Hakata Gensuke Chicken Ramen

200 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Although Hakata is generally known for their pork dishes and intensely flavoured pork based ramen, there are many people that cannot have pork in their diet. The Hakata Gensuke branch in Melbourne's QV is dedicated to only serving chicken based ramen, as well as replacing their popular pork gyoza with a chicken variant.

 Chicken gyoza $9

One of my favourite things about Hakata Gensuke is their gyoza and the chicken gyoza served at the QV branch of Hakata Gensuke is no exception.

 God fire tori $13

Signature tori ramen $12

The chicken based ramen served at Hakata Gensuke's QV branch is quite different from any of the ramen served at the other branches. Traditionally, the Hakata area of Japan's Fukuoka is known for their use of pork in their dishes. With the switch to chicken as a base instead of the pork used in the other branches, the flavour of the broth becomes much lighter. While I personally enjoy the deep flavour that the fat from the pork imparts on ramen, trying different types of bases is definitely something I recommend all ramen lovers.

Food Rating 7.5/10

Overall Rating 7.5/10

Hong Kong Best Food

35 Carrington Road, Box Hill

As Box Hill is one of the most well known Asian community hubs in the eastern suburbs, it is no surprise there are quite a number of Hong Kong-style cafes around the area. Hong Kong Best Food is one of the most popular of these restaurants and you will definitely have trouble finding a table during their morning rush.

The food served at Hong Kong Best Food is very similar to the style you would actually find in Hong Kong. Their lunch and afternoon specials include a variety of rice, noodle, pasta and snack dishes such as the beef steak in onion sauce on spaghetti, or stir fried kwai teow, which are served with a choice of beverage.

Although the food was on the slightly salty side, it was both filling and satisfying, which is exactly what people are looking for when they visit restaurants similar to Hong Kong Best Food. However, the service at Hong Kong Best Food was almost non-existent, which although is similar to the cafes in Hong Kong, was something I was hoping was different.

Food Rating 6.5/10

Overall Rating 6.5/10

Small Print Pizza Bar

388 High Street, Windsor

Small Print Pizza Bar is a somewhat recently opened pizza bar located just a short walk from the main Windsor and Prahran dining precinct. What sets Small Print apart from all the other high quality pizza restaurants that are popping up around Melbourne though, would definitely have to be their environmentally friendly approach. They aim to be a zero waste venue by reducing packaging where possible, while using every part of their raw ingredients, as well as composting their organic waste and using seasonal and organic produce.

 Small print

The kitchen

 Passiona - passionfruit, pineapple and lemon

WIthout any exaggeration, Small Print's house made soft drinks are some of the best that I have ever tasted. We tried the Passiona, which is made from a house-made cordial of my favourite fruit flavours topped off with tapped sparkling water. The drink itself had an amazing, yet light flavour and also had just the right amount of sweetness, which I appreciated, as a lot of soft drinks are far too sweet for my taste.

Chorizo, asparagus and capers

The pizza topped with chorizo, asparagus and capers was the special on offer when we visited Small Print. The flavour combination was one that I have never tried before, but it was definitely satisfying. The thin crust was the perfect thickness, which is definitely hard to find as I am quite picky when it comes to pizza crusts. Apart from the crust, the ingredients were all high quality and did not have the living daylights cooked out of them, which is a fault I find in a lot of other pizzas.

If you are an environmentally conscious person who loves pizza, as well as small charming venues, then Small Print Pizza Bar is definitely a place you should be looking to visit. Their friendly staff will definitely make you feel welcome!

We were invited by and dined courtesy of Small Print Pizza Bar.

Food Rating 8.5/10

Overall Rating 8.5/10

Suda

Shop C2, 550 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Suda has long been one of my favourite Korean restaurants in the Melbourne CBD. While Suda is not strictly traditional Korean fare, I do enjoy the Korean flavours which they use and combine with elements from other cultures to create inspiring dishes, such as their kimchi tuna quesadilla and creamy mushroom tteokbokki.

Spicy chicken ssam

Meatball ssam

Cheese on firey chicken

Spicy chicken bibimbap

Beef bulgogi bibimbap

There are many reasons why I enjoy visiting Suda as often as I do, such as their friendly service and especially their food. The food at Suda is made with Korean flavours touched up with a western kick, which gives them a fresh touch. 

While the variation of Korean tapas is always something I enjoy, my favourite has to be their fresh interpretation of the humble bibimbap. The meats are tender and flavourful with a marinade that does not make it too sweet, while the sauce on the side can add that little bit of extra spice and sweetness that some people enjoy. What gave the dish that extra special touch was perhaps the smallest element on the dish, the addition of a lightly poached egg instead of the usual fried egg.

Suda is definitely a fun place to dine, as they offer a wide range of flavours, which they incorporate into their fun to eat dishes, such as they tapas and ssam. Apart from just the food, the staff have always been friendly and helped us feel right at home!

Food Rating 8.5/10

Overall Rating 8.5/10