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.

Ayam Penyet Ria

First opened in 1998 by Madam Ruth from Surabaya who had just moved to Batam along with her five children, Ayam Penyet Ria began its life as a little road side stall often with crowds surrounding it waiting to devour the delicious menu prepared by Madam Ruth herself.

Today, many know the pleasure of Ayam Penyet Ria which has become a favourite in Indonesia and beyond. With a unique history and recipes that have been passed down from generations to generations by Madam Ruth, this quaint South Melbourne outpost is definitely not to be missed.

Ayam Penyet - Smashed Fried Chicken

We adored their two signature dishes: the Ayam Penyet (Smashed Fried Chicken) and Iga Penyet (Twice cooked Ribs).

The two most sought after dishes by regulars, they were each expertly prepared. An outer crisp layer encased soft and tender chicken and beef courtesy of being slow cooked for many hours before frying. A myriad of spices are used which seep into the meat so that every morsel is full of flavour. 

Iga Penyet - Twice cooked Ribs

Served with Indonesian favourites such as deep-fried beancurd, soybean cake, an assortment of vegetables and topped with either the luxurious peanut sauce or spicy chilli relish, these dishes offer patrons an authentic taste of East Javanese food.

Sayur Asem - Sweet and Sour Vegetable soup

If you’re looking for an authentic Sayur Asem, Ayam Penyet Ria’s is all you would expect. The perfect balance between sweet and sour. 

Gado-gado -Indonesian Mixed Salad

A delicious comforting salad, the gado-gado was a medley of different seasonal veggies and tossed with the most incredible peanut dressing. Topped with crunchy crackers, it's a winning combination.

If you’re in search for delicious Indonesian food in Melbourne, look no further. With a brilliant menu offering at more than reasonable prices, Ayam Penyet Ria certainly delivers.

Location: 248 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne

Phone: 03 9077 2947

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

Cuisine: Indonesian

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Ayam Penyet Ria.

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.

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.