Okra

On dining at Okra in Hawthorn East, it quickly becomes apparent how they came to be awarded an elusive Chef Hat.  Set across two levels (a general dining area down the bottom and a function space at the top), Okra's menu blends Thai, Malaysian and Indonesian cuisine.

It's the little touches that turn a good restaurant into a great one, and for Okra this included serving its Khanom Jeep steamed chicken dumplings with yogurt, soy and aioli in a saucer of hot water to keep them warm, and the baked tangy oysters on a fiery Moroccan-esque plate to add an element of theatre to the night.

Okra's Thai Green curry is the stuff that dreams are made of - rich, fragrant and creamy, paired with Okra's homemade buttery roti Chanai bread, it's one of the best dishes I have had all year. Also showcasing Okra's exceptional curry skills is their whole snapper  - whilst a whole fish may be intimidating to some, the snapper was cooked to perfection and the curry sauce was bursting with flavour.

Unfortunately the okra (their signature dish) never really stood a chance with me - as much as I appreciated the flavours and the way it was cooked, I have never been an okra fan and Okra's Tumis balachan okra with chilli shrimp paste still didn't manage to change my mind. 

Whilst it's impressive that Okra makes their own durian icecream (and I'm sure it's a flavour that would entice some) I couldn't go past the coconut or green tea icecream - a must if you still have room after your decadent feast. 

Whilst the food and the service was absolutely exceptional, there are a few (inexpensive) touches to venue that could be added to take it to next the level (for instance, some nice soap and/or greenery in the bathrooms).  

Otherwise, Okra in Hawthorn East is definitely worth the trip - even if it's just to try a serve of their dream-worthy green curry and roti!

Service: 5/5
Venue: 3/5
Food: 4.5/5
Total: 12.5/15
Verdict: Love - get around to trying it soon

159 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East, Melbourne

The New Fave dined courtesy of Okra
 

Laksa King

Laksa King - home of one of Melbourne's most famous laksas. And at only $10.80 a bowl, how you can you resist.

Situated in Flemington, it's a bit of a hike from the city centre.  However, this doesn't stop the hoards of people from flocking through its doors.

The menu is expansive and everything looks delicious. But, let's be honest, it would almost be blasphamous to come to Laksa King and not order their signature dish. On this occasion I had the chicken laksa and it was delicious! Vibrant colours and mouth watering aromas, the dish came out looking like it had been photoshopped (no, there is definitely no filter on the picture below). Balancing its elements of sweetness, sourness and saltiness like a pro, it was probably the best bowl of laksa I have ever had.

Unfortunately the pan fried pork dumplings ($10.80) we had at the start were not as good. More accurately described as gyozas, they were nice, but came out luke warm and were lacking in any wow factor.

 

Luckily, however, our other starter was delicious - roti bread with peanut sauce ($7.20). The bread was crisp and fluffy and the accompanying peanut sauce was not only incredibly generous (there is nothing worse than the feeling of having to ration your sauce per piece of roti bread) it was deliciously warm and full of flavour.

Whilst Laksa King takes walk ins, due to its heavy traffic I would highly recommend making a booking for one of its two dinner sittings. But, be warned, come with an empty stomach as the size of the bowls of laksa are not for the faint hearted.

Food: 4/5
Service: 4/5

Venue: 4/5
Total: 12/15
Verdict: love - get around to trying it soon