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.

Proper & Son

Proper & Son is the new kid on the South Melbourne market block.

Possessing an eclectic familial charm, the café boasts a contemporary fit out of wooden furnishings, ceiling suspended lighting and an open kitchen where diners are able to peer in and be fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes. The result is an inspired, modern vibe.

Proper & Son is an establishment that proudly pays homage to quality Australian produce, as is successfully reflected in its dishes. Being based in South Melbourne Market, the menu lends itself to being created using the best ingredients available from the market.

Proper & Son delivers quality Toby’s Estate coffee to the public poured by adept baristas.

Salmon and leek squeak

The salmon and leek squeak was lovely.  The smoked salmon was fresh, the leek squeak was beautifully flavoured and the egg was perfectly poached.

Lamb shoulder, freekeh

We shared a salad of lamb shoulder and freekeh which was a medley of enlivening flavours and textures.

Field mushroom, haloumi and romesco roll

The field mushroom, haloumi and romesco roll was a stand out. Sandwiched between thick slices of toasted brioche were plump beautifully roasted mushrooms, crisp salty haloumi which matched beautifully with the romesco. Abundantly flavoursome and fresh, it was a triumph.

Proper & Son has succeeded in crafting a convivial atmosphere in which to enjoy a lazy brunch. The menu is delicious and caters for all kinds of appetites while the staff are friendly and affable.

Location: 13/322-326 Coventry St, South Melbourne

Phone: (03) 9699 7057

Link: http://properandson.com.au/

Cuisine: Modern Australian, Healthy Food, Cafe

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of South Melbourne Market.

The Left-Handed Chef

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of The Left-Handed Chef.

With a name that pays homage to the man behind it all, The Left-Handed Chef is a café that pleases patrons with life’s simple pleasures done well. 

With a relaxed, unpretentious and uncomplicated approach, the food features a variety of brunch options that will suit everyone, coupled with a friendly ambience.

Led by owner and Chef Ehud Malka, the kitchen is in capable hands. Ehud’s passion for food is clear and it is this unwavering passion and love for the small pleasures in life that imbues his creations with an air of fun and joy.

Pulled pork tacos 

The tacos were filled with an addictive medley of crackling, hot apple chutney, coleslaw and slowly roasted pork. The pulled pork was both tender and delicious, with caramel undertones. This brunch dish had it all - crackling, tender meat and vibrant fresh flavours.

Haloumi salad

The haloumi salad was delicious. This seemingly simple dish boasted balanced layers of flavour. The deep fried, salty haloumi was crisp on the exterior and matched beautifully with the rocket, pistachio, roasted pumpkin and asparagus. The balsamic reduction provided sweetness and acid, as did the pomegranate which also added a wonderful textural element. 

Serving good food at affordable prices, the Left-Handed Chef has unsurprisingly become a favourite choice for locals. A lovely and versatile meeting place, the cafe caters for lunching families to passer-by’s looking for a quick bite.

Location: 219 Park Street, South Melbourne

Phone: 03 9645 5800

Link: Facebook

Cuisine: Coffee, Sandwiches, Salad, Brunch

Bibelot by Chez Dré opens tomorrow!

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Bibelot.

Located at the Coventry Street-entrance to Chez Dré, Bibelot is an opulent destination for all things sweet; an artisanal patisserie, gelateria, coffee bar, chocolate shop, high tea salon and a library of coffee table books for any dessert aficionado. Good news is, they open tomorrow!

Presented by the creative team behind Chez Dré, Bibelot houses a retail space of beautifully packaged and crafted gourmet gifts; from chocolate bars to enrobed fruit and nuts, decadent biscuits, locally sourced honey as well as specialty coffee and teas. 

We were wow-ed by Bibelot’s wide range of petits gâteaux, bonbons, macarons and delicate biscuits. Paying homage to classic French patisserie, each mouthful showcased a combination of high quality ingredients, delicate flavours, artisanship and attention to detail. 

Their gelato is also worth a mention... hint: try their pistachio flavour!

Staying true to Bibelot’s European roots, the space designed by Melbourne’s Breathe Architecture boasts an elaborate interior of custom mosaics with art deco influences. From the beautifully crafted recycled timber floors, to the large scale custom designed mosaic wall, every detail of the fit out is representative of the brand ethos – intricacy, opulence and carefully handcrafted creations. 

A luxury European-inspired dessert boutique, Bibelot is the perfect addition to the food scene and boutique streetscape of South Melbourne. 

Location: 287 Coventry St  South Melbourne

Link: http://bibelot.com.au/

Cuisine: Dessert, Gelato