Mrs Noodle, Glen Waverley

It’s the pulling with the hands that make a difference to the noodles. Even better when it’s done fresh.



Ja Jiang Mein: pork mince in a thickish garlicky gravy that’s very nice, lathering springy just cooked noodles.



Combination fried noodles: the soy is evident.



Fried dumplings: bases pan fried with care.

Not to be overlooked if Ra Ramen is too full.


3 / 5 yums!
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Where? 84 Kingsway, Glen Waverley, VIC
What? Most around $10

Hoi An Quan, Hampton

Could there be good Vietnamese outside the hubs of Footscray, Springvale or Richmond?



Crispy Spring rolls are fine, with a decent nuoc cham dipping sauce.



Better versions of the wonton and char siu noodle soup found at Hong Kong style cafés.



Grilled pork on vermicelli: nice carmelisation on the meat



Grilled pork chop on broken rice: as above



Combination pho: you’ll need the hoisin and chilli for flavour.

Some choices are fine, but next time I’ll be driving the extra kilometres for a better range.


2.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? 912 Nepean Highway, Hampton, VIC
What? Most dishes around $10

Mezzo, Melbourne

Oyster has gone under the surgeon’s knife for a bit of a mini makeover and the result is Mezzo. The face lift has done the place a world of good. The food still has the same ticker but the presentation applied is rustic or clean and sharp when it needs to be.




Scallops and risotto



Squid



Arancini balls



Tortellini



Pork Ensemble



That’s a man’s steak



Duck and Pumpkin Puree



Mmmmmm chocolate

I like the new look.


3.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? 35 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC

Laksa Me, Melbourne

I think the problem is that there’s such evenness to the quality of the typical Malaysian favourites in stock that you can’t distinguish the good from the really good.



Laksa has a good curry flavour without the excessive fatty coconut.



Hainanese Chicken Rice. Pretty. Messy.



Wan dan hor fun could have done with a little bit longer on the wok but otherwise a nice eggy gravy.



Standard char quay teow.

Fine for what it is. And being standard isn’t a bad thing.

3 / 5 yums!
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Where? 1/16 Liverpool Street, Melbourne, VIC
What? Most around $12

Sushi Monger, Melbourne

Judging by the line that averages 25 people during peak lunch hours, this sushi dealer has the addicts on the hook. It’s a cute space about the size of a large bedroom that pumps out the good stuff, from dons, soup udons and handrolls.



Teriyaki Chicken



Katsu Curry – a mildly spicy smooth roux over crispy crumbed meat.



Salmon Avocado – fluffy, slightly vinegary sushi rice, well proportioned avocado and fish.

My crack is the Salmon and Tuna Mix Chirashi Zushi with dollop of mayo, a sticky sweet soy sauce over the rice, marinaded sliced shitake and wakame seaweed with a spicy salmon roll. I can’t wait for my next fix.


4 / 5 yums!
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Where? 309-325 Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne, VIC
What? Around $10

Brioche, Melbourne

After a trip to Philip’s brioche bakery, the delightful croissants and pastries will make the Tim Tam or donut that goes with your morning, mid morning or afternoon coffee leaving you re-evaluating all those years of prior naughty accompaniments.


3.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? 99 Queen Street, Melbourne, VIC
What? Around $5

Mamasita, Melbourne

Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one YEAAAHHHHHH! ….. BOOOOOO… members stand sucks. That’s the sound of the Mexican wave that took over the smart space that was the Recorded Music Salon top end of Collins Street. Despite the no bookings policy, people have been lining up since its conception for a taste of the awesome Old El Paso it so isn’t.



Ceviche – prawns, scallops, green apple, cherry tomatoes, zesty lime and coriander hit the mouth like a crisp Corona.



Tostaditas de Carnitas – mini tortillas topped with slow braised pork shoulder with encuridos and jalpenos: bonus slithers of crackling where four discs is just not enough.



Taco de Res y Chorizo – braised beef & chorizo with coriander & orion.



Quesadillas de Pollo – chargrilled chicken with ‘pico de gallo’, coriander & queso fresco.


4 / 5 yums!
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Where? 1/11 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
What? Small dishes $10-16, Large dishes $18-28