Category: ASIAN FOOD

Bang Bang Asian restaurant opening in Hampton

Screenshot 20240410 103333

Excitement fills the air as Bang Bang, the revered Pan Asian street food sanctuary, prepares to unveil its second location in Hampton on Wednesday, 17th April. This new addition promises to bring the vibrant flavours and innovative culinary creations that define Bang Bang to a fresh neighbourhood, inviting locals and diners citywide to embark on a tantalizing journey through the best of Asian street food in Melbourne. A Culinary Adventure Awaits After the overwhelming success of its Mordialloc restaurant, Bang Bang identified the burgeoning demand for a new location, with Hampton emerging as the ideal destination to expand its culinary empire. Drawing inspiration from Asia’s bustling street food culture and the team’s global travels, Bang Bang’s bold seasonal menu is a testament to unrivalled Pan Asian cuisine in Melbourne. The Menu: A Symphony of Flavours Dive into a world of culinary delights with Bang Bang’s diverse menu offerings, tailored to cater to every palate and occasion. From Bites to Desserts, each dish showcases a fusion of authentic produce and complex flavour profiles that transport diners to the vibrant streets of Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea, and India. Feast Your Senses For the ultimate dining experience, Bang Bang offers two exceptional Feed Me menus curated by the chefs, allowing guests to immerse themselves in a culinary journey filled with bold flavours and delectable surprises. Crafted Cocktails and Happy Hours Complementing the vibrant flavours of the menu are Bang Bang’s innovative cocktails, featuring tantalizing creations like Midnight Rose and Chilli Chilli Bang Bang. With Bang Bang Hour offering… Read More

It’s National Noodle Month at Sydney Place

Noodles

As we embrace National Noodle Month, the spotlight is on Sydney’s culinary landscape, particularly its bustling dining precinct, Sydney Place. If you’re on the hunt for a tantalizing noodle experience, look no further! Here’s a curated selection of venues that promise to elevate your noodle indulgence to new heights. 1. Yasaka Ramen, Sydney Place Established in 2014, Yasaka Ramen stands as one of the pioneering establishments in Sydney’s ramen scene. Renowned for its signature Tonkotsu broth, meticulously crafted from pork bones and water, this luscious broth has garnered a dedicated following over the years. The two-step cooking process ensures an intricately developed flavor profile, offering a delightful symphony of taste. Fresh noodles, crafted daily on-site, along with a rotating menu of innovative dishes, make Yasaka Ramen a haven for aficionados seeking an endless journey of ramen appreciation. 2. BoBo Dumpling Bar, Sydney Place A delightful offshoot of Cantonese eatery Tao, BoBo Dumpling Bar celebrates the art of dumplings and more. Embracing age-old recipes with a contemporary twist, BoBo presents a playful take on beloved classics. From delectable dumplings and dim sum to sizzling hot pan dishes and stir-fried noodles, each offering boasts a fusion of traditional flavors and modern flair. Whether it’s the Fried Chicken Gyoza, King Prawn Pot Stickers, or the aromatic Roasted Duck, BoBo Dumpling Bar promises a delightful exploration of Cantonese cuisine. 3. Malay Chinese Noodle Bar, Sydney Place Step into the world of authentic Malay culinary mastery at Malay Chinese Noodle Bar, where the aroma of carefully crafted laksa varieties fills… Read More

Asian degustation for Good Friday at Cocobei

Cocobei Food 27

Cocobei, the quintessential Melbourne-style cafe nestled in Docklands, is poised to elevate your Good Friday experience with an exclusive Good Friday Degustation event. Renowned for its commitment to delivering exceptional culinary delights, Cocobei, with over two decades of industry expertise, invites guests to savor a 4-course seafood feast in a degustation style to celebrate the Easter weekend. Embracing the essence of Melbourne’s vibrant culture, Cocobei seamlessly blends Australian, French, Mediterranean, and Asian fusion brunch options to create an adventurous degustation full of flavor, promising to provide an unforgettable Good Friday. Drawing from his Chinese heritage, Martin Sun, Head Chef of Cocobei, incorporates traditional cooking techniques and aromatic spices commonly found in Chinese cuisine, infusing dishes with unique Chinese elements such as dehydration and broth-making techniques to enhance flavor. Sun also draws inspiration from Italian cooking techniques such as osmosis, and French innovations such as the sous vide, consommé, and crème practices. The degustation begins with a Gazpacho with Almond Cracker, Avocado Crème, and Torched Prosciutto, the perfect cleanser, with a hit of salt to prepare the palette for the remaining courses. The second course unveils a succulent Confit Salmon adorned with Watermelon Jerky infused with smoked oils and an aromatic blend of herbs. This advanced culinary practice, characterized by a meticulous 15-hour baking process and an additional 15 hours in the dehydrator, unveils a distinct and unparalleled flavor experience—a groundbreaking approach to culinary experiences. Elevating this creation further, it is complemented by the delicate addition of passionfruit vinegar and the vibrant burst of finger lime,… Read More

Yakimono’s night of sake appreciation

Screenshot 20240319 0900182

Get ready for an extraordinary evening as Yakimono proudly presents the return of the much-anticipated Sake-Mono event! After the overwhelming success of last year’s sell-out extravaganza, we’re thrilled to announce that this exclusive experience is back – for one night only! Mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 9th, as Yakimono teams up once again with Yukino Ochiai, Australia’s esteemed certified sake expert and Director of Deja Vu Sake. As the country’s first female Sake Samurai and WSET certified Level 3 Japanese Sake Educator, Ochiai-san brings unparalleled expertise to guide guests through an enchanting exploration of Japanese sake. Prepare to be captivated as Ochiai-san expertly curates a tasting journey featuring extraordinary pours from renowned sake producers such as Tsukinokatsura, Kenbishi, Dewazakura, and more. These premium drops are rarely found in Australia, making this event an exclusive opportunity to savor the finest offerings from the world of Japanese sake. Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed with a signature sake cocktail, setting the stage for an evening of pure delight. Executive Chef Daniel Wilson has artfully crafted a menu of vibrant Japanese delicacies, meticulously paired with each pour. From the tantalizing Tuna Tartare Tempura and succulent BBQ King Salmon to the divine Yuzu Bombe Alaska for dessert, every dish promises to be a symphony of flavors. With tickets priced at $99 per person and limited spots available (last year’s edition sold out in a matter of days), we urge you to secure your place now to avoid missing out on this extraordinary event. Event Details: Don’t miss out… Read More

Best roti in Sydney at Kafe Kooks

Roti Sydney food

Stepping into Kafe Kooks is like stepping into an electric embrace of Asian culture, right in the bustling heart of Ultimo, Sydney. This café, with its bold and eclectic charm, has done more than just capture the attention of food enthusiasts; it has redefined the café culture by spinning a traditional Asian staple – the humble Roti – into culinary gold. Since swinging open its doors in June 2021, Kafe Kooks has become the go-to destination for not just robust coffee or a mean cocktail, but a dining experience that’s both alluringly innovative and comfortably all-day. The magic lies in their Asian-inspired menu, a homage to the song “Kooks” by David Bowie, that celebrates the spirit of individuality and authenticity through every dish. Andrew Ray, the visionary owner and a renowned Roti aficionado, alongside the culinary finesse of Head Chef Victor Thapa and the deft hands of Roti Master Surish Rajandran, have conjured a breath-taking array of dishes where Roti is not a mere side player but the star. Picture this: a Roti Canai that perfectly pairs with chicken and potato curry gravy, the zesty kick of sambal sauce, and the hearty Sarang Burung – a nod to Penang’s vibrant street food scene. Or for the avant-garde palate, their trailblazing ‘Avocado on Roti’, a twist on the beloved classic that promises to intrigue and satisfy. Whether it’s falling for “The Curry Collection” with its voluptuous curries companioned by aromatic roti, or finding delight in a space that offers a warm welcome not just to you… Read More

Kowloon Cafe Express opens in Chatswood, Sydney

Chinese Kowloon Cafe

Chatswood has just welcomed its latest culinary gem, the renowned Kowloon Cafe Express, which opened its doors on the 12th of January, 2024. This marks the fourth establishment under the Kowloon Cafe umbrella, breathing life into Chatswood’s vibrant food scene with its unique Hong Kong-inspired ambience and cuisine. The grand opening of Kowloon Cafe Express is not merely the inauguration of another eatery; it symbolises an ongoing commitment to delivering an authentic slice of Hong Kong, artistically curated by Howin Chui and Howard Leei. The duo, known for their expertise in crafting niche Asian dining experiences, continue to weave cultural threads from their native Hong Kong into Sydney’s tapestry, encapsulating rich traditions with every dish served. “Howin’s vision to translate the spirit of Hong Kong into every element of his cafes – from melody to menu – has been once again realised with the opening of Chatswood’s Kowloon Cafe Express,” commented Darren Kong of Kong Studios, the architectural maestro behind the cafe’s design. Passersby can step off the bustling streets into a haven of nostalgia and new memories, perfect for fast-paced Sydneysiders who still covet the pleasure of dining. The cafe’s highlights include the Crispy Butter Pineapple Bun, the equally photogenic and palate-pleasing Hong Kong-style French Toast, and an array of beverages from traditional HK Style Condensed Milk Tea to the inventive Ribena with Vanilla Ice Cream. With Chui at the helm, Kowloon Cafe Express is set to become a cornerstone of culinary excellence in Chatswood, reinforcing the suburb’s status as a go-to destination for… Read More

New modern Asian in South Yarra Melbourne

Bar Darling restaurant

South Yarra is about to welcome a new culinary gem into its vibrant Toorak Road dining precinct. Token, a gastronomic venture by the esteemed Darling Group, is set to officially open its neon-lit, 150-seat dining space on the 23rd January 2024. Infusing the Japanese Izakaya concept with modern sophistication, Token is designed to navigate diners through a seamless culinary journey from day to evening. The venue itself personifies casual dining with a touch of decadence, featuring an open bar, a central kitchen, and a curated raw bar where sashimi and temaki are made on demand. “We’ve crafted a menu that entices a culturally curious audience with beautiful and fresh Japanese-inspired dishes,” remarks Chef Ashly Hicks, one of the creative minds behind Token’s meticulously curated menu. The restaurant has two focal points – the Liquid & Raw and the Charred & Flamed. While the former pays homage to nature’s light and fluid attributes with a cocktail bar and raw offerings, the latter explores darker, textured, and sensory facets, emanating from the open-fired kitchen. The venue features a custom-made Binchotan yakitori grill and a coal-fired oven, promising a visual spectacle for patrons. Token’s Head Chef Jun Sun, a Nobu and Ichi Ni Izakaya veteran, will bring these flame-kissed Asian fusion creations to life. Token’s menu is a celebration of umami flavours, from spicy delicacies to skewered and chargrilled delights. Standout dishes include Tempura Enoki Mushroom with Kombu Seasoning, Twice-Cooked Pork Belly Chashu Kushiyaki, and “Steak Frites” Wagyu with Japanese Pepper Sauce served alongside Token Fries. Token is… Read More

Where to celebrate Chinese NY

Chinese food

Spice Temple is not just honouring, but wholly immersing itself in the Chinese tradition of welcoming propitious times with special feasts containing dishes of good omen, exclusively curated for the forthcoming Lunar New Year celebrations. The restaurant’s Executive Chef for Sydney and Melbourne locations, Andy Evans, along with Melbourne’s Head Chef Maggie Chan, have put together exceptional banquet menus in celebration of the Year of the Dragon, which begins on Saturday, 10th February, with traditional festivities continuing for up to 16 days. These specially crafted Lunar New Year banquet menus, priced at $149 per person, are on offer from Monday 5th February to Sunday 18th February, for both lunch and dinner services at Spice Temple in Sydney and Melbourne. As Chef Andy explains, “We have included some of our most special dishes reserved for celebratory occasions, and have also developed completely new dishes that feature ingredients known to bring prosperity, happiness, peace, love, and other aspects of good fortune.” In the Sydney location, the Chinese New Year banquet menu highlights purse-shaped pipis symbolising fortune, tea eggs for fertility, noodles for longevity, and red ingredients such as baby tomatoes for prosperity. The Melbourne menu, on the other hand, features golden bao buns and abalone representing wealth and power, along with classic dishes usually consumed during Lunar New Year feasts, such as the raw fish Yu Sheng salad, colloquially known as ‘Prosperity Toss’, which stands for good luck in the coming year. “Diners are encouraged to toss the shredded ingredients of the salad high into the air;… Read More

Celebrate Lunar New Year in Style at the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Mahjong Club

Screenshot 20240110 104442

To welcome the Year of The Wood Dragon with flair, renowned Sydney chef Dan Hong and Crazy Rich Asians actor Remy Hii have teamed up for a modern take on the traditional tile game at the exclusive Johnnie Walker Blue Label Mahjong Club. On Saturday, February 17th, the iconic duo will transform Merivale’s Bridge Street landmark, Est., into a vibrant space for Sydneysiders to immerse themselves in the festive spirit of Lunar New Year. Guests will have the opportunity to try their hand at mahjong under the guidance of a local master, while indulging in a specially curated menu featuring Hong’s fusion flair and unique Johnnie Walker Blue Label-infused cocktails. In the beautifully designed blue-washed environment, combining Est.’s classic architecture with contemporary Chinese elements, Hong will delight attendees with six delectable bite-sized dishes. These include king crab and scallop potsticker dumplings, rock lobster bao with ginger and shallot, prawn toast with otoro tuna belly and finger lime, as well as a tantalizing hot and numbing wagyu skewer. Additionally, guests can savor a modern twist on longevity noodles with the chilled truffled noodle topped with caviar, and end the meal with Hong’s rendition of a Hong Kong-style warm egg tart. To complement the culinary delights and enhance the flavors of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, renowned mixologist Jonathan Liu has crafted three distinct cocktails infused with popular Asian flavors. Highball enthusiasts can enjoy the Hi-Prosperity, featuring notes of ginger, yuzu, and chrysanthemum. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge in the Blue Wishes, a cocktail infused with… Read More

Where Tokyo’s streets come to life

image001 1

DOPA, the retro Japanese fast-casual eatery created by The Devon Group, has recently opened its 7th store, marking its first ever location in the Eastern Suburbs. On December 8th, DOPA introduced Bondi Junction to its chemically transformative culinary experience, inspired by the chemical dopamine. The menu, expertly crafted by Executive Chef Zachary Tan and Executive Pastry Chef Markus Andrew, offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory dishes. Drawing inspiration from the streets of Tokyo, DOPA reimagines Japanese comfort food while adhering to its slow food ethos of quality, sustainability, and ethical food production. The stars of the menu are the Japanese donburis, with over twenty variations to choose from. To celebrate the grand opening of DOPA Bondi Junction, they are introducing the Bondi Don, a vegan donburi packed with flavor. This plant-based delight features a beef patty alternative, rice, tare, seaweed, sliced shallots, vegan cheese, secret sauce, and tomato sauce—a perfect choice for health-conscious Bondi consumers. Classic donburis include mouthwatering options like teriyaki chicken and karaage. For those seeking a unique twist, DOPA offers choices such as the cheeseburger wagyu, wagyu beef tongue, or glacier 51 toothfish. Dessert lovers will revel in the popular DOPA mochi daifuku, available in flavors like matcha, strawberry, and vegan mango. The signature matcha or original cheesecake tantalizes taste buds, combining the best of east and west flavors. Thirst-quenching signature drinks include DOPA’s home brewed iced tea in refreshing lychee, raspberry, and Yuzu flavors. Step inside DOPA and you’ll find its vibrant menu reflected in the sleek interior design…. Read More