Category: ASIAN FOOD

ALT Pasta at Comme Prahran: food to get excited about

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Posted: 30/11/2025

Melbourne’s culinary scene is set to welcome an exciting new addition as ALT Pasta, recently crowned National Best Italian Restaurant at the 2025 Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence, prepares to open its second location at the highly anticipated Comme Prahran development. Known for its innovative take on Italian pasta through a Korean and Japanese lens, ALT Pasta has become a beloved staple in Melbourne’s dining landscape since its debut three years ago. The new Prahran outpost marks a significant milestone for ALT Pasta, offering a fresh opportunity to expand its unique approach to Italian cuisine while staying true to its core values of respect for tradition, ingredients, and craftsmanship. Founder Mino Han, a Korean-Australian chef, describes the restaurant’s philosophy as “beautifully familiar, quietly special,” a sentiment that has resonated with diners and critics alike. A Perfect Fit for Prahran Positioned at the entrance to Comme Prahran and directly opposite the iconic Prahran Market, ALT’s new location will embrace the neighbourhood’s vibrant, laid-back energy. Designed in collaboration with Rooftop Architecture, the space will blend casual comfort with refined details, reflecting the restaurant’s understated elegance. The menu at ALT Prahran will take full advantage of the market’s fresh, daily produce, offering a frequently changing selection of dishes alongside exclusive set menu options. A chef’s table and open kitchen format are also planned, providing diners with an intimate and transparent dining experience that showcases the artistry behind each dish. “Our city site is like our heritage bottle; it’ll age gracefully. Prahran is where we’ll play, explore… Read More

Category: ASIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE

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The south coast of Japan: add Shizuoka to your list

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Updated: 06/10/2025

If you’ve ever dreamt of a food tour through Japan, you’ve likely pictured steaming bowls of ramen and perfectly crisp tempura. But what if we told you that some of the country’s most unique and unforgettable culinary experiences are waiting for you in the Shizuoka Prefecture? This is a destination that every true foodie needs to have on their travel list! Located along Japan’s stunning south coast, Shizuoka is uniquely positioned between the Kanto region (around Tokyo) and the Kansai region (around Osaka). This special location means its culinary culture is a fantastic blend of influences from both, creating a diverse food scene that captures Japan’s rich history. Get ready to explore a world of fresh, flavourful meals that make Shizuoka a must-visit foodie paradise. If Japan’s not your thing, then why not consider Egypt? A Feast of Fresh Seafood Shizuoka’s food culture is deeply connected to its beautiful natural surroundings, especially the abundant Suruga Bay. The coastline provides an incredible supply of high-quality, fresh seafood, and there’s no better place to experience it than the Shimizu Fish Market. The menu here changes daily based on the morning’s catch, offering everything from succulent tuna and snapper to mackerel and delicate whitebait. Each fish is expertly prepared to bring out its best flavour, respecting both the species and the season. Eel, or unagi, is a true star in traditional Japanese cuisine and a particular specialty of Shizuoka. Eel farming began in Lake Hamana over 120 years ago, and today the Hamamatsu region is filled with incredible… Read More

Category: ASIA, ASIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

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Sydney’s Long Weekend goes bigger with Mooncakes, Bagels and Whales

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Updated: 06/10/2025

As the spring sun bathes Sydney in golden light, the October long weekend promises a whirlwind of cultural feasts, family adventures, and artistic inspirations. With Labour Day giving us that extra day to play, whether you’re chasing whale tails in the harbour or devouring NYC-style brunch in Bondi, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of it. We’ve rounded up highlights, starting with some unmissable pop-ups and exhibitions, plus a few bonus gems to fill your itinerary. Grab your sunnies and let’s dive in. Moonlit Magic at Gong Grocer’s Mid-Autumn Festival If you’re craving a taste of lunar festivities with a Sydney twist, head straight to World Square for Gong Grocer’s dazzling Mid-Autumn Festival celebration. Running from Saturday 4 to Monday 6 October, 12pm-8pm, this free three-day extravaganza transforms the bustling CBD spot into a vibrant hub of Asian heritage and community spirit. Expect celebrity chef cooking demos that will have your tastebuds dancing: Vincent Lim of DimSimLim, Catherine Desserts, Brendan Pang, Therese Lum, Liz Miu, Steph Feher, and Veronica Indrawan are all on deck, whipping up seasonal delights. Beyond the demos, the lineup includes live music to set the mood, energetic lion dance performances, hands-on Labubu mooncake-making experiences courtesy of G-LAB, sake tastings for the grown-ups, interactive live games, mooncake stalls overflowing with sweet and savoury varieties, and heaps of Taiwanese street foods to graze on—from crispy oyster omelettes to bubble tea. For co-owner Brian Nguyen and his mother Linh Trinh Nguyen, a stalwart in Sydney’s grocery scene for over 30 years,… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, ASIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

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Sydney’s first Shabu Shabu buffet redefines all-you-can-eat

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Updated: 01/09/2025

Sydney’s dining scene just got a serious upgrade with Shabuway, the city’s first fully self-service shabu shabu buffet, which is now open on Haymarket’s buzzing Dixon Street. Replacing the iconic Arisun, this 120-seat gem from the team behind Butchers Buffet and Gyuniku, delivers a vibrant, modern take on Japanese-style hotpot with Korean and Chinese influences. Led by Executive Chef Joanne Lee, Shabuway blends bold flavours, fresh produce, and a sleek vibe that left us buzzing, and maybe a tad overindulged but somehow still healthy (the first feeling of this kind). Here’s why it’s a must-visit. We’ll come right out and say it, the star of the show is the Spicy Mala broth. This fiery, fragrant masterpiece is an absolute knockout. Numbingly spicy with a complex, aromatic kick that had us obsessed from the first dip. It’s a Sichuan-inspired dream, perfectly balancing heat and depth, making every bite of Wagyu MB9+ Signature Roll or pork belly an event. Paired with the yin-yang pot, which lets you simmer two broths at once (we loved the hearty Beef and Mushroom alongside), it’s customisation at its finest. The broths are house-made, showcasing Shabuway’s commitment to quality. If you’re not a chilli fan, we genuinely feel bad for you because this is the broth of dreams. The buffet itself is a treasure trove of fresh produce that elevates the experience from basic all-you-can-eat, to modern dining. From crisp enoki mushrooms to vibrant greens and seasonal veggies sourced from local farmers, everything is pristine and bursting with flavour. The incredibly fresh… Read More

Category: ASIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK

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New Korean food in Sydney you can’t miss

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Updated: 06/08/2025

Looking for a dining experience that combines authentic Korean cuisine, bold flavours, and a casual, fun atmosphere? Gami Chicken is here to take your taste buds on a vibrant adventure with its brand-new K-Street menu. Inspired by the bustling energy of Korea’s famous street markets, this menu is packed with dishes designed for sharing, snacking, or even pairing with an ice-cold beer. Whether it’s a lunch catch-up or a midweek dinner, this offering delivers on flavour and affordability, making it a must-try for Australian diners. Capturing the Heart of Korean Street Food Gami Chicken’s K-Street menu channels the vibrant spirit of Korea’s vibrant street food scene. Each dish has been carefully crafted with local ingredients while staying true to the bold and fiery flavours of traditional Korean cuisine. You’ll find an enticing lineup of street food-inspired plates, including: This menu captures the soul of Korean street markets, inviting diners to come together and immerse themselves in a rich culinary experience. A Menu for Every Occasion – Without Breaking the Bank With Australian diners becoming increasingly mindful of their wallets, the K-Street menu stands out for its unbeatable combination of flavour and value. Starting at just $12.90 for dishes like Cupbap and scaling up to $32.90 for the shareable Gami Platter, this menu ticks all the boxes for affordability while still delivering premium dining quality. According to Jun Lee, Executive Director of Gami Chicken, “With people watching their wallets and seeking convenient meals, Gami is positioned as a modern Korean dining destination, meeting our consumer’s preferences… Read More

Category: ASIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

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Melbourne’s favourite Thai family opens new CBD bistro

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Updated: 05/08/2025

Melbourne foodies, get ready—there’s an exciting addition to the city’s dining scene! Nearly two decades after opening their first eatery, the Pongvattanaporn family is launching Kan Eang Thai Bistro, bringing a fresh, modern spin to traditional Thai cuisine. Located in the heart of the CBD on Little Bourke Street, this 130-seat bistro is set to be Melbourne’s next must-visit dining destination. From Family Roots to Vibrant Innovation Kan Eang means “feel at ease” in Thai, and that’s exactly the vibe siblings May and Nathan Pongvattanaporn have created. As second-generation leaders of the Thai Culinary Group—beloved by Melburnians since 2006—they’re blending the heart of their family’s legacy with bold, contemporary ideas. “This venue is a love letter to both our roots and our city,” shares co-owner May Pongvattanaporn. “At the heart of everything we do is the joy of bringing people together. Thai dining is about generosity, bold flavours, and laughter—best enjoyed with those you love.” A Menu Full of Surprises Led by Head Chef Nathan Pongvattanaporn, Kan Eang’s menu is a dynamic fusion of tradition and creativity. Inspired by Nathan’s Southern Thai heritage, the dishes are packed with vibrant flavours and playful twists designed for Melbourne’s dynamic bistro culture. Expect unique offerings like: “We’ve always cooked from the heart,” explains Nathan. “This menu is inspired by the meals we grew up with, reimagined for today. Every dish is designed to feel like something you’d want to come back for—again and again.” Drinks with Personality Every great meal deserves great drinks, and Kan Eang delivers on… Read More

Category: ASIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE

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Discover Yakikami: South Yarra’s premier Japanese fine dining experience

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Posted: 28/07/2025

Just a stone’s throw from South Yarra station, Yakikami offers an elevated Japanese fine dining experience, with refinement in every detail. The restaurant features two distinct dining options under one roof. The main dining room provides a sleek, intimate atmosphere paired with an à la carte menu focused on traditional Binchotan yakitori, robatayaki, and seasonal Japanese dishes crafted from premium Australian ingredients. For an immersive experience, diners can choose front-row seating at the Yakitori chef’s counter where certified chefs skillfully prepare each skewer over glowing white charcoal, revealing the depth of flavour that only Japanese charcoal grilling can achieve. For those seeking something more exclusive, the hidden Josper Room accommodates just 18 guests and presents a curated Wagyu-focused menu. Here, premium cuts including Kobe and Omi A5 Wagyu, David Blackmore, and Sher M9+ are grilled at 600°C in the Josper charcoal oven, elevating the dining experience to new heights. Visiting on a lively Monday evening, we found the restaurant buzzing, a testament to its well-deserved acclaim. Passing through the warmly lit interior and the flickering flames at the Yakitori counter where skewers sizzled over white charcoal embers, we were shown to one of several intimate booths framed by sheer curtains. These charcoal-toned, suede-lined enclaves offered a cosy refuge with dark wooden walls, polished timber tables, and delicate brass mushroom lamps casting a soft, ambient glow. The atmosphere struck a perfect balance between elegance and relaxation, with service that was attentive yet unobtrusive throughout the evening. We started with cocktails that were as visually striking as… Read More

Category: ASIAN FOOD, CITIES, MELBOURNE

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Move over salmon and tuna – meet the new Aussie-grown star of the sushi scene

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Posted: 28/07/2025

Something new for sushi you never thought of is now here. Australia’s largest fresh sushi retailer, Sushi Izu, has introduced a game-changing addition to its menu: a new range of sushi and sashimi featuring sustainably grown Humpty Doo Barramundi. Available nationally across more than 230 Sushi Izu locations in Woolworths supermarkets, this range is putting a distinctly Australian twist on a category traditionally dominated by salmon and tuna. A local flavor making waves After debuting earlier this year at Sushi Izu’s standalone concept store in Sydney’s Summer Hill and rolling out in Queensland Woolworths stores in April, the Humpty Doo Barramundi range has quickly captured the hearts (and taste buds) of Aussie sushi fans. This marks the first time barramundi has taken center stage in a national sushi retailer, offering a fresh, local alternative to the usual sushi staples. World-renowned chef and Humpty Doo Barramundi brand ambassador Jason Roberts is excited about the collaboration. “Sushi is one of Australia’s favorite foods, and this partnership gives sushi lovers even more variety,” he says. “Barramundi has all the makings of the next big trend in sushi – it tastes incredible, it’s sustainably grown, and it puts our most iconic fish firmly in the spotlight.” A commitment to quality and sustainability The partnership between Sushi Izu and Humpty Doo Barramundi is built on shared values of quality, innovation, and sustainability. Sushi Izu, known for its restaurant-quality sushi made convenient, has worked closely with Humpty Doo Barramundi to craft a range that celebrates the best of Australian produce. Damien… Read More

Category: ASIAN FOOD, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

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