Satu Produk

Satu Produk Durian (literal translation being One Durian Product) is located in Melbourne's Chinatown. As its name suggests, the star of this place is all things durian. We were here prior to its grand opening and also recently. The menu now has English on it too. Perfect for durian lovers or those interested in trying this fruit. We had:

Durian, Durian Ice Cream and Coconut Jelly - A cold durian dessert with shaved ice, durian, durian ice cream and coconut jelly. Sweet, slightly milky and quite a nice durian flavour throughout. Wish the shaved ice was smoother and not as chunky. A nice change from the usual shaved ice dessert options out there.

Durian Pancakes - Thin crepe with durian and cream filling. You certainly can't miss the durian aroma and flavour in this. Quite light and nice.

Service: :star :star :star :star  ½
Quality of food: :star :star :star :star ½
Value for money: :star :star :star :star :star 

Type of venue: Chinese Dessert

Worth a return visit? Yes.

Address: 206-218 Bourke St, Melbourne 3000

 

Shanghai Street

Melbourne's best xiao long bao is probably found in Hutong. The best version found anywhere in the world is undoubtedly Din Tai Fung and good news for Meburnians as it is opening soon in Emporium. In the meantime however, there is Shanghai Street on Little Bourke St, which is an extremely popular dumpling restaurant. It is fast, efficient and cheap. We had:

Xiao Long Bao - for the price you pay, this isn't too bad. Just don't go comparing it to Din Tai Fung. If it is your average dumpling restaurant you are comparing this to, then you won't be disappointed. The broth actually stays in the dumpling skin and it isn't too oily. Just a shame the dipping sauce doesn't come with any sliced ginger.

Dumplings in chilli oil and peanut sauce - the combination of peanut sauce and chili oil make this extremely addictive. Slightly spicy and makes you want more and more. Quite a large portion as well so well worth it. Tried to buy the peanut sauce in the Asian supermarkets but could only find sesame sauce so maybe they make their own?

Service: :star :star :star
Quality of food: :star :star :star  ½
Value for money: :star :star :star :star :star 

Type of venue: Chinese

Worth a return visit? Yes.

Address: 146 Little Bourke Street,  Melbourne VIC 3000

Supper Inn

Our go to place for a late night meal. Supper Inn is a popular joint and although the service can be hit and miss, they do quite good congee which is the main reason why we go there. This time we had:

Suckling Pig - not many places do this Chinese style roast suckling pig. Slices of suckling pig with tender meat and crispy skin. Need we say more? Yes, there are better versions in Hong Kong etc, but this will do.

Sliced pork fried noodles - fried noodles and congee go well together and this version of "yuk shi chow mien" is really good. Crispy noodles with a nice gravy, generous thinly sliced pork and crunchy bean sprouts complete this dish.

Pork and century egg congee - they have a good congee list and we quite like their sliced abalone and chicken congee. Decided to try the pork and century egg congee this time and it was just ok. The congee texture is good but the century egg isn't the best in terms of taste and quality. Will stick with the abalone one next time.

Service: :star :star
Quality of food: :star :star :star ½
Value for money: :star :star :star :star

Type of venue: Chinese ,  Asian, Supper

Worth a return visit? Yes.

Address: 15 Celestial Avenue,  Melbourne VIC 3000