A fresh taste of Vietnam at St. Cloud Eating House

St Cloud KDPO 6th October GRIFFIN SIMM Finals 33 Vietnamese asian food chopsticks

Posted: 16/11/2023

This month, the renowned St. Cloud Eating House in Hawthorn East breathes new life into its culinary offering. The restaurant, located at 644 Burwood Road, is set to tantalise tastebuds with an explosion of Vietnamese flavours, thanks to celebrated chef Jerry Mai. Since its inception in 2015, St. Cloud Eating House, under the stewardship of hospitality veteran James Klapanis, has maintained its commitment to serving ferociously fresh Vietnamese cuisine to the denizens of Melbourne. The exciting and vibrant menu revamp is spearheaded by none other than the remarkable Jerry Mai, known for her culinary masterpieces at Pho Nom, Annam, and Bia Hoi Beer Hall. Mai’s flair for Vietnamese cuisine is widely acclaimed, and she now brings her unique touch to the St. Cloud Eating House. The restaurant’s new culinary journey is further bolstered by the recent collaboration between Klapanis and Angie Giannakodakis, stalwarts of the Melbourne hospitality scene. This partnership brings a renewed focus on generosity – striving to put the hospitality back in hospitality, as Giannakodakis puts it. St. Cloud’s refreshed food ethos is all about sharing and savouring every bite. Jerry Mai has expertly curated a menu that balances familiar Vietnamese flavours with unexpected new elements. Diners can expect a tantalising array of small plates, from grilled scallops with wild onion butter and nuoc mam to sticky lamb ribs with tamarind caramel. A highlight includes an irresistible beef cheek green curry— a testament to Mai’s Thai culinary influences. For those with a sweet tooth, the restaurant offers a duo of indulgent desserts —… Read More

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

Tags: St Cloud Eating House, Vietnamese food

Why you need to go back to Spice Temple: Crabs!

by James Banham

Posted: 06/11/2023

Spice Temple, the much-loved regional Chinese restaurant in Melbourne and Sydney, is celebrating Mud Crab season in true style, offering a feast featuring Australia’s native crabs – affectionately known as ‘Muddies’. These sumptuous crustaceans are at their seasonal best, boasting luxurious, irresistibly sweet flesh. As a quintessential ingredient in Chinese cooking and a star of the banquet style of dining at Spice Temple, the live Mud Crabs, sourced directly from Queensland, are cooked to order and dressed in delicious authentic sauces. The spice of the season, until Sunday, 31st December, is the $99 price point on all Mud Crab dishes – a value-packed proposition for a flavour-packed dish that promises to be a show-stopper at any group gathering over the summer, holiday and festive celebrations. Under the expert guidance of Spice Temple’s Executive Chef Andy Evans, the Mud Crabs are steamed to perfection to ensure their sweet, delicate flesh remains tender and untainted. Diners can choose from a variety of five traditional sauces to accompany the delectable crab meat. As the Mud Crab season progresses and the summer heat intensifies, Spice Temple’s menu will also feature Blue Swimmer Crabs and Snow Crabs, each adding their own unique flavours to the mix. For Chef Andy, Mud Crabs and live seafood are the epitome of Chinese dining and offer a unique opportunity to present the regional Chinese flavours that Spice Temple is famous for. In his words, “Mud Crabs are often considered a luxury, but the real treat for our guests this season is the limited-time $99… Read More

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

Tags: Best crabs restaurant, Spice Temple

Sydney Place: the new culinary capital of Australia

by James Banham

Posted: 01/10/2023

Unveiling the latest gem in Sydney’s crown, Sydney Place, located in the heart of the beloved waterfront destination, Circular Quay. Housing 15 exceptional food and beverage operators, this vibrant new precinct is set to redefine the city’s gastronomic landscape. The offerings range from award-winning dining establishments helmed by the country’s top chefs to laid-back hangouts serving up comfort food. Discover the culinary delights tucked away in the intimate laneways of Sydney Place. Establishments like Federico Zanellato’s Lumi Dining and David Bae’s Leemiks bring a gastronomic flair to the precinct. Joining them are local favourites like Toby’s Estate, C9 Gelato, Dopa, and Open Sesame Middle Eastern, providing a diverse array of gastronomic experiences. Mark your calendars for the opening of BoBo Dumplings and Joel Best’s Japanese-inspired restaurant and whiskey bar in May. The transformation will be completed later this year with the much-anticipated reopening of multi-level Jacksons on George by Maurice Terzini and DTLE. The precinct’s layout invites exploration with its intimate laneways, each hosting a collection of dining options that will tempt visitors to experience the rich tapestry of Sydney Place at any time of day. The precinct is divided into several unique sections: Not just a food lover’s paradise, Sydney Place is also an architectural marvel. Home to a 55-storey landmark office tower, it’s the tallest office building in Sydney. Designed by global architecture giant, Foster + Partners, and developed by Lendlease, the precinct integrates work, dining, and retail experience seamlessly. “At ground level, the precinct includes retail and intimate laneways, all designed to… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ASIAN FOOD, CITIES, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY

Tags: Best Pho, Best Vietnamese Sydney, Pho Sydney, Sydney Place, Vietnamese Sydney, Where to get pho

Japanese ‘feed me’ menu has launched at Mr. Miyagi

by James Banham

Updated: 25/09/2023

Exciting news from Mr. Miyagi in Melbourne. They have just launched their latest ‘Loose Lunch Feed Me’ menu offering, and it’s absolutely mouth-watering! From 12 PM to 4 PM every Friday to Sunday, you can indulge in a delightful variety of Mr. Miyagi’s popular dishes, accompanied by free-flowing wine, beer, and specialty cocktails. Imagine savoring dishes like Chilli and Garlic Edamame, Salmon Nori Tacos, Shiitake Dumplings, Saucy Sashimi, and finishing off with a heavenly Chocolate Mess. The ‘Loose Lunch Feed Me’ menu is priced at $69 per person and promises a truly unforgettable dining experience. And let me tell you, the specialty cocktails are to die for! Try out Mr. M’s Frosé, Charlie Does Tokyo, or Sanchez Does Kyoto for a burst of unique flavors that will transport you straight to Japan. If you’re a foodie or a writer looking for exciting editorial features or ‘what’s happening around town’ round-ups, Mr. Miyagi’s Loose Lunch Feed Me menu is definitely worth considering. It’s the perfect option for a bottomless brunch or lunch that will leave your readers craving for more. Make sure to check out their website for more information and to book your table online: Mr. Miyagi Website And if you’d like to experience this amazing menu first-hand, just reach out to us and we’ll secure a table for you and a guest. It could be a fun Friday team lunch or a special treat for yourself. Don’t miss out on this incredible culinary journey at Mr. Miyagi in Melbourne!

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

Tags: Best asian Melbourne, Melbourne Asian food, melbourne japanese, Mr Miyagi Melbourne

Indulge in Dumpling Delights at Wong Baby: Celebrate International Dumpling Day and Beyond!

by James Banham

Posted: 18/09/2023

Calling all dumpling enthusiasts! Get ready to mark your calendars for the most delicious day of the year – International Dumpling Day on 26th September. And that’s not all! Wong Baby, the beloved food destination in South Yarra, is taking the celebration to new heights by extending the festivities for an entire month! To kick off the month-long dumpling extravaganza, Wong Baby has prepared two incredible deals that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. On the big day itself, enjoy the mouthwatering offer of 2 for 1 on all dumplings from the a la carte menu. Indulge in crowd favourites like Wagyu Beef, Shiitake & Cumin Shumai, Prawn & Coriander Crystal Skin Dumplings, Duck & Chive Xiao Long Bao, Vegetarian Wontons, and Chicken & Shiitake Money Bags. It’s a dumpling lover’s dream come true! But wait, there’s more! Wash down those delectable dumplings with 2 for 1 Woktails and Asahi beer. Discover innovative concoctions like Peach Me The Way (Absolut Citron vodka, peach, cranberry, Prosecco & soda) and What’s The Tea? (Ki No Be Gin, Sake, jasmine tea infused lychee syrup, lemon juice & cherry blossom). It’s the perfect way to add a touch of excitement to your dumpling celebration. And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance – the Bonanza Dumpling, Australia’s biggest dumpling designed for sharing between 2-3 people. Imagine sinking your teeth into a giant dumpling filled with succulent Duck Xiao Long Bao. This mouthwatering delight can be yours for just $35, making it an irresistible treat that’s perfect for… Read More

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

Tags: asian food melbourne, Best asian food, Best asian Melbourne, Dumplings Melbourne, Free dumplings, South Yarra Asian, Wong Baby

Discover Sydney’s chicest Sushi Train in the heart of Barangaroo

by Danielle Kirk

Updated: 28/08/2023

If you think you’ve seen one sushi train you’ve seen them all, think again, because Kokumai’s newest branch in Barangaroo is classy, chic and most importantly scrumptious. Like their Circular Quay restaurant, Kokumai brings their token freshness and flair to their Barangaroo joint. Dishes are prepared for the train by the skilled in house team, as well as menu options that are made fresh, often right in front of you. There’s something very calming about watching a sushi master go about his craft while you wind down with a saké (or two) in the monochrome interior. Stand out hot dishes include their most-popular and unexpected best seller corn ribs, and the potato mochi from their izakaya menu. Yes, we did say potato mochi, and it brings the exact texture you know and love from the desert variety to the savoury kind! We did also say izakaya menu, because Kokumai is catering for the after work crowd just like they would in Japan and has special snack menu that all pair perfectly with a cold beer so you can let the worries of the day go. If you’re looking for sushi that’s a little more up market, Kokumai cannot be missed. We tried the Otoro nigiri, which is tuna belly, and it simply melted in our mouths. You can’t fault the presentation on any dishes, including the surprising amount of vegetarian options. You can also do the Omakase experience at their bar and let the chefs select the best sashimis and flavours of the day, while… Read More

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

Tags: barangaroo, japanese food, japanese restaurant, kokumai, sushi

Bintang Bro brings authentic Indonesian flavours to the streets of Sydney

by Danielle Kirk

Posted: 09/07/2023

Located in the Darling Square food court is some of the best Indonesian on offer in Sydney. Bintang Bro is a hidden gem offering authentic tastes straight from the streets of Indonesia to our stomachs. At Bintang Bro you can find lunchtime favourites like burgers, onion rings and wraps, but all with an Indonesian twist. We recommend diving fully in though and getting the more traditional menu items, like the BBQ skewers, prepared grill shack style, and the Indonesian flame grilled chicken that comes with tasty sides like spiced tempeh and tofu. One stand out that you can find on many of the dishes is the house made sambal. When preparing the chilli, spice, herb and aromatic mix, the staff wear gloves and goggles, because this is not for the feint of heart… or should we say tongues. Delicious spiciness underpins many of their dishes (definitely try the spicy smashed chicken, Ayem Geprek!), but fear not, everything comes in an original non-spicy version too! This spot has something for everyone and every tastebud, and if you’re not drinking, try some Indonesian beverages like iced Jasmine tea, but if you are drinking, let’s just say a cold beer from Batch Brewing which is conveniently located right next door to Bintang Bro in Darling Square goes down perfectly.

Category: FOOD & DRINK, ASIAN FOOD

Tags: bintang bro, indonesian food, sydney

Need a cafe in Japan? Here are 5

by James Banham

Posted: 28/06/2023

If you’re a dessert lover or coffee fanatic, Shizuoka Prefecture is the place to be. Located just 40 minutes from Tokyo, this region boasts some of Japan’s best cafés that offer everything from cute animal desserts to matcha latte art. Here are our top picks for the most Insta-worthy cafés in the area. First up, Atami Purin Café 2nd in the coastal Onsen town of Atami is a charming little café that serves up desserts as cute as they are delicious. With seasonal treats ranging from hippo cookies atop soft serve to creamy puddings in adorable glass bottles, this café is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The bathroom-themed décor adds a touch of nostalgia to the experience. Next on our list is Chaluck in Shizuoka City. As Japan’s leading producer of green tea, trying a green tea specialty café is a must when visiting the Prefecture. This café, run by a long-established tea wholesaler in the quaint town of Okitsu, serves a wide range of tea drinks as well as tea-based sweets. Their homemade Anmitsu is a must-try, and their anko paste is sure to get your tastebuds tingling. For those looking for a stunning view with their coffee, check out Mujoudou in Fuji City. With picturesque views of Mount Fuji from the café’s large windows, this café overlooks rice paddies and offers a tranquil escape from the city. Their seasonal menu changes frequently, with delicious kakigori available in summer and warm desserts like oshiruko to warm you up in winter. Hug Coffee, with… Read More

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

Tags: Best cafes Japan, Japan cafes, japan travel, Japanese travel

Celebrate Chinese New Year’s ‘Year of the Rabbit’ in Sydney & Melbourne

by James Banham

Updated: 20/01/2023

The Year of the Rabbit ?? symbolises longevity, positivity, auspiciousness, wittiness, cautiousness, cleverness, deftness and self-protection. So, why not ring it in by eating like a Ming Dynasty king around Sydney? There are countless options on offer for Chinese nationals, friends and families and their friends and family from locally and abroad, which is great, because if Chinese New Year is about one thing: it’s about eating a lot, making a lot of noise (refer Chinese dragons!) and bringing in the new year with generosity, friendliness and good times. Here’s a round up of a few options around town to add to your diaries. Chinese New Year in Sydney Sokyo’s prosperity lobster The Star Sydney will illuminate itself with opulence and colourful activities to delight the senses during the Festival of Abundance, a two-week long Lunar New Year celebration of food and art, from Saturday January 21 st to Sunday February 5th. Ringing in the Year of the Rabbit, The Star Sydney’s signature restaurants will each offer dishes created from the finest ingredients that have cultural significance to the Lunar New Year, bringing diners good fortune and prosperity for the year ahead. Australia’s most expensive sashimi platter will be served up by Sokyo’s skilled chefs, sure to satisfy seafood lovers. The stunning $888 “Prosperity” lobster sashimi platter is packed with twelve kinds of fish and lobster, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Aria – Seven-course tasting menu Aria’s limited-edition tasting menu showcases prestige ingredients to match their unparalleled views of Sydney Harbour. The Lunar… Read More

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

Tags: Chinese New Year, Chinese New Year Melbourne, How to celebrate Chinese New Year's 'Year of the Rabbit' in Sydney and Melbourne, lunar new year, Lunar New Year Melbourne, Lunar New Year Sydney, THE F Chinese New Year, Where to eat Melbourne, where to eat sydney

Holy Basil opens new location in the heart of Haymarket

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by Danielle Kirk

Posted: 26/11/2022

Listen in if you’re a fan of Thai and Laotian cuisine, because culinary experts Holy Basil have added a third restaurant to their line up in Darling Square, right in the heart of Sydney’s Haymarket. Adding to the already pumping vibes and great restaurant choices in Darling Square, Holy Basil brings some extra flavour to the precinct with a high end bar menu featuring elegant Cocktails, premium Champagne (such as Ruinart) and delightful French Rosé (including Brad Pitt’s own Miraval Rosé). Stop by for an after work drink, or go all out and sample their fusion menu of the best blends of traditional dishes from Thailand and Laos. Since the early days of Holy Basil, its owners, Louise and Tony, wanted to showcase distinctive food reflecting their own cultural heritage through these cuisines. Whilst offering a number of curries, soups, salads and stir-fries, the menu also presents a selection of premium ‘wow’ dishes including seafood (try the mussels!), Waygu beef and kingfish carpaccio. Each meal is meticulously executed with a focus on herbs and spices, and a delicate balance between sweet, sour and spicy, for a bold dish rich in flavour. A must-try is definitely the fried ice cream Holy Basil has become popular for! Holy Basil Darling Square is now accepting bookings and walk ins.

Category: FOOD & DRINK, ASIAN FOOD

Tags: darling square, holy basil, sydney food, thai food

Category: ASIAN FOOD