Shyun, Carnegie

A little unassuming spot in Carnegie might be the Pocari Sweat that quenches my thirst for authentic casual Japanese in Melbourne. The real Japanese at the counter and beyond deliver the usual suspects, from the dons of oyako, katsu and teriyaki, udons and garnished by a few chef specials, karaage and agedashi tofu sides. A very mild yet delicious curry topping sliced crumbed fried chicken and a beautiful sushi and sashimi platter have put a massive smile on my face that will ensure I’ll go back to replenish my body.


3.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? 126 Koornang Rd, Carnegie, VIC
What? Around $10





Left to Right: Takoyaki, Curry Katsu Don, Sushi & Sashimi

Circa, St Kilda

Circa… it’s the case of long time admirer, first time reviewer. The Gold 1 Oh Four point 3 great times and classic hits of the Melbourne dining scene that’s “recently” had a Fox FM make over. This (being me) Gen Y might have missed the wave to enjoy the Frankie Goes to Hollywood revered dishes, but the menu at Circa v2.0 has moved with the times in a Lady Gaga album way with plenty of fresh hits. Though those looking for something outrageous should be served the “Telephone” video clip, but the food is just as contemporary and as pleasing as a Matt and Jo show.

Beautifully presented dishes, as relaxed and laid back as the organic surrounds where table clothes are absent. While the mains sounds promising, I suggest taking a co-host and enjoy the producer’s selection to share. Feast your eyes below:



Cured ocean trout, kingfish, crispy calamari, pickled cucumber: is Alexander Cabot, legally hot.



Crab and nettle ravioli, Hunter Valley snails, samphire: shades of green that tastes better than it looks.



House cured meats, carrot & ginger chutney, grilled bread



Roasted Milawa Chicken: my chook is better than your chook.



48 hour Wurrook mutton shoulder: we got it because anything cooked that long has to be tender. Teeth are not required to consume.



Smoked duck breast, a very cheeky bubble ‘n’ squeak, pistachios, corn



Baklava, blue vein cheesecake, honey roasted pear: a Gotcha call on a plate, not quite right as the honey can’t hide the mold.



Chocolate, salted caramel, honeycomb, banana: liking Kyle Sandilands, a guilty pleasure.

A thoroughly enjoyable meal that I’d love to wake up to. I’ll have to tune into Circa more often.


4 / 5 yums!
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Where? 2 Acland St, St Kilda, VIC
What? Entrees around $23, Mains $38, Desserts $15

Kim Chi Grandma, Carnegie

I’ve been missing my Korean gran at Box Hill, and although it’s a bit of a trek across town, the trip to Carnegie to get a kim chi fix is worth it. I’m glad the old, original gal is still going strong and doesn’t look a day over 10 years. All greatest hits are featured, from the slippery translucent glass noodles of Jap chae, to the pork and beef bulgogis, kim chi pancake and stews. Bibimbap is soft though, missing the charring heat of a stonepot that doesn’t provide justice to the julienned veg, rice and shredded cow meat. A small blemish that you can easily forgive, it is the grandma cookin after all.

3 / 5 yums!
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Where? 125 Koornang Road, Carnegie, VIC
What? Average Main - $15







Left to Right : Pork Bulgogi, Kim Chi Stew, Beef Bulgogi, , BiBimBab, Japchae, Seafood pancake

Petaling Street, Glen Waverley

Just about every other Asian cuisine has been pimped out on the G-Wave strip, but not since Oriental has there been a proper hawker Malaysian joint on Glen Waverley’s Golden Mile. With a menu that’s littered with classics such as mee goreng, assam and curry laksa and teh tarik, it’s sure to invoke giddy daydreams for those living within the secondary school boundary zone.

But when the number of choices rivals that of a Hong Kong café, you’ve got to wonder if the talent gets too spread. The rendang lacked a bit of oomph, sar hor fun noodles could have benefited a bit longer in the wok. On the bright side, fried kuay teow spent enough time on the heat, and the lobak’s bean curd sheet is nice and crisp.

Petaling Street brings Malaysian street food to the streets of GW, and judging by the wait for a table, the other streetside vendors should be worried.

3 / 5 yums!
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Where? 111 Kingsway, Glen Waverley, VIC
What? Around $10

Turkish Place, Brighton

There is a little place in Brighton on Bay Street. They sell shaved lamb and chicken doner, skewered shish in a peppery spice and chopped herbs cooked on a chargrill in kebabs or meals with rice, Turkish bread, salad and a yoghurt and carrot dip. It is really yummy. The humus and eggplant dips also look yummy. I want to try the baklava next time. I like that Turkish place.

3 / 5 yums!
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Where? 344 Bay St, Brighton, VIC
What? Kebabs $8.50 – 11, Meals $14-16