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.

The Table Lamp

The Table Lamp delights with modern Asian fusion cuisine in ornate surrounds.

The dining room seeks to transport diners to Asia with Balinese art and beautiful birdcages.

We commenced our evening with a couple of outstanding cocktails.  The “Horse” was a skilful composition of Apple, Hennessy Cognac, Carton Apple liqueur and Earl Grey Tea.

The “Dragon” was similarly enjoyable.  Served in a traditional tokkuri with Bacardi Superior Rum, Sake, Lychee Juice, Lychee, Paraiso Lychee liqueur and Vodka, the flavours were light, bright and clean. We loved how the cocktails had beautifully balanced flavour combinations and drew from both Western and Eastern influences.

Basil corn fritters with tamarind jam

With their crunchy golden brown exterior, these corn nuggets of deep fried batter and succulently sweet corn kernels were delightful. 

Five spice wagyu beef with crispy vegetables and lemon sauce

A dish which highlights the robust beefiness of the Wagyu. We enjoyed the melt-in-the-mouth texture of each sliced which has been perfectly cooked.

Hat Yai Crispy chicken with grilled 3 chilli medley laces with ground rice and fish sauce

The meaty morsels of chicken were crusted with a flavoursome spice mix and then perfectly fried to achieve a moreishly crunchy exterior and were highly addictive.

Twice cooked pork belly with volcano curry

Harmonising a perfect balance of spices and sweetness, the accompanying volcano curry was delicious with the crisp pork belly pieces.  A very fresh and fragrant green apple salad provided a refreshing element to counterbalance the relatively rich pork belly.

Steamed barramundi fillet with Chinese soy, rice wine and ginger

An absolute highlight of our visit, the barramundi featured tried and true flavour combinations of soy, rice wine and ginger. The quality of the barramundi was exemplary and perfectly cooked resulting in a very delicate and moist piece of fish. A wonderfully simple dish that allowed the natural subtle sweetness of the fish to be enjoyed.

Soft shell crab with  with two types of peppercorns

We loved The Table Lamp’s enticing soft shell crab. The deep fried crustacean pieces were coated in a semi-thick crisp batter that encapsulated firm, sweet flesh. With a touch of fried garlic and 3 different kinds of pepper, this dish was simply superb.  

Banana in a parcel - banana wrapped in coconut infused sticky rice and a banana leaf, served with coconut ice cream

Our evening at The Table Lamp ended on a decadently sweet note with their “Banana in a parcel”. The morsels of glutinous rice were pleasantly chewy without being too sticky and harmonised perfectly with the gooey banana and creamy coconut ice cream.

With surrounds conducive for enjoying a few rounds of their delectable cocktails, The Table Lamp surprises with exquisite food best enjoyed when shared with others.

Location: Level 1, 280 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Phone: 1300 899 988 

Link: http://www.tablelampp.com.au/

Cuisine: Asian, Fusion, Bar & Grill

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of The Table Lamp.

Baotime

Baotime is a Richmond eatery dedicated to the “bao”. While many restaurants in Melbourne serve the bao, Baotime’s variety are a cut above courtesy of being handmade resulting in a fluffy, soft and delicate bun.

We were delighted to meet owner and founder of Baotime Jes Lau who explained to us that Baotime was created with the vision to provide warm meals and childhoods to children in need, offering hope and love to the less fortunate kids in the world. 

We loved her energetic passion which has translated into a compelling business model - offering patrons with a top notch dining experience. 

The menu, much like the venue is kept small but packs a punch with gourmet bao fillings, delicious drinks and a selection of mains.  The gourmet fillings and mains draw from Jes’ Malaysian background.  Growing up in Malaysia (Asia’s cultural melting pot), Jes has been exposed to many different interesting flavours. These flavours evoke childhood memories and these are the very flavours she seeks to share with her customers. 

From left: Air Mata Kuching - fruity longan juice; Honey Lemon drink

We started with a couple of heart-warming drinks. Both the Air Mata Kuching and Honey Lemon drinks were delightful and especially comforting on an unseasonably cold Melbourne evening.

Captain Bao 

The Captain Bao was filled with Succulent braise pork belly garnished with crushed peanuts. Featuring the tried and true flavour combination of braised pork in soy sauce, we enjoyed the generous morsels of tender pork belly. It really hit the mark!

Cuckoo Bao

The Cuckoo Bao was another winner. We loved the oozy mozzarella cheese which was lifted by the slight kick from the chilli.

Farmer Bao

The Farmer Bao impressed with beautifully roasted pumpkin and tofu garnished with mushrooms. We loved the contrast of textures between the mellow tofu and the robust pumpkin and earthy mushrooms. It was a delightful vegetarian bao that would which would appeal to even the most carnivorous individuals.

Chilli Crab Bao

The Chilli Crab Bao was outstanding. The batter was ethereally light and crispy. The soft shell crab which sat within the batter was fresh and most memorable. The bold chilli broth was the perfect accompaniment with its wonderful punchy flavours, synonymous with Malaysian curries.

Mini Bao platter: Lobster Bao; Tempura Prawn Bao; Aburi Scallop Bao

The Mini Bao Platter similarly impressed. We enjoyed the mini version of the luxurious Lobster Bao in particular which was filled with Moreton bay bug dressed in mayo and a refreshing pineapple salad.

Kahwin Bao 

Our dinner concluded on a sweet high with a couple of sweet baos starting with a stunning little Kahwin Bao filled with housemade kaya jam and butter, and a side of coconut ice cream. The brioche-like baos were filled with kaya jam and worked perfectly with the side of coconut ice cream.  

Durian Bao 

The Durian Bao (strictly for Durian lovers ONLY), was a stand out. The decadent durian ice cream was a welcome departure from the usually weak flavours and instead was vibrant, creamy and absolutely moreish while the Durian Bao itself was wonderful and filled with rich durian flesh - YUM.

Baotime pleases with unique and flavoursome baos satisfying the demand of Melbournians for delicious Modern Asian cuisine. 

Location: 342 Bridge Road, Richmond, Melbourne

Phone: 03 9942 7608

Link: http://baotime.com.au/

Cuisine: Asian

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

Papparich Nunawading

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of PappaRich.

PappaRich dishes up high quality Malaysian food that manages to be both traditional and accessible. The dishes reflect the cultural melange of Malaysia, with influences from Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisines. The man behind PappaRich, Mr. Rich Tan, draws recipe inspiration from regions throughout Malaysia, personally travelling across the country to sample its many food offerings.

The focus is on food served fresh and fast, making PappaRich the ideal spot for a quick work lunch or midweek dinner. The PappaRich Nunawading restaurant interior is consistent with the rest of the chain - designed with a simple and casual aesthetic, without compromising on style. We enjoyed the comfortable, friendly atmosphere. 

The open plan layout of each restaurant also gives diners the chance to see their Roti Canai being freshly prepared on the spot.

We commenced our dining experience with a couple of their delicious drinks. We loved the wide variety of drinks and recommend in particular the “matcha rocks”. An ice blended green tea with red bean topped with green tea ice cream, this is a delectably refreshing drink.

Chilli Pan Mee

We loved the dry flour noodles served with minced chicken, fried anchovies, a spicy chilli pan mee chilli, mushrooms, fried shallots, spinach and topped with perfectly poached half boiled egg. Tip: Stir well before consuming!

Dry Koay Teow with Steamed Chicken

The slippery thin flat rice noodles were served with a tasty sweet sauce, red chilli and perfectly cooked steamed chicken.

Ipoh Koay Teow Soup with Prawns & Chicken Slices

Thin flat rice noodles were served in a wholesome chicken soup and prawn head broth. We enjoyed the generous toppings of prawns, chicken slices, bean sprouts, chives and red chilli.

Pappa Pan Mee Soup

This bowl of Pan Mee soup took us back to the streets of Malaysia. The egg and flour noodles had a wonderful al dente texture and were served in a beautiful anchovy based soup and topped with minced chicken, fried anchovies, mushrooms, spinach and perfectly poached half boiled egg. The addition of the house-made special chilli on the side to the dish to another level.

Satay

Of particular note were the succulent, aromatic, freshly grilled chicken satay skewers which we slathered in the decadent and perfectly spiced satay sauce.

Nasi Lemak with Curry Chicken

Malaysia’s national dish, the Nasi Lemak was delicious. Aromatic coconut milk infused steamed rice was served with decadent curry chicken, fried anchovies, fried peanuts, hard boiled egg alongside spicy sambal and cucumber slices.

PappaRich is perfect for a quick bite or a relaxing leisurely meal. The Nunawading store is a hit, offering fans with truly authentic Malaysian home cuisine in Australia.

Location: T56 Brand Smart 288 Whitehorse Rd, Nunawading

Phone: (03) 9878 8860

Link: http://www.papparich.net.au/

Cuisine: Malaysian