Bababoi Kitchen & Bar

One of the few restaurants in Melbourne to serve Peranakan or Nyonya cuisine, Bababoi stands out from the crowd with offerings that really pack a flavour punch.

The Nyonya cuisine is a Malaysian cuisine which combines Chinese, Malay and other influences into a unique blend resulting in dishes that are tangy, aromatic, spicy and herbal.

The menu is extensive with something to suit everyone - From well-known crowd pleasers like their 5 spice marinated chicken to authentic Nyonya dishes like the Ayam buah keluak which is not served anywhere else in Melbourne. 

The food boasts beautiful flavour courtesy of the house made rempah (a blend of fresh spices which are ground together) that are meticulously prepared.

Lobak 

Our dinner commenced with a plate of Lobak from their “Something Light” section of the menu. The Lobak is a mixture of ground up lean pork, water chestnuts and herbs wrapped in a beancurd skin which has been steamed and then pan fried until crisp. The crispy beancurd exterior, juicy interior and salty-sweet chilli sauce makes for an excellent appetiser. 

Tamarind pulled pork (a.k.a. babi assam)

A dish of pulled pork with hints of tangy tamarind, the dish displayed a depth and complexity in flavour and had a lovely hint of tangy sweetness that complemented the overall savouriness of the dish. 

Nyonya chicken curry (a.k.a. ayam kapitan)

This classic Malaysian chicken curry was a stand out. Boasting creamy coconut and aromatic kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass, it was wonderfully hearty. We enjoyed the richness of the curry and the generous use of spices which showcased the customary punchy flavours exhibited by Malaysian curries generally.  Together with steamed rice, it was an addictive and comforting dish.

Chocolate chicken (a.k.a. Ayam buah keluak)

The chocolate chicken was yet another highlight. Particularly enjoyable for its robust and fragrant nutty flavour. Each morsel was cooked to the point where the meat simply melted in our mouths. The flavours from the herbs and spices were unique and very enjoyable.

The Jewellery box - Earl grey pannacotta topped with black tapioca pearls

The visually attractive pannacotta was a wonderful creation of melt in your mouth pannacotta and perfectly chewy tapioca pearls. Absolutely delectable, this dessert was a masterclass in textural balance and great use of flavour. The pannacotta was textured perfectly. A welcome departure from the mundane dessert items usually found, this dessert offered its own unique characteristics. 

Bababoi celebrates the fusion style of Nyonya cuisine, with distinctive blend of Chinese and Malay techniques, flavours and spices. If you like your South East Asian flavours rich and gutsy, you cannot go wrong here.

Location: Shop 2, 60 Siddeley Street, Docklands

Phone: 0490 029 968

Link: http://www.bababoikitchenandbar.com/

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese, Malaysian











Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of MATRADE's Malaysian Kitchen Program.

OLDTOWN White Coffee

OLDTOWN White Coffee recently opened its first Australian outpost mid last month.

Established in 1999, OLDTOWN White Coffee is Malaysia’s largest white coffee café chain.

The menu pays homage to Malaysian food in general with particular emphasis on dishes from its place of origin, Ipoh. 

Sotong Kangkung Rojak

We started with a dish of cuttlefish and spinach (also known in Hokkien as “Jyu hu eng chai”). A “salad” of sorts, the dish had beautifully wilted water spinach and tender cuttlefish laced in rojak sauce which is a flavoursome concoction of  shrimp paste, black caramel sauce, belachan, sugar, tamarind water, lemon juice, chilli powder and fresh chillis. 

Sotong Sambal Petai

The Squid with Petai beans cooked in sambal was delicious. One of our favourite Malay dishes, we enjoyed the gentle bitterness from the Petai which cut through the richness of the sambal. 

Assam Pedas Fish

The Spicy Assam Fish was yet another highlight. The perfectly seasoned assam curry broth possessed the customary punchy flavours exhibited by Malaysian curries. We loved the beautiful tartness from the assam base which goes particularly well with fish.

Whether you’re looking for a light snack of kaya toast and coffee, or a Malaysian feast, OLDTOWN White Coffee delivers with their great range of Malaysian cuisine. 

Location: 303, Elizabeth St Melbourne Vic 3000 

Phone: 03 9939 4268

Link: http://oldtownwhitecoffee.com.au/

Cuisine: Malaysian

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of MATRADE's Malaysian Kitchen Program.

Breakfast @ Magic Mountain Saloon

Magic Mountain Saloon brings the vibrancy of the Thai café culture to its breakfast offerings in Melbourne.

From the creators of Cookie, The Toff In Town, Revolver Upstairs and Boney, Magic Mountain Saloon opened in January this year and already has a loyal band of followers thanks to its authentic Thai cuisine which offers something distinctive for Melbourne’s breakfast culture.

Located at the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, a significant feature of Magic Mountain Saloon is its design - a fusion of industrial and contemporary. 

Green Curry Chicken Thighs, Apple Eggplant & Bamboo Shoots

The perfectly seasoned curry possessed the customary punchy flavours exhibited by South East Asian curries and was a great match for the beautifully cooked chicken. We loved the inclusion of tender eggplant and textural bamboo shoots.

Sour Orange Snapper Curry, Prawns & Morning Glory

The snapper curry was an outstanding curry which had a unique flavour and ample spice. It was a clean and bright dish with a perfect salt-sour-heat balance.

Black Sticky Rice, Strawberries, Banana, Coconut Cream & Dried Mango Granola

A modern breakfast take on the traditional Thai dessert of black sticky rice pudding with coconut, this bowl of goodness arrived as pretty as a picture, boasting a lovely deep purple colour. Magic Mountain Saloon’s version was absolutely moreish - luscious and striking without being too sweet. It was wonderful with fresh strawberries, banana and textural mango granola.

Magic Mountain Saloon provides a new dimension to brunch in Melbourne by offering an authentic Thai breakfast experience.

Location: 62 Little Collins Street, Melbourne

Phone: 03 9078 0078

Link: http://magicmountainsaloon.com.au/

Cuisine: Thai, Asian

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Magic Mountain Saloon.

Vapiano

With a philosophy of ‘fresh casual’ and a focus on quality Italian fare prepared fast and in front of you, Vapiano is an innovative European concept.

The restaurant serves made-to-order hand-tossed pizzas, fresh house-made pasta, gourmet salads and delicious dolci in a fun, relaxed atmosphere with a focus placed firmly on freshness. Pasta is hand-made on the premises throughout the day and prepared right in front of the diner, while pots of fresh herbs on every table are perfect for sprinkling over your plate.

‘Fresh casual’ is the service style here – effectively a DIY model, where customers use a ‘chip card’, issued on arrival, to order directly from the chefs, who whip up the dish then and there to take back to the table. 

The service approach is designed to put the customer in control, enabling all food and drink to be charged to an individual ‘chip card’, and the bill to be paid at the end of the meal. 

It is bill splitting heaven. Seriously. Imagine all the troubles you’ve ever had with splitting the bill and having issues collecting the right amount at the end of a meal. Well, let those troubles melt away. They are no more.

Bruschetta – Toasted ciabatta, extra virgin olive oil, garlic-marinated tomatoes

Pollo e spinaci – Tender chicken breast, onion, pine nuts, cream with basil pesto, + Parmesan tossed with fresh spinach

A warm salad of pasta, tender slices of chicken breast and homemade basil pesto, the Pollo e spinaci was a lovely dish that was highlighted by the al dente pasta and lingering rich parmesan.

Pasta Gamberi con Rosso - Prawns, tomatoes, spring onion in homemade tomato sauce

The Pasta Gamberi con Rosso that we was very well prepared. The sun-dried tomato pesto worked well to provide both moisture and flavour and, overall, it was a delicious dish.

Calzone - Folded homemade pizza dough with spicy pepperoni, smoked Aussie ham, mushrooms on homemade tomato sauce + mozzarella

The calzone arrived picture perfect and filled generously. We especially enjoyed the addition of spicy pepperoni which provided just the perfect touch of heat. 

A duo of desserts concluded our evening. 

Brazilian Cookie Layered Pie

We loved this wonderfully constructed dessert. The light and creamy filling went beautifully with the crumbly milk soaked biscuits. Topped with a delicate layer of chocolate, this was a seriously decadent dessert.

White Chocolate Cheesecake with Salted Caramel and Honeycomb

The dish of the night, this dessert was a delicious take on the traditional cheesecake. We loved the decadent white chocolate that came through on the middle palate and the delicious lashing of salty, gooey sweetness delivered by the salted caramel beneath the layer of honeycomb crumble which provided texture. It was both well thought out and executed.

The Vapiano concept certainly resonates with Australian diners looking for a quick and easy dining option that does not compromise on quality or cost the earth.

Location: 347 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Phone: (03) 9620 3335 

Link: http://vapiano.com.au/restaurants/melbourne/

Cuisine: Italian

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Vapiano.

Winter @ Cecconi’s

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Cecconi's.

One of Melbourne's premier fine dining institutions Cecconi’s is a Melbourne icon that requires no introduction.

Cecconi’s continues to deliver with dishes that are consistently well executed and highlighted by innovative, yet familiar, flavour combinations. The restaurant’s colour palette mixes black, white and copper while incorporating varying textures and tones to create contrast, producing a space that possesses familial warmth. 

The luxe, dark and clubby basement space of Cecconi’s boasts one of the more theatrical kitchens in Melbourne – wide-open and centre stage.

Caramelised scallops, crispy pork belly, shaved fennel, blood orange dressing

The scallops were perfectly seared and bursting with natural flavour while the pork belly was punchy with a delicate lining of pork fat and crunchy crackling providing an added kick of sinful pleasure. The subtle sweetness of the shaved fennel further and the fruity acidity of the blood orange dressing introduced further layers of complexity.  

Moreton bay bug tortellini, mustard fruit butter sauce, fried leek

The tortellini was exceptional. The filling of deliciously savoury and perfectly cooked Moreton Bay Bug was encased in al dente pasta. The accompanying crispy fried leek and stunning mustard fruit brown butter sauce made this a perfectly executed, expertly balanced and intelligent dish.

The slow cooked wagyu brisket, truffled gnocchi, spinach puree, red onion jam was decadent and flavoursome. Incredibly tender, it fell away easily with the weight of our forks. Coated with the earthy braising sauce, the dish was very enjoyable to consume with the light gnocchi which captivated with its delightfully pungent truffle aroma.

Roasted duck breast, confit leg, brussel sprouts, bacon, chestnut spaetzle

The slices of duck breast were cooked to perfection with allowing the natural rich flavour of the duck to shine through. The accompanying confit leg was tender, the skin crisp while the hearty chestnut spaetzli adorned with crispy bacon provided the crowning element to this luxurious dish.

Dessert tasting plate - Gianduja cheesecake, hazelnut nougat, Oreo crumbs, chocolate sorbet; Banana and passionfruit sorbet, blondie, toasted marshmallow, brandy snaps; and Lemon yoghurt cream, cassis jam, crispy meringue, vanilla sugar

Continuing the trend for the evening, the desserts were delicious. The rich cheesecake was beautifully made while the Banana and passionfruit sorbet was zesty and well-balanced and the Lemon yoghurt cream was silky smooth.

A modern Italian restaurant where food, wine, service and atmosphere blend beautifully together, Cecconi's boasts delicious Italian cuisine while taking great pride in using only the freshest ingredients available. The new Cecconi’s winter menu is, as expected from its predecessors, excellent.

Location: Basement, 61 Flinders Lane  Melbourne

Phone: 03 8663 0500

Link: http://www.cecconis.com/

Cuisine: European, Italian, International