Showing posts with label Melbourne. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Melbourne. Show all posts

Saturday, November 12, 2022

[Melbourne 2022] Pho Hung Vuong Saigon @ Footscray

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Wanted to try at least one of the more authentic/traditional pho places in Melbourne and so, one day we came across one at Hopkins Street. The shop seemed popular with lots of people still eating even at 3pm!

The store manager was very business-like and she'll inform every walk-in customers (especially non-regulars) that we are free to take a seat at any available table.

menu


So we chose a spot that could fit the 4 of us and it was pretty near the washroom/kitchen area.

self-service


The system here is pretty clear-cut, choose the serving size and then which type of pho. The prices AUD15 (small), AUD16 (medium) and AUD18 (Large). With such a small price difference, maybe it made more sense to order a large to share amongst two pax but we just went ahead and ordered a small bowl each. =P

There is a flask placed at each table, so feel free to pour yourself a cup of hot tea while awaiting for the order to arrive. Small perks like this does brighten up our day especially when the weather was chilly.

hot tea



I was being greedy and chose the beef and chicken combination with offal. Although I was very hungry at such a late timing for lunch, the small bowl of pho turned out to be rather filling and satisfying! 

Beef and Chicken Combination (with offal) - AUD15 (small)


The soup here was flavourful with the necessary depth. Tasted like it had been boiled adequately and with the right ingredients. Loved the raw herbs and sprouts that came with it.

fresh vegetables for the pho



small piece of tendon (perhaps?)


plenty of poached chicken strips


There was plenty of ingredients inside the bowl and was happy with my choice. To change-up the taste, one could always make use of the chili oil condiment for that spicy kick.

this chili oil was good


We also ordered a rice dish to share. Just to have a taste on their grilled meats. Oh, and it didn't disappoint! The grilled pork chop was nicely firm and tender. Sweet savoury meaty bites. However, the shredded pork didn't seem to have much flavour. I loved the pickled carrots on that plate, so good! Plus, the sunny side up still had runny yolk, which was great as it added an eggy creaminess to the plate. The sliced cucumbers had a refreshing taste to reset the palate.

Grilled Pork Chop, Fried Egg and Shredded Pork Rice @AUD16


Sliced Beef and Beef Balls with additional order of blood curd


It was a good meal at this place and with reasonable prices. Payment at the counter, after your meal.

The staff are mainly perfunctory and efficient, so one need to take care and to move out of their way as they go about doing their daily chores.



Pho Hung Vuong Saigon

Address: 128 Hopkins St, Footscray VIC 3011, Australia

Contact: +61 3 9689 6002

Business Hours:

Closed on Wednesdays.

Thu - Tue: 9AM–8:30PM


Sunday, November 6, 2022

[Melbourne 2022] Ling Nan Restaurant 国利酒家 @ Lonsdale St

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Was there for supper after our Harry Potter show at Princess Theatre. The show was from 7pm to 1030pm, and we walked from Spring St to Lonsdale St thereafter.

The restaurant was surprisingly bustling with activities. We got a table and observed what the rest were having. Porridge looked good, as well as clams.

Clams cooked in XO Sauce


Our order arrived within minutes. Chef must have mad wok skills here! The clams tasted good and it was pretty spicy!

We discovered that the porridge here comes in 2 sizes. Small or large. The staff informed us that small has 2 servings while large will yield around 6 serves. We decided to go with small, and was amused when the youtiao 油条 (fried cruellers) is of a large plate.

Chinese Donut


Beef Porridge


Am happy with the beef porridge. Well cooked grains, flavourful, smooth and enjoyable with tender beef slices. Yums! To elevate the porridge, simply drizzle a bit of the XO sauce from the clams dish. Double yums!

We had a plate of morning glory as well done ala stir fried with fermented beancurd sauce. But beware as there was plenty of cut chilies thrown in there as well. Fiery!

tofu with salted fish


The tofu with salted fish dish was good with rice. Every bite makes you want to take another and another...

The best dish for the night, was deep fried pork spare ribs with salt and chili. Tender meat fried till golden brown, seasoned perfectly and just lips smacking good.

Deep Fried Pork Spare Ribs with Salt and Chilies


Service staff was efficient and they were helpful in clearing off the bowl with clam shells, even without us asking. Our tea was also regularly topped up.

Busy place, nice staff and good food. We spent around AUD150 for our supper. We were there for only 45 minutes...  Payment at the counter, after your meal.




Ling Nan Restaurant 国利酒家

Address: 207 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Contact: +61 435 954 828
Business Hours:
Closed on Tues.
Mon - Sun:  5pm–1:30am

Sunday, October 16, 2022

[Melbourne 2022] Top Paddock Cafe @ Richmond Victoria

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A Melbourne icon, so how can we miss the chance to visit since we were within the vicinity. Although our bellies were still rather full from all the scones, vanilla slice and coffee earlier on...

The place was bustling with customers, not surprisingly since it was on the weekends when we visited. Lucky us, we managed to get a table.

menu

latte

affogato

Breakfast Salad


The breakfast salad sure looked pretty. Plus, it has kale. I love kale. The pumpkin puree was sweet and enjoyable. By the way, what is tamari seeds? Are they like sunflower seeds? It added crunchy texture to the dish. This salad came in miso dressing and with a poached egg. Overall, lovely flavours and I can't say no to more vegetables!


Ivan said we must try the hotcake. So we did. But I didn't know it would be this huge! Wow.

Blueberry & Ricotta Hotcake

The seasonal berries then, was strawberries. Presentation was on-point. And more toasted seeds! But I do think the addition of the flower petals was kinda cool.

The hotcake itself was denser than I thought it would be. But then, I haven't had any ricotta hotcakes for like.... forever. 

of blueberries, hotcakes and cream

The food was good and the staff are friendly. I was so stuffed after this.



Top Paddock Cafe

Address: 658 Church St, Richmond VIC 3121, Australia

Websitehttps://thetoppaddock.com/

Contact: +61 3 9429 4332

Business Hours:

Mon-Fri: 7am–4pm

Sat-Sun: 8am-4pm


Thursday, September 29, 2022

[Melbourne 2022] Fairfield Park Boathouse & Tea Garden

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Tracy says this place is for scones. So we had our breakfast at South Melbourne Market, and right after that, we're doing lunch at Fairfield Park Boathouse. WoOhOoo! Eating with foodie gang, is like eating challenges.

I went along with the group and didn't research anything on the places that we'd be going except for some and this place wasn't one of them. Surprising find of such an old school charm in the middle of a park!

let's have some scones

entering the boathouse

Guests are welcomed to take a seat at its indoor area or the outdoor where one could dine with the lakeview and under the trees. 

Paper menu are available at the counter or at designated boxes in the restaurant, so feel free to pick one up and peruse it before ordering at the counter.

food menu


Once payment is made, the staff would handover the foods such as the cakes/dessert and coffee/drinks and guests will take it to their own table. Other food that requires longer preparation time, will then be served to your table later.

Fish & Chips

Fried food served piping hot, what's there not to like? Especially on a cold weather like this, it tasted more delicious! But, can do with a little less salt on the chips though.



The coffee here is from Padre, and it was enjoyable. Not too acidic and adequate strength without it being too bitter.

The hot chocolate here looked thick and rich.

Italian Hot Chocolate Royale @AUD7

We also had the vanilla slice, and I discovered that vanilla slices in Melbourne could taste pretty different at different places. Interesting!

This version here is with a slightly firmer custard.

Boathouse Vanilla Slice @AUD11.90


But we came here for scones, and boy, the Devonshire scone here was lovely.

Devonshire scones, jam and cream @AUD14.90


The scones here are huge! One scone here is of the size of two scones back in Singapore. Hahaa! It is of a different texture as well, and not as 'biscuit' like, more fluffy like soft bread. Generous with the servings of jam and cream. Nice!

boating


One could do a bit of boating (to impress your date, maybe?) at this place, but during my short stay there, I had witnessed at least two different parties where the primary rower having some difficulty in controlling their oars. It was rather comical most of the times and thankfully, all returned safely. There is one or two staff around the bank that could assist, for rowers who had difficulty in returning their boat to the starting point.




Fairfield Park Boathouse & Tea Garden

Address: Fairfield Park Dr, Fairfield VIC 3078, Australia

Websitehttps://www.fairfieldboathouse.com/

Contact: +61 3 9486 1501

Business Hours:

Daily

Mon-Fri: 9:30AM–5PM

Sat-Sun:  8:30AM–6PM


Sunday, September 25, 2022

[Melbourne 2022] Queen Victoria Market

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It was one of my to-dos for Melbourne. Visiting a morning market!

We were going there to grab a quick breakfast, but the weather was a tad gloomy. My friends had warned that unlike South Melbourne Market where it has a food hall, the area for hungry diners to sit and eat at Queen Victoria Market was rather limited.



fancy seeing Musang King here


Ivan wanted to grab a bratwurst for breakfast, while I wanted to try borek. So off we went to get our stuffs. Hence went to queue for the donuts.

Bratwurst Shop & Co


The Borek Bakehouse


The staff at the Bratwurst Shop was lovely. She was patient in handling customers' preference on the toppings and sauces etc.

The queue for the Boreks may be long, but it moved quickly.

that familiar van


cute packaging

American Doughnut Kitchen - 5 for AUD7.50

fluffy and lovely jam



bratwurst

hot and yummy


Cheese & Spinach Borek @AUD4.80

tasty savoury breakfast


All the food that we tried that morning, tasted good. Key thing was, eat it fresh. Borek portion was good for one if you have it as a main. But best to share amongst two pax if you want to try some other foods. The bratwurst sausage was bursting with flavours and the sauerkraut was likeable. Donuts was the perfect ending to the meal. Jam was sweet but not overly so.

We had to run as it rained soon after we were midway through our breakfast.

American Doughnut Kitchen

Business Hours:
Mon and Wed - Closed
Tue, Thur, Fri -  7AM–3PM
Sat:                          6AM–4PM
Sun:                         7AM–4PM

Bratwurst Shop & Co

Business Hours:
Mon and Wed - Closed
Tue, Thur, Fri -  6AM–3PM
Sat:                          6AM–4PM
Sun:                         9AM–4PM


The Borek Bakehouse

Business Hours:
Daily
Tue, Thur, Fri -  7AM–5.15PM
Wed:                        7AM–4.30PM
Sat:                          7AM–5.15PM
Sun:                         7AM–5.15PM

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

[Melbourne 2022] Supper Inn 宵夜店 @ Chinatown Melbourne

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Hence, Tracy and Ivan says this place brings back memories. It is an establishment that has been around since, well, almost forever and thankfully, we manage to get a table in this restaurant on a Tuesday evening, for our late dinner.

Supper Inn


The place was certainly bustling. The place was pretty packed with diners enjoying their dinner with a bottle of wine.

menu

jasmine tea

We placed our orders for congee, and a few other dishes. The congee was lovely and only AUD12 per bowl. We shared amongst the 4 of us. Good flavours, and with adequate ingredients.

century egg pork congee

 
yummy smooth Cantonese porridge

The appetizers were good too. Deep fried food with congee? That's a power combo right there! The salt and pepper squid was lovely as the squid was tender and the batter pretty flavourful plus not that greasy.

Salt & Pepper Squid

baby octopus and jellyfish

On the other hand, if you like chewy, then go for the baby octopus dish. Not sure what was the actual name of the dish but I preferred the smooth and thick jellyfish over the chewy octopus. The sauce was soy sauce based.


prawn hor fun with egg

The prawn hor fun was basically wat dan hor (flat rice noodles in egg gravy) (滑蛋河). The prawns were of a good size, bright and firm. The eggs were awesome as well. Overall, tasty but the rice noodles could've enjoyed more time on the wok for more of that smokey flavours.


stir fried beef in black bean sauce

The Stir Fried Beef in Black Bean Sauce was lips-smacking good too! Strong flavours and the beef was nicely tender. Addictive and can't stop eating even when stomach space is full. Just don't look at the oil on the plate after you've done eating.

Overall, the food was tasty and staff was efficient. Expect to spend about AUD35 per pax.




Supper Inn

Address: Level 1/15 Celestial Ave, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Websitehttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Supper-Inn/153690991329647

Contact: +61 3 9663 4759

Business Hours:

Daily: 5:30pm–2:30am

 
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