Hakata Gensuke

Baby, it’s cold outside. It’s wet, it’s dark and it’s pouring with rain. Ramen is suddenly the only thing that makes sense. Hakata Gensuke ramen that is.

God Fire

I must say, Ramen has to be one of my ultimate comfort foods. And the ramen at Hakata Gensuke is no exception. If anything, it's the rule. My Level 4 God Fire was wickedly spicy, a steaming bowl of Gensuke's silky tonkotsu broth with a secret blend of 'Spicy Fire' swimming with bouncy noodles and your basic trimmings. I also went for an added egg because really, who can say no to a gooey centered egg ? Seriously, I can not think of anything better to warm the soul on a chilly, grizzly day.

Signature Tonkotsu

On the other end of the table was the Signature Tonkotsu - rich, cloudy and collagen-full pork bone broth served with thin noodles and an upgrade on the trimmings. For an extra $8, you get three more slices of fatty cha shu, seaweed and flavoured egg. All politely slurped up in no time.

Hakata Gyoza

Chicken Karaage

We also grabbed ourselves some bite-sized Hakata Gyozas and Chicken Karaage. Juicy Hakata style fried chicken tossed in secret spices - so so luscious on the inside yet amazingly crispy on the outside. Oh man, biggest craving for this JFC right now. 

Guys, hang up your dripping umbrella and wet jacket, shrug off those winter woes and fill up Hakata Gensuke. Best ramen in Melbourne I tell you.

Hakata Gensuke

860 Glenferrie Road 

Hawthorn, VIC 3122

http://www.gensuke.com.au/ 

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Tokyo Tina

Welcome a third sister to the family, Tokyo Tina - Windsor's newest contemporary Japanese restaurant-dive bar ! From the brains behind Hanoi Hannah and Saigon Sally, the guys have combined the best eats, beats and vibes inspired from the streets of Japan and brought us the exotic country as it is today.

Jade green tiles, distressed manga posers and timber features set the scene. The menu ? We're talking Japanese street food with a helping hand from neighbour Korea and touches of inspiration from other parts of the world. Tokyo Tina dares to walk the walk and walks a fine line between fusion and modern Asian cuisine.

Open California Roll / Crispy Avo Bao

We started off with the Open California Roll - a delicate wafer of crispy nori topped with plump sushi rice, shredded WA spanner crab, crunchy salad and toasted sesame seed. An elegant and light start to our meal - I could have only wished for more than a mouthful !

We also tried their Crispy Avo Bao - a soft pillowy bun encasing a battered piece of creamy avo, pickled ginger and gochujang. Unfortunately, this dish didn't really do much for me, with its aimless fusion of flavours which were easily overpowered by the pickled ginger.

Tonkatsu Croquettes 

In contrast, the Tonkatsu Croquettes drizzled in bulldog sauce were ever so lovely, crunchy and packed full with flavour. Accompanied by a refreshing coleslaw, these bite-sized morsels were easily my pick of the night.

Medley Tomato Salad

Next up was the Medley Tomato Salad with smoked tofu, slippery knot noodles and shiso. Sadly, a dish that I was not very fond of at all. I understood that it was a simple side dish, however I felt it was far too simple and a little too effortless. 

Karaage Chicken Ribs 

To finish off the night, we nibbled on Tokyo Tina's Karaage Chicken Ribs slathered in hot sauce and dotted in sesame seeds. Chicken ribs have a special place in my heart and with Melbourne's food scene offering such top notch chicken ribs and wings, I could not help but feel a little let down with the ribs at Tokyo Tina. Again, I felt that ingredients and sauces had just been thrown around, without allowing sufficient time for sauces and spices to marinate and soak in, resulting in rather dry and bland ribs. Luckily, the hot sauce and a spritz of lemon picked up its game. Whilst the overall dish was tasty, the results weren’t as amazing as I imagine they had hoped for. 

Regrettably, Tokyo Tina did not leave me salivating. The potential is definitely there so I'm just thinking of giving her a little more time to grow, learn and find her feet before heading back.

Tokyo Tina

66 Chapel Street  

Windsor, VIC 3181

http://www.tokyotina.com.au 

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Big Mama

I think you would all agree with me when I say that Melbourne weather has been batshit crazy cold of late. It's forever raining and the wind bites. But don't forget, there's always a silver lining guys ! Myself ? I winter straight in the eyes and battle it out with good old Korean comfort food. Enter Big Mama.

Takoyaki

Takoyaki is the bomb - amazing little things I can never look past. And Big Mama delivered well - oozy octopus balls dripping in takoyaki sauce and mayo topped with shavings of dried bonito. Yum. 

Oven Cheese Ddeokbokki

Up next was our extra cheesy ddeokbokki. Oh boy, this was comfort food to the max - think carbs, carbs, cheese and more carbs. Chubby rice cake rolls, fish cake, cabbage and instant ramen pooled in a spicy sweet sauce topped with melty cheese.

Kimchi Jjigae

We also ordered a Kimchi Jjigae to share. Fiery hot, hearty, and full of flavour, we scooped spoonful after spoonful onto our steamed rice. We would have loved to see a few more slices of pork in there, but that did not stop us from emptying out the entire bowl. 

The result ? Winter - 0, Little Piggy - 1 

Big Mama

466 Swanston Street

Melbourne, VIC 3053

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Kong BBQ

From the brains behind the ever so popular Chin Chin and Baby, now comes Kong BBQ. Positioned comfortably on Church Street, Kong joins a bustling street of crowd pleasers - Top Paddock and Pillar of Salt. Fitted out by designers Eades and Bergman, the 60-seat restaurant is casual - simple yet bold. The menu, inspired by Korean and Japanese flavours focuses strongly slow cooking, the oriental BBQ way. 

Teriyaki Roast Ora King Salmon Ssam Roti Roll

The flavour and texture of Ora King Salmon was full, rich and buttery together with lashings of teriyaki  sauce mingled with the sweet crunch of wok fried Chinese broccoli and tomato. The roti was tender on the inside, soaking up all the sauces, yet the outer layer still crisp and nicely charred. Not exactly a Korean or Japanese inspired dish, but no one’s complaining here. My friend and I fell in love with this dish and had us singing praises for the entire meal.

Kong  Bossam BBQ Tray

I'm a big fan of bossam, mixing and matching bold flavours that you create in your own individual morsel. The gochujang BBQ chicken was delightful, pulled pork a little lifeless, pork belly and crackling absolutely lip-smacking and the beef brisket slightly dry but saved by the coffee infused tomato relish. Together with the fresh lettuce, tangy pickles, wombok kimchi & walnut ssamjang, we had lots of fun playing with your food - in an acceptable way of course. 

At Kong, atmosphere is loud and lively, service fun and friendly, and food marvously mouth-watering. Would I come back you ask ? Puh-lease, that’s not even a question - I’ve already been back for seconds. Kong is King.

Kong BBQ

599 Church Street  

Richmond, VIC 3121

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Shyun Ramen Bar

Carnegie has always been one of my favourite places to dine at, and boy has Carnegie changed over the years. What started off as a quiet suburb with just a handful of family restaurants has now exploded into one of the hottest foodie destinations in Melbourne. You've got your old time favourites Kuala Lumpur, Paradai Thai and Kimchi Grandma, the newer kids to the block like Shyun, Mrs Kims Grill and Spilt Milk and with the likes of Pho66 and Petaling Street opening shop in the next few months. 

It was just two weeks ago that Carnegie said "Irrashaimase" to Shyun Ramen Bar, the newest addition to Melbourne's ramen scene. And it hasn't taken long for locals and Shyun devotees to find their way to Shyun Ramen Bar, just down the road from sister restaurant Shyun - myself included. Cold weather demands comfort food. 

Upon walking, you'll realise just how small the ramen bar is - seating up to 24 remen-goers or perhaps 30 if you really want to push it. It's a casual and simple space - open kitchen, wooden tables, black metal stools and a self-service ordering system. 

Tori-gara

Titled Chef's Pick, the Tori-gara had to be ordered. The broth was golden, thick and robust in chicken flavour. Just a sip of this broth told stories of the countless hours it simmered over the stove. The rich broth enveloped perfect bouncy and chewy noodles, two slices of fatty chashu, an overcooked egg and your usual trimmings. 

Tonkotsu 

The tonkotsu broth, also boiled over hours, was a wonderfully rich and creamy consistency. In comparison to the Tori-gara, though the broth had a lot of depth to it, we found the complexity of the flavours did not quite hit the same notes. 

Takoyaki

Of course, we also ordered a serving of their Takoyaki. Complete with dancing bonito flakes, these were extremely satisfying with its crisp exterior and lovely creamy texture inside. Check out that octopus tentacle ! Clearly a winning dish, I'd have to say these are one of the best ones I've had in Melbourne.

Overall, our speedy meal at Shyun Ramen Bar was a great winter warmer. Portions here may be small for some, but the quality is there. I must add though, my main gripe is how small the space is - with hungry queuers hawk eyeing you as you eat, and the countless times I was bumped or asked to get up mid-eating so that people could get out/get in, it isn't the most comfortable place to be.

If you're in the area, do go and try if you're feeling like a quick meal, but do not expect to stay for more than 30 minutes.

Shyun Ramen Bar

73 Koornang Road 

Carnegie VIC 3163

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Matsuri

Positioned quietly on High Street  lies this lovely little Japanese restaurant, offering locals the fresh and light flavours of Japan. There was no doubt that Matsuri would be the destination for E's birthday dinner - mainly because E has been urging us to try Matsuri, for as long as any of us can remember.

Though a small space, we were presented with a full menu - there was definitely no lack of options here. We let Birthday Girl take full control.

Pork Gyoza

We kicked off with Pork Gyozas - crispy skinned dumplings with a juicy pork and cabbage filling.

Takoyaki 

The takoyaki octopus balls were a hit - a golden exterior encasing a wonderfully creamy and tasty batter. Lathered in takoyaki sauce and mayo, a sprinkling of aonori and finished with dancing dried bonito, these were demolished in no time.

Agedashi Tofu

Next up was the Agesdashi Tofu - which actually turned out to be deep-fried tofu with onion, broccoli and teriyaki sauce. Looking back on the menu now, it does indeed read that it comes with teriyaki sauce...but then why did they call it Agedashi Tofu ? Mind boggling. 

Vegetable Tempura

An array of vegetables deep fried in a light and crispy batter served with tempura dipping sauce - think your typical trusty vegetable tempura.

Salmon Avocado Roll 

This dish was probably my favourite for the night - creamy avocado and lettuce enveloped in nori and plump sushi rice, topped with fresh salmon, drizzled in mayo and finished alfalfa sprouts.

Prawn Tempura Roll

We also ordered the Prawn Tempura Roll - bread-crumbed prawns, avocado and cucumber sticks wrapped snugly in sushi rice, dotted with black sesame seeds. 

Uanagi Don

Glazed in a sweet and sticky sauce, the bite sized pieces of grilled unagi (eel) smelt and tasted amazing. On a bed of hot steaming rice, it was accompanied with broccoli and zucchini, drenched in the same sweet and salty sauce.

Pork Loin Katsu

Last, but definitely not least was Birthday Girl's most anticipated dish of the night, the Pork Loin Katsu. Breaded in panko, the crunchy outer casing gave way to a moist and flavourful piece of pork loin. The side serving of cabbage salad not only added a touch of color to the dish, but went incredibly well between bites of the pork loin katsu.

Despite a couple of misses among a handful of hits, Matsuri is a cozy little resturant serving up quality Japanese food that is inexpensive and stomach satisfying.

Matsuri

406 High Street 

Prahran, VIC

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Hinoki Japanese Pantry

Hinoki Japanese Pantry is pretty much all I can think about these days. And let me tell you why, Hinoki is far from your average sushi bar. Not only do they serve up amazing sushi, it's also a Japanese grocery store too - making life just easy peasy Japanese-y.

Nosé Maki Mix

Suffering from FOMO (fear of missing out), I chose the nosé maki mix which allowed me to have a little bit of everything. 

Each maki roll was packed with the most perfect grains of rice - plump and vinegary, hugging fine shreds of carrot and cucumber, and then adorned with the freshest ingredients. In order, there was salmon with ailoi and tobiko; tuna with spicy mayo; and king fish with yuzu kosho and yuzu tobikko. 

Let's not forget about the seared salmon with a nutty sesame dressing; and the nasu dengaku !

I particularly enjoyed the nasu dengaku - grilled eggplant glazed with a sweetened miso. The Salmon Aioli was also memorable, with the salmon so lovely and tender, creamy aioli and bursts of tobikko.

No doubt about it, Hinoki has left a deep impression on me, and I find myself day after day dreaming of their sushi. I do think I may have it figured out though - the secret to their sushi must be the ridiculously fresh produce, great variety and of course, all wrapped with love. I cannot wait to go back.

Hinoki Japanese Pantry

279 Smith Street 

Fitzroy, VIC 

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