold of Lune Croissanterie delectable freshly-baked pastries.
We arrived at Lune Croissanterie on a weekday morning, well before the store opened, and yet there were about 30 people waiting patiently. Fortunately, when the doors opened, the queue moved briskly, we got in after a 40 minutes wait. Ambience at Lune Croissanterie is industrial minimalist, with the space dominated by the open kitchen and a long perching table for customers. Service at Lune Croissanterie is friendly and efficient, with staff taking orders quickly and demonstrating good product knowledge. Diners are supposed to clean up after themselves. Food at Lune Croissanterie is focused on freshly-baked French and Australian pastries of exquisite quality. Delicious due to luscious use of butter and premium ingredients. Portions are sized for individuals, but most folks choose to share. Prices have a slight premium, budget about AUD $13 per person.
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| Lune Croissanterie Signage |
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| Lune Croissanterie Delivery Van |
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| Counter |
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| Preparing Croissants |
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| Display Of Pastries - Lune Croissanterie Menu Of The Day |
A warm Hot Chocolate (AUD $6.10), rich and medium creamy thick with robust chocolatey sweet earthy bitter milky flavour. Good!
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| Hot Chocolate (AUD $6.10) |
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| Hot Chocolate |
The Chai Latte (AUD $6.10) is nicely warming on cold days, with a medium thin texture and lovely earthy spice sweet flavour. Good!
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| Chai Latte (AUD $6.10) |
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| Chai Latte |
Their signature Parisian-style Kouign-Amann (AUD $9.50) has enticing layered swirls of buttered sugared dough, crispy outside flaky inside, with a delicious smoky bready sweet buttery flavour. Every bite was delicious. Highly recommended!
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| Kouign-Amann (AUD $9.50) |
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| Kouign-Amann |
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| Kouign-Amann |
An Aussie callout, the Cheese And Vegemite Escargot (AUD $10.70) features cheddar cheese and vegemite spread between layers of buttered dough, resulting in a punchy earthy herbal savoury salty cheesy bready flavour with a chewy gooey crunchy texture. Acquired taste. Good!
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| Cheese And Vegemite Escargot (AUD $10.70) |
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| Cheese And Vegemite Escargot |
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| Cheese And Vegemite Escargot |
A homage to the Italian pasta dish, the Carbonara (AUD $11.50) features an eggy dough studded with bacon bits, flocked with fine parmesan cheese. This has soft crunchy wispy textures, with pleasant bready eggy salty cheesy sweet savoury flavour. Worth ordering!
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| Carbonara (AUD $11.50) |
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| Carbonara |
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| Carbonara |
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South Melbourne Market
@ 322 - 326 Coventry Street, South Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3205, Australia
Opening Hours: Fri - Sun 8am – 4pm, Closed Mon - Tue, Wed 8am – 4pm, Closed Thu
https://www.southmelbournemarket.com.au/
Returned to South Melbourne Market for groceries and more of our favourites.
Ambience at South Melbourne Market is bustling, yet not overwhelming. People browse the displays at a leisurely pace, and finding seats at the common areas is relatively hassle-free, perhaps with just a short wait. Stalls really showcase their products well, with large lighted glass displays, so attractive. Service at South Melbourne Market is friendly and attentive, stalls having worked out an efficient system to attend to each customer in turn. They demonstrate intimate product knowledge on their offerings, as expected. Food at South Melbourne Market is International cuisine, though fruits, pastries, seafood, cheese, Italian, Chinese, and Australian dishes feature more prominently. Portions are usually sized for individuals, with options for sharing.
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| South Melbourne Market Facade |
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| South Melbourne Market Welcome Signage |
Always loved the Cannoli (AUD $15 for 3 pieces) here, excellent quality!
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| Cannoli (AUD $15 for 3 pieces) |
The Prawn Toast (AUD $4.20) was so good, we ordered 2 rounds of it. This has crisp toasted white bread, topped with juicy bouncy succulent deshelled shrimp / prawns, fresh and sweet savoury bready in flavour. Studded with sesame seeds which give it a slight nutty note. So good this prawn toast. Good!
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| Prawn Toast (AUD $4.20) |
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| Prawn Toast |
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| Prawn Toast |
Despite the long wait, the Porchetta (AUD $14.90) was worth it. Each slab of juicy roast pork belly was tender and succulent, carrying smoky meaty salty savoury flavour. Topped with a satisfyingly crunchy skin that cracks gently when bit, though some pieces were chewy instead. Highly recommended!
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| Porchetta (AUD $14.90) |
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| Porchetta |
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| Porchetta |
The Tiger Prawns Fresh (AUD $8.95) were large and juicy crunchy in texture, with a fresh meaty sweet savoury flavour that's clean and enticing. Served with a creamy seafood sauce on the side. Highly recommended!
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| Tiger Prawns Fresh (AUD $8.95) |
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| Tiger Prawns Fresh |
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| Tiger Prawns Fresh |
The Oysters St Helens (AUD $22 per dozen) are shucked daily, fresh and large with a creamy soft slippery texture. The St Helens oysters are best served natural, with just a splash of lemon juice or lime juice for added tangy zesty sour flavour, complementing the natural sweet briny salty mineral flavour of the oysters. Highly recommended!
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| Oysters St Helens (AUD $22 per dozen) |
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| Oysters St Helens |
The Sea Urchin (AUD $14.99) is served fresh, straight from the shells. It's creamy soft and gooey in texture, with a lovely briny salty sweet mineral flavour of the ocean. Good!
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| Sea Urchin (AUD $14.99) |
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| Sea Urchin |
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| Sea Urchin |
Caught in the pristine cold ocean, the Australian Southern Rock Lobster, also known as the King Island Crayfish, boasts delicate firm flesh, a beautiful 'sea spray' flavour that's briny salty sweet in taste, and a generous meat-to-shell ratio. No wonder it's among the world's most indulgent food experiences.
Here, they've done the Australian Southern Rock Lobster / King Island Crayfish in a couple of ways. The ever popular Rock Lobster Mornay (AUD $30 Half) has the crustacean coated in gooey cheddar cheese and baked with dill, lending a bold cheesy salty herbal flavour. The Rock Lobster Fresh (AUD $30 Half) is served cooked but chilled, without any toppings or dressings, allowing you to enjoy the chewy bouncy texture and fresh meaty sweet briny salty savoury natural flavour of the lobster. Highly recommended!
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| Rock Lobster Mornay (AUD $30 Half) |
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| Rock Lobster Mornay |
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| Rock Lobster Fresh (AUD $30 Half) |
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| Rock Lobster Fresh |
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| Rock Lobster Fresh |
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| Rock Lobster Fresh |
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Ling Nan Restaurant
@ 207 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne Central Business District (CBD), Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
Opening Hours: Wed - Mon 5pm – 1:30am, Closed Tue
https://www.facebook.com/people/Ling-Nan/100074328331654/
Returned to Ling Nan Restaurant for more of our favourites.
Ambience at Ling Nan Restaurant is bright, clean, and casual, a stark difference from their old place. Furnishings are still closely packed, and the atmosphere remains buzzing throughout the night. Service at Ling Nan Restaurant seems better than before, with staff proactively clearing away finished plates and emptying discarded shells ever so often. They demonstrate good product knowledge, but it's best to be conversant in Chinese Cantonese here. Food at Ling Nan Restaurant is Chinese Cantonese cuisine, with several star dishes amongst their extensive menu. Portions are standard communal sized, meant for sharing between at least 3 to 4 people.
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| Ling Nan Restaurant Signage |
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| Ling Nan Restaurant Exterior |
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| Ling Nan Restaurant Interior |
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| Live Seafood Tanks |
The Number 1 house signature dish and their claim to fame, the Pippies With X.O. Sauce (AUD $30) is a must-order here, we observed every table had this. The pipi, a type of saltwater clam native to Australia, is stir-fried in a X.O. sauce (of dried scallops conpoy, dried shrimp, Jinhua ham, shallots, garlic, chili, and oil), and has a bouncy tender light chew to texture, with savoury spicy salty sweet flavours from the rich X.O. gravy. I can see why the pippies with X.O. sauce is such a legendary dish here. Highly recommended!
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| Pippies With X.O. Sauce (AUD $30) |
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| Pippies With X.O. Sauce |
The Stir-Fried Morning Glory (AUD $26) features crisp crunchy morning glory / water spinach / kang kong, simply stir-fried with garlic. This has bright vegetal sweet savoury spice flavour, feels wholesome. Good!
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| Stir-Fried Morning Glory (AUD $26) |
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| Stir-Fried Morning Glory |
The Salt & Pepper Pork Ribs (AUD $29) are a house signature dish, featuring thick tender juicy bone-in pork ribs, stir-fried with salt, white pepper, garlic, and red chili slices. This results in a bright meaty salty savoury spice flavour, very addictive and yummy. Kept reaching for more of this salt & pepper pork ribs, we polished this off. Highly recommended!
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| Salt & Pepper Pork Ribs (AUD $29) |
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| Salt & Pepper Pork Ribs |
The Deep-Fried Pig Large Intestines (AUD $28) features long strips of clean deep-fried pig large intestines, with a crisp chewy texture and mild meaty salty savoury earthy flavour. Quite satisfying, I imagine it pairs well with drinks. Worth ordering!
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| Deep-Fried Pig Large Intestines (AUD $28) |
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| Deep-Fried Pig Large Intestines |
The Stuffed Tofu (AUD $30) features large squares of wobbly soft silken tofu bean curd, stuffed with springy fish paste, glazed with a thick shiitake mushroom and oyster sauce gravy. Carries lovely grainy sweet savoury earthy salty flavour, pairs well with white rice. Highly recommended!
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| Stuffed Tofu (AUD $30) |
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| Stuffed Tofu |
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| Stuffed Tofu |
The Beef Congee (AUD $16) is delicious. The thick gloopy rice porridge congee is warm and comforting with grainy sweet flavour. Filled with super tender beef slices which lend meaty savoury flavour. So yummy. Highly recommended!
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| Beef Congee (AUD $16) |
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| Beef Congee |
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Day 2
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Bakemono Bakers
@ 273 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne Central Business District (CBD), Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 7:30am – 3pm, Sat - Sun 8:30am – 3pm
https://www.bakemonobakers.com.au/
Established in February 2020 by Leo Lee, Jen Lee, and Bruce Luu, owners behind the Little Rogue cafe, Bakemono Bakers serves Japanese inspired bread and pastries, all freshly baked daily. The popularity of Bakemono Bakers sees their wares often selling out before noon, and we arrived in the morning to see a long queue of customers already waiting patiently.
Ambience at Bakemono Bakers is homely. As a pure takeaway store, there is no seating. The menu of the day, along with samples, are neatly displayed in a warmly lit wooden cabinet. Orders are placed at the counter, in front of the open kitchen which is abuzz with activity. Service at Bakemono Bakers is friendly and polite, staff take and pack orders quickly, helping the queue to move smoothly, and reduces the overall waiting time. Food at Bakemono Bakers is focused on Japanese style pastries, made to the highest quality. Portions are large for individuals, and may be shared. Prices are reasonable, budget about AUD $10 per person.
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| Bakemono Bakers Signage |
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| Bakemono Bakers Counter |
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| Bakemono Bakers Kitchen |
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| Display Of Pastries - Bakemono Bakers Menu Of The Day |
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| Selection Of Pastries |
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| Selection Of Pastries |
The Croissant Plain (AUD $6) is large, crisp and flaky, shattering beautifully. Has a lovely buttery sweet savoury bready flavour, yum. Friends commented this was "10/10". Highly recommended!
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| Croissant Plain (AUD $6) |
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| Croissant Plain |
Loved the Croissant Yuzu Almond (AUD $9) which is large with a crisp flaky sticky texture. Studded with almond chips and glazed with a citrus yuzu compote, this has bright fruity sweet sour zesty nutty bready flavour. Visually reminds me of a stegosaurus, this was tasty and delicious. Highly recommended!
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| Croissant Yuzu Almond (AUD $9) |
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| Croissant Yuzu Almond |
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| Croissant Yuzu Almond |
Happy with the Scones With Strawberry Jam And Mascarpone (AUD $6 per piece), with the large scones being firm outside and crumbly inside, with good bready savoury sweet flavour. The thick strawberry jam with sharp fruity sweet sour flavour and creamy mascarpone cheese with milky cheesy sweet flavour, are both served on the side to layer as you wish. Highly recommended!
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| Scones With Strawberry Jam And Mascarpone (AUD $6 per piece) |
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| Scones With Strawberry Jam And Mascarpone |
The Spinach And Ricotta Danish (AUD $8.50) has a large hollowed Danish pastry which is crisp crunchy flaky, filled with wispy spinach leaves and chunky soft ricotta cheese. Each bite carries a lovely bready vegetal cheesy sweet salty milky flavour, nice. Among the better versions I've had. Good!
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| Spinach And Ricotta Danish (AUD $8.50) |
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| Spinach And Ricotta Danish |
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Piccolina Gelateria
@ 43 Hardware Lane, Melbourne Central Business District (CBD), Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
Opening Hours: Daily 12pm – 11pm
https://www.piccolinagelateria.com.au/
Founded in 2020 by Sandra Foti and Scott Pickett, Piccolina Gelateria is an artisanal ice cream gelato boutique, specialising in creative handcrafted flavours made from quality ingredients. With new flavours being trialled regularly, there's always something new to look forward to for customers at Piccolina Gelateria.
Ambience at Piccolina Gelateria has an simple industrial feel, with the space primarily featuring plain slate stone walls and counter. The menu is brightly lit and lends a pop of colour. Service at Piccolina Gelateria is polite and friendly, staff demonstrate good product knowledge on the menu and fulfil orders quickly. Food at Piccolina Gelateria is focused on Italian Australian style ice cream gelato, made with premium ingredients. Served in large individual portions. Budget about AUD $9 per person.
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| Piccolina Gelateria Exterior |
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| Piccolina Gelateria Interior |
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| Piccolina Gelateria Menu |
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| Scooping |
The single scoop of Ice Cream Gelato Lemon (AUD $7.20) is creamy icey in texture with a bright fruity sour sweet zesty flavour. Served on a regular waffle cone which is crispy with biscuity sweet flavour. Highly recommended!
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| Ice Cream Gelato Lemon (AUD $7.20) |
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| Ice Cream Gelato Lemon |
The bambino bay scoop of Ice Cream Gelato Honeycomb (AUD $5.90) is creamy smooth in texture with a milky honeyed floral earthy sweet flavour. Served on a small wafer cone which is soft with bready sweet flavour. Good!
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| Ice Cream Gelato Honeycomb (AUD $5.90) |
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| Ice Cream Gelato Honeycomb |
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Meatmaiden
@ 195 Little Collins Street, Melbourne Central Business District (CBD), Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
Opening Hours: Tue - Sat 5pm – 9:30pm (Dinner), Wed - Fri 12pm – 2:30pm (Lunch), Closed Sun - Mon
https://meatmaiden.com.au/
Established in August 2014 by Neil Hamblen and Nick Johnston, Meatmaiden is a Modern Australian American steakhouse, among the most popular in the city. Meatmaiden is typically packed most evenings, and advance reservations are a must to get seats.
Ambience at Meatmaiden is cozy and intimate. The dark spot-lit space is neatly lined with wide wooden and metal furnishings, and the place is buzzing during lunch and dinner. Service at Meatmaiden is attentive and personalised. Staff accord each guests good attention, patiently explaining the menu and taking orders. The kitchen is abuzz with activity, quickly fulfilling orders and having them served. Food at Meatmaiden is American and Australian cuisine, focused on barbecue and steaks. Each is executed to perfection, designed to entice and intrigue the palate. Everything we had was delicious. Portions are large, designed for communal group dining. Prices command a premium, budget about AUD $87 per person.
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| Meatmaiden Signage |
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| Meatmaiden Exterior |
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| Meatmaiden Interior |
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| Meatmaiden Logo |
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| Stairs |
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| Seating |
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| Seating |
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| Firewood |
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| Meatmaiden Menu |
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| Aged Meat |
The Mezcal Los Danzantes Reposado (AUD $22) is a mezcal made from 100% agave espadin by Los Danzantes restaurant group in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca, Mexico. It's baked in an underground stone oven, crushed with a traditional horse-drawn tahona, fermented with wild yeast, distilled in small copper stills, and aged for 11 months in Nevier oak barrels. It has a pale golden brown colour, with aromas of caramel, maple syrup, cloves, and smoke. The body is soft, rounded, and smooth, with tastes of coconut, vanilla, honey, and walnut. The mezcal has earthy floral nutty sweet honeyed flavours, with a robust finish.
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| Mezcal Los Danzantes Reposado (AUD $22) |
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| Mezcal Los Danzantes Reposado |
The Burnt Ends, Crispy Onion, Horseradish (AUD $23) uses the point cut of a beef brisket, glazed with a house marinade, then barbecued to perfection. Equal parts fatty and lean, the beef brisket burnt ends have sticky chewy tender juicy textures, with deep smoky meaty salty savoury flavours. Garnished with grainy horseradish, crunchy fried shallots, and crisp fresh spring onions, which lend bright vegetal sweet sour earthy spice flavour. Highly recommended!
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| Burnt Ends, Crispy Onion, Horseradish (AUD $23) |
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| Burnt Ends, Crispy Onion, Horseradish |
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| Burnt Ends, Crispy Onion, Horseradish |
The Charred Octopus, Nashville Hot Sauce, Potato Aioli (AUD $26) has large chunky pieces of tender springy octopus parts, including tentacles, barbecued till the surface is charred. Carries lovely smoky savoury salty sweet flavour. Served in a mix of creamy potato aioli with milky starchy savoury sweet flavour, and a thick American Nashville hot sauce which lends a sweet spicy kick. Good!
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| Charred Octopus, Nashville Hot Sauce, Potato Aioli (AUD $26) |
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| Charred Octopus, Nashville Hot Sauce, Potato Aioli |
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| Charred Octopus, Nashville Hot Sauce, Potato Aioli |
Loved the Grilled Bread, Cowboy Butter (AUD $12), this was our favourite. The unassuming grilled focaccia bread has been glazed with honey and other spices, resulting in an addictive honeyed sweet savoury spice smoky bready flavour to the crisp outside fluffy inside cowboy bread. With a luscious creamy herb infused garlic butter, lending herbal spice salty sweet savoury buttery flavour, this was incredibly delicious. Love it so much. Highly recommended!
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| Grilled Bread, Cowboy Butter (AUD $12) |
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| Grilled Bread, Cowboy Butter |
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| Grilled Bread, Cowboy Butter |
The Chopped Wagyu Tartare, X.O. Sauce, Yolk (AUD $24) has diced bits of wagyu beef tartare in an X.O. sauce, tender and chunky chewy with mild meaty savoury sweet salty flavour. Topped with a raw egg yolk which lends a silky texture but not much flavour. Served with Crisps, these potato chips were thin and crunchy, deliciously addictive with starchy salty savoury flavour. Worth ordering!
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| Chopped Wagyu Tartare, X.O. Sauce, Yolk (AUD $24) |
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| Chopped Wagyu Tartare, X.O. Sauce, Yolk |
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| Crisps |
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| Crisps |
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| Crisps |
The Roast Bone Marrow, Shallot, Raclette Custard (AUD $24) is a luxurious treat. Served on a halved hollowed beef bone, the creamy beef bone marrow carries smoky fatty meaty salty savoury flavour, rich and decadent. Some crisp pickled shallots and a creamy raclette custard lend a contrasting vegetal sour cheesy milky salty sweet flavour. Highly recommended!
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| Roast Bone Marrow, Shallot, Raclette Custard (AUD $24) |
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| Roast Bone Marrow, Shallot, Raclette Custard |
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| Roast Bone Marrow, Shallot, Raclette Custard |
The Citrus Salad, Pomegranate Vinaigrette (AUD $16) has fresh lettuce, cucumber, red radish, orange, and mint, dressed with a pomegranate vinaigrette. With crisp juicy crunchy textures and bright vegetal sweet fruity sour herbal flavour, this was wholesome and refreshing on the palate. Highly recommended!
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| Citrus Salad, Pomegranate Vinaigrette (AUD $16) |
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| Citrus Salad, Pomegranate Vinaigrette |
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| Citrus Salad, Pomegranate Vinaigrette |
The Smoked Beef Short Rib, Zucchini Pickle, House BBQ, Mustard (AUD $54) is served with the beef bone on the side, and the tender chewy smoked beef short ribs neatly sliced. Each piece has a smoky meaty savoury sweet flavour. Dressed with a thick house barbecue sauce which is tangy sour sweet in flavour, served with crunchy pickled zucchini strips which carry vegetal sour sweet flavour. A dollop of creamy dijon mustard accompanies, to alleviate with its tangy zesty sour spice flavour. Good!
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| Smoked Beef Short Rib, Zucchini Pickle, House BBQ, Mustard (AUD $54) |
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| Smoked Beef Short Rib, Zucchini Pickle, House BBQ, Mustard |
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| Smoked Beef Short Rib, Zucchini Pickle, House BBQ, Mustard |
The 600g Mayura Station Beef Ribeye (AUD $185) is a luxurious cut, an off-menu special-of-the-day. Served with roasted garlic and the beef bone on the side, each slice of the medium-rare beef ribeye was tender and juicy, carrying bold smoky meaty savoury salty fatty flavour. Highly recommended!
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| 600g Mayura Station Beef Ribeye (AUD $185) |
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| 600g Mayura Station Beef Ribeye |
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| 600g Mayura Station Beef Ribeye |
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| 600g Mayura Station Beef Ribeye |
The Sauces - Three Pepper, Beef Fat Béarnaise, Garlic & Thyme Jus, Wild Mushroom (Clockwise From Bottom) lend additional flavour to the meats, though I find it already good enough on its own.
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| Sauces - Three Pepper, Beef Fat Béarnaise, Garlic & Thyme Jus, Wild Mushroom (Clockwise From Bottom) |
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| Sauces - Three Pepper, Beef Fat Béarnaise, Garlic & Thyme Jus, Wild Mushroom |
The premium Lobster Mac Cheese, Bisque (AUD $40) is a 2-in-1 fusion dish. It features soft macaroni pasta noodles coated in gooey cheddar cheese, in a hot pan, over which is poured a creamy lobster bisque gravy reduction, resulting in intense briny salty savoury cheesy sweet flavour. Needs to be shared, this was so rich and full-flavoured. Worth ordering!
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| Lobster Mac Cheese, Bisque (AUD $40) |
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| Lobster Mac Cheese, Bisque |
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| Lobster Mac Cheese, Bisque |
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| Lobster Mac Cheese, Bisque |
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Day 3
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The Pancake Parlour
@ 682 Warrigal Road, Malvern East, Melbourne, Victoria 3145, Australia
Opening Hours: Daily 24 Hours
https://www.pancakeparlour.com.au/
Established by Allen Trachsel, Helen Trachsel, and Roger Meadmore in June 1965, The Pancake Parlour is a family-friendly pancake-focused restaurant chain. Regarded as an iconic Melbourne food institution, The Pancake Parlour serves fresh house-made pancakes and crepes, evolving their menu through asking customers how they prefer their pancakes.
Ambience at The Pancake Parlour is cozy and rustic. The spacious and warmly lit place features wood panelling, large overhead carvings, and steampunk quirky wall murals. Customers dine in large family-sized booths, while the semi open kitchen allows for some viewing of the action. Service at The Pancake Parlour is friendly and attentive, with staff demonstrating good product knowledge. They take and fulfil orders quickly, and clean up efficiently when diners leave. Food at The Pancake Parlour is American and Australian style buttermilk pancakes and crepes, all made fresh to order. Quality is above average, and the huge regular following of customers a testament to their consistency. Portions are large for individuals. Prices are affordable, budget about AUD $30 per person.
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| The Pancake Parlour Signage |
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| The Pancake Parlour Exterior |
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| The Pancake Parlour Interior |
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| Open Kitchen |
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| The Pancake Parlour Menu |
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The Apple Cider (AUD $11.90) has a lovely sparkling fizzy texture, and I love the bright fruity sweet flavour it carries. Good!
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| Apple Cider (AUD $11.90) |
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| Apple Cider |
The Eggs Benedict Stack (AUD $27.90) features a short stack of 2 fluffy soft buttermilk pancakes with bready sweet flavour, topped with tender sliced ham with meaty salty savoury flavour, soft poached eggs with eggy sweet flavour, and a generous amount of creamy hollandaise sauce with milky sour sweet flavour. A fairly straightforward, tasty breakfast. Worth ordering!
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| Eggs Benedict Stack (AUD $27.90) |
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| Eggs Benedict Stack |
The Traditional Bacon & Eggs Stack (AUD $26.50) features a short stack of 2 fluffy soft buttermilk pancakes with bready sweet flavour, topped with creamy butter which lends a milky buttery savoury salty flavour. Add on optional thick rich maple syrup for added honeyed sweet flavour. Accompanied with fluffy soft scrambled eggs with eggy sweet flavour, and alternating crisp and chewy rashers of pork back bacon and streaky bacon with smoky meaty salty savoury flavour. Highly recommended!
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| Traditional Bacon & Eggs Stack (AUD $26.50) |
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| Traditional Bacon & Eggs Stack |
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| Traditional Bacon & Eggs Stack |
The Farmer's Breakfast Stack With Grilled Banana (AUD $31.50) features a short stack of 2 fluffy soft buttermilk pancakes with bready sweet flavour, topped with creamy butter which lends a milky buttery savoury salty flavour. Add on optional thick rich maple syrup for added honeyed sweet flavour. Accompanied with fluffy soft scrambled eggs with eggy sweet flavour, crispy potato hashbrowns with starchy savoury salty flavour, and a soft grilled caramelised banana with fruity sweet flavour. So delicious and yummy, enjoyed this greatly. Highly recommended!
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| Farmer's Breakfast Stack With Grilled Banana (AUD $31.50) |
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| Farmer's Breakfast Stack With Grilled Banana |
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| Farmer's Breakfast Stack With Grilled Banana |
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| Farmer's Breakfast Stack With Grilled Banana |
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HK Cafe (茶记 Chá Jì)
@ 171 Russell Street, Melbourne Central Business District (CBD), Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
Opening Hours: Daily 11:30am – 9pm
https://hkcafe.com.au/
A long-serving beloved casual eatery, HK Cafe (茶记 Chá Jì) is known for their authentic Chinese Cantonese style dishes. Especially popular amongst Asian students for their affordable pricing and large hearty portions, HK Cafe is typically crowded throughout the day, and potential customers usually experience a short queue to be seated.
Ambience at HK Cafe is modern and functional. The brightly lit space is neatly but closely packed with standard functional furnishings and minimal decor. Service at HK Cafe is polite, with staff demonstrating good product knowledge and helpfulness. Ordering and payment is self-service over the counter. I note staff clean up quickly when diners leave. Food at HK Cafe is authentic Chinese Cantonese tea house fare, with dishes consisting of simple ingredients, and served in large hearty portions. Prices are affordable, budget about AUD $28 per person.
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| HK Cafe (茶记 Chá Jì) Signage |
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| HK Cafe (茶记 Chá Jì) Exterior |
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| HK Cafe (茶记 Chá Jì) Interior |
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| Counter |
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| HK Cafe (茶记 Chá Jì) Menu |
A decent enough Milk Tea (AUD $5.80), which is smooth and thin in texture with milky earthy sweet flavour. Worth ordering!
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| Milk Tea (AUD $5.80) |
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| Milk Tea |
Good that they have Imitation Shark Fin Soup (AUD $7.80). Filled with crunchy black fungus / wood ear fungus, soft tofu bean curd, tender shiitake mushrooms, and silky imitation shark fin, this thick and gloopy textured soup / broth is warming and satisfying. When garnished with black vinegar, this carries mellow earthy savoury salty sour sweet flavour. Good!
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| Imitation Shark Fin Soup (AUD $7.80) |
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| Imitation Shark Fin Soup |
The Curry Fish Ball (AUD $14.80) features a dozen soft springy fish balls, coated in a mild curry. Has decent savoury sweet salty spice flavour. The others loved it, but the texture didn't quite appeal to me.
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| Curry Fish Ball (AUD $14.80) |
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| Curry Fish Ball |
Love the Deep-Fried Pork Chop (AUD $8), which is a straightforward deep-fried boneless battered pork chop that is crispy outside, tender inside, with meaty salty savoury spice flavour. Yum. Good!
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| Deep-Fried Pork Chop (AUD $8) |
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| Deep-Fried Pork Chop |
The Black Pepper Chicken Chop (AUD $16.80) is usually served with white rice, but we requested to omit it. This has a large boneless juicy tender grilled chicken chop, coated in thick black pepper gravy, with meaty savoury peppery spice flavour that piques the palate. Accompanied with simple boiled broccoli and carrots, tender in texture with vegetal sweet flavour. Highly recommended!
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| Black Pepper Chicken Chop (AUD $16.80) |
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| Black Pepper Chicken Chop |
The Satay Beef With Rice (AUD $15.80) has tender slices of beef and soft white onions, coated in a thick satay gravy. This results in a mild meaty savoury sweet spice flavour. Served alongside fluffy white rice with grainy sweet flavour. A simple meal. Worth ordering!
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| Satay Beef With Rice (AUD $15.80) |
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| Satay Beef With Rice |
The Shrimp Egg Omelette Rice (AUD $22.80) has a lovely egg omelette which is silky runny with eggy sweet savoury flavour, over fluffy white rice with grainy sweet flavour. Studded with crisp spring onions with herbal vegetal sweet flavour, and bouncy deshelled prawns / shrimp with sweet savoury flavour, all dressed with a touch of light soy sauce for added salty savoury flavour. Good!
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| Shrimp Egg Omelette Rice (AUD $22.80) |
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| Shrimp Egg Omelette Rice |
The Pork Chop Baked Rice (AUD $18.80) has slices of tender pork chop, juicy peas, and soft potatoes, over a bed of fluffy white rice, all coated with a rich curry gravy and gooey cheddar cheese. The result is bold cheesy salty meaty vegetal sweet savoury spice grainy starchy flavour in each mouthful. Nice comforting dish. Good!
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| Pork Chop Baked Rice (AUD $18.80) |
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| Pork Chop Baked Rice |
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| Pork Chop Baked Rice |
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| Pork Chop Baked Rice |
The Chu Hou Paste Beef Brisket Noodles Soup (AUD $14.80) features tender chunky pieces of beef brisket marinated in chu hou paste, which is a paste made from soy beans, ginger, garlic, and sesame seeds, resulting in a robust meaty earthy sweet savoury flavour. Served in a mild yet tasty beef soup with crisp bok choy / Chinese cabbage with vegetal sweet flavour, and springy egg noodles with grainy sweet flavour. Completed with a garnish of spring onions, this is a warm comforting noodle soup dish. Highly recommended!
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| Chu Hou Paste Beef Brisket Noodles Soup (AUD $14.80) |
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| Chu Hou Paste Beef Brisket Noodles Soup |
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| Chu Hou Paste Beef Brisket Noodles Soup |
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| Chu Hou Paste Beef Brisket Noodles Soup |
The Spam And 2 Eggs Noodles Soup (AUD $12.80) is a simple comfort noodle soup dish, featuring springy instant egg noodles with grainy sweet flavour, chunky tender pork luncheon meat / spam with meaty salty savoury flavour, crisp nai bai / milk cabbage with vegetal sweet flavour, and 2 soft sunny side up chicken eggs with eggy sweet savoury flavour. A thin chicken stock soup completes. The chef's skill is evident in the perfection of the eggs. Highly recommended!
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| Spam And 2 Eggs Noodles Soup (AUD $12.80) |
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| Spam And 2 Eggs Noodles Soup |
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| Spam And 2 Eggs Noodles Soup |
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| Spam And 2 Eggs Noodles Soup |
What makes the Spam And 3 Eggs Rice (AUD $15.80) special is the use of quality light soy sauce, which lends a beautiful salty savoury flavour to the dish. Otherwise, the chunky tender pork luncheon meat / spam with meaty salty savoury flavour, and 3 soft sunny side up chicken eggs with eggy sweet savoury flavour, over the bed of fluffy white rice with grainy sweet flavour, is pretty straightforward. Highly recommended!
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| Spam And 3 Eggs Rice (AUD $15.80) |
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| Spam And 3 Eggs Rice |
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| Spam And 3 Eggs Rice |
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| Spam And 3 Eggs Rice |
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| Spam And 3 Eggs Rice |
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Pacific Seafood BBQ House
@ Shop 8, 240 Victoria Street, Richmond, Melbourne, Victoria 3121, Australia
Opening Hours: Daily 10:30am – 10pm
https://www.facebook.com/pacificbbqhouse/
Registered in May 2000 but operating for decades before that, Pacific Seafood BBQ House is a culinary institution known for serving fresh seafood and succulent roast meats. Despite having expanded their store footprint and opening branches, Pacific Seafood BBQ House still draws a queue at meal times, and finding a seat remains a struggle, a testament to their immense popularity.
Ambience at Pacific Seafood BBQ House is casual functional, with the brightly lit place packed till cramped. Diners eat quickly at functional furnishings, while those in queue wait patiently by the open kitchen, making it hard to sometimes tell who's next in line. Their menu, printed on bright colourful strips of paper, double as the wall decor. Service at Pacific Seafood BBQ House is brusque, staff decided when our table had ordered enough, refusing to let us order more to prevent wastage. They clean up quickly when diners leave, preparing the tables for the next set of guests. Food at Pacific Seafood BBQ House is Chinese Cantonese cuisine, specialising in roast meats and fresh seafood. Quality is consistently high, and dishes are delicious. Portions are sized for communal group sharing. Prices are reflective of a typical restaurant, budget about AUD $64 per person.
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| Pacific Seafood BBQ House Signage |
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| Pacific Seafood BBQ House Exterior |
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| Pacific Seafood BBQ House Interior |
The Stir-Fried Kai-Lan Chinese Broccoli (AUD $27) features fresh crunchy kai-lan / Chinese broccoli, stir-fried with garlic. Carries bright vegetal sweet spice flavour. We'll probably never live down the fact that we missed adding on beef to this dish, for just AUD $2 more. Worth ordering!
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| Stir-Fried Kai-Lan Chinese Broccoli (AUD $27) |
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| Stir-Fried Kai-Lan Chinese Broccoli |
The Salt & Pepper Calamari Squid (AUD $30) has large bouncy chunky pieces of calamari squid, coated in a spiced batter, tossed with salt, white pepper, garlic, and green chili. This has addictive salty savoury spice sweet flavour, yummy. Highly recommended!
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| Salt & Pepper Calamari Squid (AUD $30) |
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| Salt & Pepper Calamari Squid |
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| Salt & Pepper Calamari Squid |
The Trio Platter (AUD $42) allows customers to select 3 different varieties of their roast meats. We opted for Roast Duck, Siu Yuk / Roast Pork Belly, and Soy Sauce Chicken.
The Roast Duck was excellent, with a thin crisp skin and tender juicy roast duck meat, carrying smoky meaty salty savoury fatty flavour. The Siu Yuk / Roast Pork Belly had a crunchy firm pig skin, with tender bouncy texture to the roast pork belly, and a meaty savoury salty flavour. The Soy Sauce Chicken, garnished with spring onions, was springy juicy to the bite, with succulent meaty sweet savoury salty herbal flavour. Highly recommended!
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| Trio Platter (AUD $42) |
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| Roast Duck |
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| Roast Duck |
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| Siu Yuk / Roast Pork Belly |
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| Siu Yuk / Roast Pork Belly |
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| Soy Sauce Chicken |
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| Soy Sauce Chicken |
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| Trio Platter |
The Ginger & Spring Onion Crab Noodles (AUD $154) packs a full-flavoured punch. The large meaty crab sits over a base of crisp spring onions and springy egg noodles, tossed in a thick ginger and spring onion gravy. Infused with salty savoury sweet herbal grainy flavour, this was addictive and decadent all at once. Good!
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| Ginger & Spring Onion Crab Noodles (AUD $154) |
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| Ginger & Spring Onion Crab Noodles |
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| Ginger & Spring Onion Crab Noodles |
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Day 4
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National Pies
@ Most Supermarkets Across Victoria And Tasmania
Opening Hours: N.A.
https://tasmanianbakeries.com.au/
Established in 1942 and sold in most major supermarkets, National Pies are proper pies for a quick casual meal. Baked fresh daily, National Pies are a simple convenience option.
The Meat Pie Minced Beef (AUD $4) is a classic selection, with tender minced beef coated in thick beef au jus, within a flaky pie pastry shell that boasts 128 layers. Bite in, and you get the buttery bready sweet flavour of the pie crust, then the robust meaty savoury salty peppery spice flavour of the minced beef and gravy filling. Nicely warm and satisfying, easy to prepare. Good!
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| Meat Pie Minced Beef (AUD $4) |
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| Meat Pie Minced Beef |
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| Meat Pie Minced Beef |
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| Meat Pie Minced Beef |
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Bowery To Williamsburg
@ 16 Oliver Lane, Melbourne Central Business District (CBD), Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 7:30am – 2:30pm, Sat - Sun 8:30am – 2:30pm
https://www.bowerytowilliamsburg.com.au/
Established in 2013 by Will Keser, Di Keser, Boston Parker, and Shaun Williams, Bowery To Williamsburg is a cafe inspired by, and named after, a subway line within New York City. Specialising in classic American diner dishes, Bowery To Williamsburg attracts a good breakfast and lunch crowd for their hearty bagels and sandwiches.
Ambience at Bowery To Williamsburg is styled like a modern cafe, brightly lit with wood panels and functional furnishings. The setting below ground level is meant to call to mind the American subway experience. Service at Bowery To Williamsburg is friendly, with staff quickly greeting and seating guests, and demonstrating good product knowledge. They clean up efficiently when diners are finished. Food at Bowery To Williamsburg is classic American breakfast diner fare, with bagels, sandwiches, eggs, and waffles. Quality is good, packing bold flavour. Portions are large and hearty, we could barely finish our orders. Prices are reflective of a typical cafe, budget AUD $28 per person.
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| Bowery To Williamsburg Signage |
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| Bowery To Williamsburg Exterior |
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| Bowery To Williamsburg Interior |
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| Bowery To Williamsburg Menu |
The Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (AUD $6) is creamy thick and rich, with a velvety texture and deep chocolatey milky nutty sweet flavour. Love this unique spin on a hot chocolate, the difference in taste is distinct. Good!
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| Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (AUD $6) |
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| Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate |
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| Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate |
Was craving a good sandwich, and The Reuben Sandwich (AUD $22) checked all the right boxes. Between 2 thick crisp slices of rye bread with grainy sour earthy bready flavour, is a bed of juicy sauerkraut with vegetal sour salty sweet flavour, stacked high with generous medium thin slices of tender chewy pastrami beef brisket with smoky meaty salty savoury spice flavour, completed with creamy Russian dressing which lends a sweet spicy kick. Topped with a juicy pickled gherkin with vegetal sour sweet flavour. Super filling, I wasn't able to finish this decadent dish. Highly recommended!
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| The Reuben Sandwich (AUD $22) |
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| The Reuben Sandwich |
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| The Reuben Sandwich |
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| The Reuben Sandwich |
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| The Reuben Sandwich |
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Supper Inn
@ Level 1, 15 Celestial Avenue, Melbourne Chinatown, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
Opening Hours: Daily 5:30pm – 2:30am
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Supper-Inn/153690991329647
Returned to Supper Inn for more of our favourites.
Ambience at Supper Inn hasn't changed since the 1970s. You still ascend the narrow, creaky wooden steps to the worn door, stepping through into harsh fluorescent lights with a small floor area packed back-to-back with old school metal and cushioned furniture. Worn timber wall panels and grey window drapes surround, as it did in the past. Service at Supper Inn fluctuates between warm friendly and cold transactional, some likening it to a temperament hostage situation. It's certainly better if you can converse in Chinese Cantonese at Supper Inn. Food at Supper Inn is what folks come for, their tasty home cooked Chinese Cantonese dishes served in large and generous communal sharing portions. Most people have a range of favourites which they usually order, along with a few experimental choices from their extensive menu.
The Beef Hor Fun With Egg Sauce (AUD $??) is big on flavour thanks to monosodium glutamate (MSG), as with most dishes here. The taste is primarily from the gooey egg sauce, bold with eggy salty savoury sweet flavour. The wide flat rice noodles / hor fun itself has muted wok hei / breath of the wok, slippery smooth with mild grainy sweet flavour. Garnished with tender slices of beef with meaty savoury salty flavour. This beef hor fun with egg sauce is pretty decent. Worth ordering!
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| Beef Hor Fun With Egg Sauce (AUD $??) |
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| Beef Hor Fun With Egg Sauce |
The Salt & Pepper Chicken Riblets (AUD $??) feature bone-in chicken riblets, with a tender chewy texture and robust meaty salty sweet savoury spice flavour. Seems to be a cross between salt and pepper seasoning and a sweet and sour sauce. This was decent enough, but not overtly appealing for me.
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| Salt & Pepper Chicken Riblets (AUD $??) |
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| Salt & Pepper Chicken Riblets |
I like their rendition of Salted Fish, Chicken And Tofu Claypot (AUD $??). Features tender boneless chicken chunks, crisp bok choy / Chinese broccoli, and spongy fried tofu bean curd cubes, all coated in a salted fish and chicken stock gravy. The result is an incredibly addictive meaty vegetal salty sweet savoury grainy earthy flavour, that pairs so well with white rice. Highly recommended!
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| Salted Fish, Chicken And Tofu Claypot (AUD $??) |
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| Salted Fish, Chicken And Tofu Claypot |
The Egg Fried Rice With Prawns (AUD $??) is of good standard. The fried rice is fluffy and al-dente to the bite, tossed with crisp bean sprouts, wispy soft chicken eggs, crisp spring onions, and bouncy deshelled prawns. Combines for lovely grainy savoury eggy sweet vegetal flavour, yum. Highly recommended!
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| Egg Fried Rice With Prawns (AUD $??) |
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| Egg Fried Rice With Prawns |
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CONVERSATION