Delhi Streets

22 Katherine Place 

Melbourne, VIC 3000

http://www.delhistreets.com.au/

Delhi Streets opened in a little laneway near Southern Cross Station a month or so back, and I wouldn’t have heard of it at all if it weren’t for a long overdue catch-up dinner with a couple of lovely ex-co-workers, Ben and Aisling. 

I met up with the lovely duo in the snug little restaurant a tad past six. The staff were bubbly and welcoming, and before too long, the small 20 (or so) seater restaurant began filling up with punters craving an authentic Indian food fix. 

Pani Puri ($7, 5pcs) 

The Pani Puri ($7, 5pcs) were toted as a ‘must have’, and they were indeed one of a kind.

Pani Puri ($7, 5pcs) 

Nested in the hollow lentil puffs was a mixture of potatoes, onions, chickpeas, and herbs. But wait, there’s more! To finish it off, you fill the puffs with tangy tamarind water, and shove it all in your mouth for a crunchy, tangy taste explosion! 

Papri Chaat ($7) 

The Papri Chaat ($7) had me at Indian nachos, and the comparison was indeed apt. Delicate lentil crackers were topped with a sloppy, moreish mix of yoghurt, mint and tamarind chutneys, and soft potato pieces, and finished off with fresh coriander. This is one plate of nachos that won’t go to your thighs.

Dahi Vada ($7, 2pcs) 

Meanwhile, the Dahi Vada ($7, 2pcs) were indeed feather light, the fluffy dumplings soaking up the mixture of chutneys, yoghurt, and slow-cooked veggies. 

Aloo Tikki ($7, 2pcs) 

The unanimous favourite however was the Aloo Tikki ($7, 2pcs) – two fat mashed potato dumplings fried to golden perfection, topped once again with the tangy trio of (everybody together now!) chutneys, yoghurt, and veggies. 

Special Thali ($13)

For our mains, we had a traditional Special Thali ($13), which included 3 curries of our choice, along with a large mound of rice, naan, and crisp pappadums. The butter chicken was golden and creamy, tasting like a warm hug. Meanwhile the lamb vindaloo was all fire and spice, and the ideal curry to have with dollops of cool raita. Our only vegetarian choice, the paneer curry, was a good one, consisting of a warm mix of spices and squeaky cheese. 

Tandoori Chicken Pizza Naan ($9.5)

Of course, we had to try something from the Pizza and Wraps section as well, and we decided on the Tandoori Chicken Pizza Naan ($9.5). The naan was deliciously flaky and burnished, topped generously with smoky chunks of chicken, crisp veggies, and cheese that stretched for miles. 

Carrot Halwa ($5)

I hate carrots in every single incarnation, except as it turns out, the Carrot Halwa ($5). The mixture of carrots, sugar, and clarified butter was downright addictive, and I couldn’t keep my spoon away.

Gulab Jamun ($5, 2pcs) 

Gulab Jamun ($5, 2pcs) 

However, that’s not to say that the Gulab Jamun ($5, 2pcs) wasn’t a strong contender. These donuts were soaked through with hot syrup, their sweetness balanced expertly between sinfully indulgent and cloying. They would be stellar with a cup of strong mint tea.

Going by my relatively limited experience with Indian food, I would say that Delhi Streets is the real deal, or at least close to. We feasted like Sultans and Sultanas for just over $20 a head, and a good time was had by all.

Rating: 13/20 – chickpeas, lentils, and rice.

This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit. 

JD's Burgers

85 Willsmere Rd 

Kew, VIC 3101

http://jdsburgers.com.au/

What does an 8-layer burger look like?

2kg Legendary Super Saiyan Burger Challenge ($50)

This. It looks like this. It looks like regrets and dreams stacked into a 2kg monstrosity of cholesterol and saturated fats. Thankfully I wasn’t the one who ordered this.

This guy was the one who ordered it.

Hidden away on a suburban shopping strip in Kew is JD’s Burgers, a small take-away burger cafe that is popular with locals, tradies, and people turning in their dignity for a chance at the glory of completing the  burger challenge. In comparison, the promise of Asian fusion burgers almost fades into the background. But I’m a little more conscious about the condition of my arteries, so instead of unhinging my jaw on the 8-layer monstrosity, I decided to check out what happens to burgers when east meets west. 

JD's Mighty Beef Burger ($12)

As great as fusion creations may be, what is a local burger shop if it can’t get the basics right? I tested JD’s mettle with their signature burger, the JD’s Mighty Beef Burger ($12). Though thick and juicy, the patty erred towards blandness, and the cheese was only semi-melted. The rasher of bacon on the other hand was intoxicatingly smoky, combining well with the glazed brioche bun. Despite its flaws, it was a satisfyingly sloppy burger that earned itself a generous pass. 

Japanese Curry Chicken Burger ($11)

Of course, I couldn’t leave without trying something weird and wonderful as well. Though there are influences from all over Asia, including Korea, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, I couldn’t resist the Japanese Chicken Curry Burger ($11), which combined two things I love to eat. Between the same glossy buns was, quite literally, a scoop of saucy chicken curry, complete with chunks of potato. It was accompanied simply by fresh salad and a smear of Kewpie mayo. Even though it was unusual, it was unexpectedly delicious, even when there was nothing but sauce and bun left.

Beer Battered Chips with Special Seasoning ($4.5, small)/JD's Homemade Aurora Chip Sauce ($2)/Aioli Dipping Sauce ($2)

I have a confession: I only went to the gym that morning so I could have an order of Beer Battered Fries ($4.5, small) without feeling guilty. They would’ve been worth it regardless, with their lightly seasoned exterior and mushy centre. We also sampled the two dipping sauces on offer – a thick and potent Garlic Aioli ($2) which I loved, and the tangy Aurora Chip Sauce ($2) made with mayo and a secret ingredient. I thought it tasted like a faintly Asian pickle relish but alas, my tastebuds weren’t clever enough to work it out.

Despite the novelty factor of the Legendary Super Saiyan Challenge, JD’s is still a legitimate place for a decent burger. They have their classics down pat, whilst offering a wacky range of fusion burgers for the adventurous. There are plenty of chicken, fish, and vegetarian options, and you can even build your own sandwich from scratch. Aside from the extremely health-conscious, there’s likely something for everybody here. 

Rating: 13/20 – kamehameha!!

This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit.

Sweet and Sour Fork dined as a guest of JD’s Burgers

Kao Thai

347 Sydney Rd 

Brunswick, VIC 3056

I like relaxing on Friday nights with a good meal, but that’s often complicated by the need to blog said meal. And that’s why I find myself foregoing the fancy Friday night date more and more, in lieu of a simple and companionable dinner. The multi-course tapas blog post can wait for when I’m a little more awake. 

Though my love for authentic Thai food is undying, I have to admit I’ve developed a bit of a grudging soft spot for its mildly westernised incarnation. And despite plenty of reviews insisting that Kao Thai is the best and most authentic Thai food in Melbourne, I was pretty sure that at least the second part of that statement is a bit of a fib. Still, that doesn’t bother me as much as it used to, and I was happy to settle for something simple and delicious. 

Like most places along Sydney Road, Kao Thai is homely but incredibly cramped. There is however a quiet and pretty little walkway, which led to a quaint sheltered courtyard. Though everything was simple, it was all very welcoming, and none of it was gaudy or overdone.  

Thai Milk Tea ($3.5)

I’m a big lover of Thai Milk Tea ($3.5), but whilst this had the milky sweetness and enticing orange colour, it failed to deliver on the actual tea aspect. If you don’t like tea, you’ll love this tea. 

Pad Keemao with Beef ($13.9) 

Our plate of Pad Keemao with Beef ($13.9) was rather good. Though the wok-smoke and fish sauce made the rice noodles taste more Malaysian than Thai, the balance was shifted back by the distinct aroma of Thai basil and a small amount of green peppercorns.  It was actually very tasty, the mouthfuls of slippery rice noodles going down a treat with the crunch of vegetables and tender sliced beef. 

Red Chicken Curry ($14.9)

Similarly hearty and delicious was the Red Chicken Curry ($14.9). Despite my initial impression of ‘this is much too sweet!’, the coconut cream actually segued well into a deep, aromatic richness, with just a hint of spiciness. 

Red Chicken Curry ($14.9)

The gravy was well balanced between the warm and comfort of cumin and red chillies, and the sharper additions of lemongrass, kaffir lime, and peppercorns. The chicken was doled out in large chunks, and the vegetables were once again crisp and fresh. There was way too much curry there for a single serve of Jasmine Rice ($2.5), no matter how generously we scooped the sauce on, and I was left dolefully eyeing the remainder.

Despite only being semi-authentic, I liked Kao Thai way more than I thought I would. The food was unchallenging and delicious, and sometimes that’s really all I’m after.

Rating: 13.5/20 – easy blogging.

This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit. 

Juicy Bao

Shop 2/178-190 Little Bourke St
Melbourne, VIC 3000

Excuse me as I interrupt your usual Ming-written programme with a guest post from Chris! I’m back for another round whilst Ming does a 9am-7pm work week. She’ll be back shortly!

Sometimes it feels like, for all the Chinese food Ming and I eat, we very rarely go to Chinatown. I suppose given any random Chinatown restaurant, it’s hard to know if you’re in for some authentic Chinese food or just some Western-pandering Beef in Black Bean Sauce. However, on recommendation from a friend of Ming’s, tonight we once again made our way into that small, brightly lit street to try out Juicy Bao.

Juicy Bao looks more or less like your typical Chinatown restaurant, if somewhat less extravagant than some others (and certainly cleaner than yet others too), but we had high hopes as we sat down and ordered from their no-surprises menu.

Pork and Prawn Wonton Soup ($9.8, 15pcs)

Ming was very eager to try their Pork & Prawn Wonton Soup ($9.8, 15pcs), and having normally eschewed wontons in favour of dumplings myself, I was happy to concur. After clumsily dropping one of these meaty parcels onto the floor, I fished another out of the light chicken broth, and thankfully this one was securely in my grasp. 

Pork and Prawn Wonton Soup ($9.8, 15pcs)

Despite the juicy flavour granted by the soup, these wontons unfortunately failed to impress, lacking somewhat in prawns – the pieces of prawn were simply spread out too much and too little to be majorly noticeable. This left Ming a bit disappointed, though personally I still enjoyed them.

Salt and Pepper Squid ($6.8)

My first bite of their Salt & Pepper Squid ($6.8) yielded a lovely hit of flavour, the salt and pepper plentiful though not overdone. However, when I eagerly started eating some more pieces, I was instead greeted with a much more restrained flavour. As it turns out, the flavouring in this dish was inconsistent, the aforementioned pattern repeating throughout the meal. That said, even when not bursting with flavour, I enjoyed the batter which was not too heavy like some others we’ve had, and the squid hidden inside which had a good level of chewiness. All in all, I liked the dish, I just wish it had been more consistent!

Zha Jiang Mian ($9.8)

Zha Jiang Mian ($9.8)

One of these days, I’ll remember Zha Jiang Mian ($9.8) by its actual name – but until then, I’ll simply get by on “oh, that really slippery noodle dish with the pork and cucumber on top”. I’ll admit upfront that the slipperiness of these noodles has always bothered me a little; my white-boy chopstick skills can only handle so much! But I digress – these savoury noodles, heaped generously in the bowl, became a tasty, chewy mix with the morsels of minced pork. It also made for a tasty lunch the next day, thanks to our slight over-ordering.

Perhaps Juicy Bao didn’t quite live up to our expectations, but to be perfectly honest, I would happily eat there again and try some of their dumplings and rice dishes. It doesn’t really exceed the other good restaurants in Chinatown, but it’s on par with price, so you won’t feel short-changed spending your money here either.

Rating: 12/20

This rating reflects my (Chris’) personal experience at the time of visit. 

Xeôm

194 Smith St 

Collingwood, VIC 3066
http://www.xeom.com.au/

As a pharmacist (and someone with common sense), I totally understand the need for the Food Safety Standards, but I can’t help but feel a little resentful that as a result, the closest we get to street food is the burger truck. As a result, I spend most of my time scurrying between, and trying to find new restaurants that serve street-styled food because hey, it’s cheaper than flying overseas. 

A while back, on my way to Peko Peko, I spied with my little eyes Xeôm – a shiny new Vietnamese street-food restaurant in the heart of hipster country. Before too long, I was back on a warm afternoon to try their selection of rolls, salads, and noodles. It seemed  like a lot of people had the same idea as me, and the hip new restaurant filled up before too long. 

I was a little disappointed to discover, upon closer inspection, that the menu was more along the lines of Vietnamese staples marketed as street food. After all, rice paper rolls are still rice paper rolls, even if you rebrand them as ‘sexy rolls’, mark up the price, and serve them in a chilled-out restaurant decked with shelves of Vietnamese canned foods. Still, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, and I was still eager to see what Xeôm had to offer. 

Grilled Chicken and Spring Rolls Vermicelli Noodle Salad ($13)

Our first dish was the Grilled Chicken and Spring Rolls Vermicelli Noodle Salad ($13), aka bún. The presentation certainly won it some points right off the bat – the salad was scrubbed squeaky clean and divvied out into little portions, and the large chicken chop had tantalisingly charred edges. 

Grilled Chicken and Spring Rolls Vermicelli Noodle Salad ($13)

When mixed through with fish sauce, this was your classic Vietnamese vermicelli salad, albeit with more care taken with the ingredients. The chicken was stand-out – hot and juicy with a hint of lemongrass, but the spring rolls were disappointing in that they weren’t the crunchy rice-paper kind, but the frozen cocktail kind. The overall flavour was a bit less punchy than you’d expect for Vietnamese food, and unfortunately the only herb was a small pinch of wilted mint. Thankfully, the overall impression of the salad was of delicacy, rather than blandness.

Combination Pork and Prawn Crispy Vietnamese Pancake ($14.8) 

Combination Pork and Prawn Crispy Vietnamese Pancake ($14.8) 

The bánh xèo – or as it’s called here, the Combination Pork and Prawn Crispy Vietnamese Pancake ($14.8) – is Vietnam’s answer to crepes. Except instead of sugar and butter, the crispy rice-based pancake is seasoned with turmeric, and stuffed with protein and bean shoots. 

Combination Pork and Prawn Crispy Vietnamese Pancake ($14.8) 

Combination Pork and Prawn Crispy Vietnamese Pancake ($14.8) 

This is one of those dishes that’s as tasty as it is fun. Sure you could eat it with a knife and fork but the best way to go about it it is with your hands. Rip up a piece of the pancake (make sure to get the meat and veggies as well), wrap it in a lettuce leaf, add as much or as little of the herbs as you would like, and dip it into the fish sauce. Though not mind-blowing in any aspect, this is a dish that’s just plain enjoyable to eat. 

Though I don’t do this very often, I had to double back and get my camera so I could take a snap of this awesome sink set-up.

I’ll be honest – the food at Xeôm is more or less the same as what you’d get at a halfway decent Vietnamese restaurant, except the prices are higher, the portions are smaller, and the tables are cleaner. All that said though, I was surprised to find that I actually quite liked my meal at Xeôm, because sometimes it’s nice to eat traditional Vietnamese food without worrying about why the tables are so sticky.

Rating: 12.5/20 – worth a try.

This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit. 

Laurie Dee's

Shop Re 03 Urban Diner Epping Plaza

Epping, VIC 3076

http://www.lauriedees.com.au/

From what I’ve heard, being a pharmacist in America is a super lucrative job. I would be earning 6-figures right out of the gate, and given that I’m currently working for peanuts, that’s some pretty good incentive to pack up and move overseas. However, whilst I’m seriously considering going to England down the track, I would never, ever move to America for the following reasons: one, I’ll have to learn to drive on the right (aka wrong) side of the road; two, I’ll have to re-do my pharmacy degree on my own dime; and three: there will be places like Laurie Dee’s beckoning on every street corner.

Melbourne has seriously upped its burger game in the last couple of years, and I’m honestly not sure if that’s a good thing, as I’m now spending approximately 82% of my time attempting to resist the lure of hot beef and melted cheese. But considering that I couldn’t remember my last burger, I felt that a trip out to Epping with Daniel was justified to try out what was dubbed by The Burger Adventure as Melbourne’s best-kept secret.

If Laurie Dee’s had opened closer to the city, business would be booming by now. Instead, it does a quiet but steady trade for what I’m guessing are a mix of locals and burger enthusiasts. It’s a cross between a diner and a fast food restaurant – you order at the counter, and pick your food up when your number is called. 

The Laurie Dee Double ($10.95)

Having come out this far, trying the signature burger was a no-brainer. I settled for The Laurie Dee Single ($8.45), whilst Daniel indulged in The Laurie Dee Double ($10.95). 

The Laurie Dee Single ($8.45)

I couldn’t vouch for the double (though Daniel really enjoyed it), but I thought that my Laurie Dee Single was pretty great. The American cheese melted lovingly into the crumbly, smash-styled patty and its crispy edges, and the generous amount of the Special ‘D’ Sauce meant that each mouthful was creamy and delicious. There was just enough salad and pickle relish to keep the burger fresh, and I really enjoyed it, but I couldn’t help but crave a little for the fatty, beefy goodness that was the double. 

Chilli Cheese Fries ($8.95)

Luckily, I had let Daniel talk me into getting the Chilli Cheese Fries ($8.95), and whilst these didn’t look mind-blowing, they were actually pretty close. The sticky mix of mild beef chilli and cheese sauce was delicious is a sinful, fast-food sort of way, whilst the diced onion made me feel a little better about myself. One thing definitely worth mentioning though was the special seasoning on the fries; I couldn’t tell what it was beyond a subtle herbs and spices mix, but consider me hooked. 

Banana Pecan Pie Sundae ($6.95, single)

Even if I had been full, I wouldn’t have been able to resist the Banana Pecan Pie Sundae ($6.95, single), made with not ice cream, but frozen custard. I have to say, frozen custard is a fantastic idea – it is undeniably rich and creamy like ice cream, whilst retaining the silky smooth mouth-feel of soft-serve. Layered with crumbly short bread, warm caramel fudge, crunchy pecans, and freshly sliced banana, this was as decadent as it sounds.

After that very satisfying meal, Daniel and I agreed that whilst we wouldn’t drive across town like we did for the burgers at Laurie Dee’s, we absolutely would drive a good 20 minutes, and if we lived in the area we would be there every week.

Rating: 14/20 – so hungry right now.

This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit.