Melbourne Restaurants

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There are plenty of Indonesians in the city, especially students studying in the Universities. Thus it is of no surprise that you should find Indonesian restaurants clustering around the outer fringes of institutions such as RMIT.

The serving sizes are hearty so the price is going to be higher compared to back home but one can get reasonably authentic offerings at reasonable prices.

I tried both and the curious thing is that they are within walking distances from each other.

Nelayan adopted a more homely feeling - trays of dishes were displayed and you pick whichever that you wish to go with the staple (rice). The decor is more modern and warmer but the eatery has chosen to pack as many tables and chairs into a confined place so walking room may be a little wanting!

77 Es Teler is double-storeyed. You place your order on the first floor and then find your way to the second for the dining area...which I find to be much more spacious and comfortable compared to Nelayan. Unfortunately, the decor is mish-mash and the harsh florescent light does not flatter the place or anyone dining inside.

Favorite Dish: I had grilled chicken meals (Ayam Bakar) at both locations.

Both meals hovering around A$10, the serving size of 77 Es Teler is definitely more money worth compared to Nelayan's and they are more generous with the side condiments as well.

Nonetheless, I do find the taste at Nelayan better. The chicken is more juicy and the (kecap manis) sauce complimented the poultry better.

Guess you can't have them all!

Ok so this restuarant was for many years the best in Melbourne and even though you still have to book well in advance to secure a table, I find some of the food a bit bland. The service is excellent and cannot be faulted, waiters are attentive, friendly and as you would expect know about the food they are serving. The best way to order here is to let the waiters to bring out a selection of food and match the wines.

Favorite Dish: My favourite dishes are their salt n pepper squid, which is served with fresh lemon juice which is cuts right through the saltiness - yum. My other dish that I love is their baked crab with onion, garlic andTumeric sauce, I have had this each time I have been and it does not dissapoint. Peking Duck is another winner but not the best I have ever had. The one dish I do not like is there fried rice, not a fan at the best of time but find it very bland.

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Melbourne is crawling with Japanese restaurants, both highbrow and and those that would not blow money out of your wallet.

If you are looking for somewhere budget and yet sumptious, try this 2 out in the city:

YOYOGI
Along Swanton Street (Collins Street), this is a place very popular with the younger crowds - there was always a queue outside the restaurant/cafe during the popular dining hours. The price is economical and the servings very hearty (man, the bowl of rice!!), which probably accounted for the whys.

DON DON
Almost invisible along Swanton Street (Lonsdale Street) except for the few red chairs inside an enclosure along the pedestrain walk way, this is another fave student haunt for economical udon, soba and don. Unlike most other Japanese restaurants, this one is actually owned by a Japanese. Had a slurp of the soba, and despite the presence of lettuce in the soup, it really tasted rather authentic for its price ($8, circa 2008)

Both are not big shops (in fact, Don Don can be described as cramped) and their deco is faux Japanese. Both wins people over with its food.

1999: Me & my mates fell into University Cafe simply this was a place packed with our peers and well, we could not really afford the posh prices of the other restaurants along Lygon Street.

The atmosphere was ear-shattering buzzling - my guess was that many budget travellers and students from the nearby RMIT must be holding court in here.

Typical cafe; nothing too fancicful nor bland. Manned by a young team (students?). Found a slightly quieter spot in the cafe cum diner just to drink all the buzz in.

The food was hearty in their usual Australian sized servings (then in 2000; goodness knows what happens now) and very tasty. I had the pasta (Blackpepper Seafood Aglio Oilo) and a slab (no, not a slice) of double fudge cake. The richness of the cake almost killed me with its luxury!

Favorite Dish: 2008: Still the same hearty food but with 1 sour puss waiter whose smart aleck comments is going to get a retort from me soon. The other staff are wonderful though so my guess is that, either he is a racist pig or one who spit on tips. My comments? Don't let one bastard ruin a chance to try out this place.

If you feel like some great Malaysian food when in town, Malaymas is not to be missed. I have been going there for more than 10 years and originally it was only a take away shop with a couple of tables. Over the years it has become so popular that they had to move into a bigger premise. It is always busy so you may have to wait for a table if you don't book, but the service is quick and the food is hot. It only takes cash and alcohol is not allowed but dont let that stop you. Its open everyday but Tuesday.

Favorite Dish: In my opinion they have the best Laksa in Melbourne offering a range of different types. Other favourite dishes is their Malaymas Fried Rice, Chicken Curry, Hainan Chicken, the fried chicken wings (not that healthy but sometimes you have to induldge), Mee Goreng and Kuay Teow.

Thanks to everybody who posted...
We have been spoilt as we spent 3months travelling through Northern Italy last year and we hoping to repeat the eating experience. We didnt want to end up in the old stock standard everybody does the same pizza and pasta sort of deal that you get when you get a setup like Lygon st, and another like Fremantle in W.A. where anybody with the slightest bit of Italian heritage thinks they can cook Italian.

Many Thanks

Marco

Tucked away off the main drag of Chinatown is this absolute gem.

Blink and you will miss it.

Head inside and you find a clean unpretenious little restaurant that is all about the food.

Everytime I come to Melbourne I come here. Why becuase its good food, good value, good service and it takes me back to Malaysia everytime.

I come especially for the Har mee (Prawn Soup) made just how I remember it to be. I have sampled other dishes on the menu and they are good but this soup is hard to find and even harder to be made to authentic Malaysian standard. This soup is hot and spicy, and it can be made even hotter by adding the restaurants own HOME MADE SAMBAL, belissimo. I asked about buying the sambal but its not for sale.

So if you want great Malay food this is the place to be.

I haven't got a picture for you - I do try to remember to take one but the experience and the food takes over and I forget.

This place was packed as we walked pass. And you know the saying if in doubt "Do as the locals do." And so we did and what a find.

Having been to Vietnam and a lover of Pho this place was as good as any I had before.
You have the option of a small bowl or large. I ordered large because I could and was glad I did. The soup was perfect. Loaded with alot more beef than what normally would served. I enjoyed every last morsel.
A small is sufficient, not as small as the bowls you get in Vietnam so I would deem them to be more of an average sized bowl.

Service was quick and the decor typical put together Asian Restaurant. Tiled Floor, Standard Table and chairs, with the plastic side tray with all the condiments in it, box of tissues.

As we departed I took another look around and guess what, the place was still packed.

Favorite Dish: Pho Bo - Vietmanese Beef Noodle Soup - The Soup that feeds a Nation!