K-Tarng

Baby of the family, K-Tarng is sibling to the more popular one in the family, Tarng on A'beckett Street. But let me just say, don't judge a book by its cover. 

The interior is nothing fancy, like not at all, but it's when I made my way to the back that I discovered a little spot of Korea hidden in good old Carnegie. Picture a little garden, tables and stools and fairy lights stretching to the sky. All I could think of was K-drama ! But onto the food.

Tarng's Spicy Fried Chicken

Of course we could not pass up ordering a serving of deep fried goodness in the form of Korean fried chicken. Smothered in a sticky sweet chilli sauce, the chicken was tender and juicy on the side yet super crunchy on the outside. Don’t bother with cutlery here, these babies are finger lickin’ good ! I could not get enough of this.

Pork BBQ

Next came out a sizzling hot plate BBQ Pork which I wasn’t overly fond of as the pork was rather dry and lacking in seasoning.

Kimchi Pancake

I’m mad about kimchi pancakes and these were definitely not an exception. What’s not to like about a fluffy pancake with crispy golden edges, with all its tangy and slightly spicy glory. Dipping these in a simple soy and vinegar sauce, we watched as they disappeared like magic.

Corn Cheese

We also spoilt our tastebuds (waitsline not so much) with a bubbling plate of Corn Cheese. Sweet corn kernels concealed in a creamy concoction of all things naughty - mayo, butter and sugar. And of course, roofed with extra melty mozzarella cheese.

I've been to K-Tarng multiple times now and have enjoyed each visit - it's just so easy. Come here on cold wintery nights for those extra calories to keep you warm and fuzzy.

K-Tarng

45 Koornang Road  

Carnegie, VIC 3163

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Di Bella Coffee Roasting Warehouse

I often hear great things about Di Bella Coffee Roasting Warehouse - it being a favourite spot among Melbourne North-siders. Clearly, a visit was in order. 

A step into Di Bella and it seemed like we were in a whole new world. Met by the delightful aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air, the vibe is rustic and laid back. Very North Melbourne.

Crispy Pork Jowl

Feeling a little cheeky (heh), I went for the Crispy Pork Jowl with its syrupy son-in-law eggs, pork sauce, balsamic soaked croutons and turnip tops. Crispy, salty, and rich, the pork jowl was a clever alternative to your typical bacon rasher. A bite in and I was greeted with moist meat and insanely luscious fat that drove me crazy – both crazy good and crazy thinking about the hours I’d be spending at the gym burning it off ! 

Crispy Prawn Brioche Roll 

On the other end of the table, T tucked into his Crispy Prawn Brioche Roll – crispy prawn pieces, kewpie tartare and banh mi style salad all sandwiched between a soft buttery brioche roll. With crinkle cut chips on the side, T thoroughly enjoyed his pick.

Overall, I was charmed by Di Bella, with it’s easy going ambience, cozy feels and swift service. I'll be back, but for something much more healthier the next time round.

Di Bella Coffee Roasting Warehouse  

19-21 Leveson Street  

North Melbourne, VIC

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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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