Aspley Oriental, Aspley, Brisbane

This Chinese restaurant has been open since as long as I can remember and with a variety of dishes from A La Carte to Yum Cha, everyone is sure to enjoy. Coming here on a Sunday lunch is always the best time but yet the most crowded time to have Yum Cha. One of the best Chinese restaurants to dine at the Northside..

'Chicken Feet' is a staple dish to order during Yum Cha. Some may be frightened of the fact that it is Chicken's feet while some just can't look at it. The aroma that these feet has been marinated in is definitely giving you that delicious smell and feeling. It does get quite tricky in trying to eat the meat off it as you do have to take your time and is usually best to be eaten by hand. However, if you are wanting to know the taste, it simply just tastes like chicken to be honest just very less meat and much softer than your usual chicken breast texture.

'Minced Pork w Coriander and Peanuts Dumpling' is a dumpling that packs many different flavours in one all based on the minced pork with the hint of coriander and peanuts for extra crunchiness allows this dumpling to be delicious.

'Xiao Long Bao', also know as Shanghai Dumplings which is famous for their soup inside the dumpling which is the main highlight. The flavoursome and hot steaming soup will come out everytime you try and pop this into your mouth. An advice would be to not bite half way and instead try to put it into your mouth as a whole. By biting halfway, you will be sacrificing the soup pouring out and not being able to taste it. Eat it as is or dip a part of it into the soy sauce before eating it.

'Steamed Prawn Dumplings' isn't something I would choose to be my favourite but is always chosen everytime we go out for Yum Cha. Not sure if it's just because it is filled with prawns inside covered in a thin dumpling skin steamed to hotness or what..

'Bok Choy in Oyster Sauce' was just like what it is called, asian greens slightly cooked and served with oyster sauce. One thing I have to point out was that they should really cut it more proportionally as some stalks were way too big and you definitely won't be able to chew nor bite it in any way. 

'Steamed and Pan Fried Pork Buns' was your typical pork bun with the mouth watering sweet Pork Char Siu filling however as you can see, the main part of the bun has been steamed with the top being slightly pan fried which allows you to enjoy the bun with the tad smokiness.

'Tripe' isn't something everyone will love because of its texture however its flavour is something you will love if you like your simple seafood being cooked and steamed in chilli and ginger as well as garlic topped with spring onions.

'Lo Mai Gai' which literally means Chinese sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaf filled with Chicken, mushrooms, Chinese Sausage and scallions while some places also have them with all that plus salted egg and/or shrimp. A staple Yum Cha dish to order yet again, gives you a delicious goodness all wrapped in a lotus leaf all steamed up. When it arrive on your table, you are able to smell and have the aroma coming out as well as all the steam.

When you slowly open the lotus leaf up, be careful as it may be very hot and the steam may just heat it so ever more. This dish usually comes in 2 as one portion when you do order and is usually isn't placed on the trays but instead you would need to tell one of the waitresses if you would like to order it. If you want to have a bit of dishes here and there but not sure if they will fill you up, then be sure to order this. The only thing that people may not be used to is one, the sticky rice with fillings in them and two, the fact that this is all wrapped in a lotus leaf. But I do assure you, when you have tried this at least once, you may come back and have it again the next time you do have Yum Cha with family or friends.

The filling of minced chicken and chinese sausage works well along with mushrooms allows it to be a light dish but feels heavy afterwards. The flavours of the meat is quite aromatic having a soy sauce based and the sauce has also been absorbed by the sticky rice allowing the rice also having a subtle flavour.

'Chee Cheong Fan' is always one of my favourites to order when having Yum Cha, especially the BBQ Pork filling It is basically soft thick rice noodles with fillings such as BBQ Pork or Beef or Prawn or Vegetables and soy sauce poured all over it. The way you eat this is not by eating it as a whole but instead try and cut them up into let's say 2 or 3 pieces each to be able to eat it conveniently and easily shared.



'Egg Tart' is always a favourite amongst diners when having Yum Cha. There are also Mango pancakes or Coconut puddings available for dessert if you're wanting something cold. The Egg tart wobbles as it should and the pastry has dozens of layers which I do prefer rather than those densed pastry.

Fat Noodle, Treasury Casino, Brisbane CBD

Conveniently located in the Treasury Casino building, it allows easy access for events or gatherings even just for a quick lunch or dinner with family and friends. Luke Nguyen has created this restaurant to be a place where people can come and enjoy the traditional family recipes from South East Asia to the table although the main dish of the restaurant would be their 20 hour Fat Pho Noodles, their Fiery Laksa and Vietnamese Chicken Salad.

'Crispy Calamari with Thai Salad' (AUD$14) was a light and simple dish to order when you're not feeling to eat quite as much. Panko fried crumbed calamari served with shredded cabbage, tomato with a Sweet and Sour dressing. Although it did seem like a good idea at the time to eat less that night, the dish itself actually came bigger than I thought it would be.

There were about 5-6 large panko crumbed fried calamari topped with crushed peanuts and there were also fresh chilli cuts on the shredded cabbage. Most of the sauce did lie at the bottom of the bowl so make sure you give it a good mix before eating it. If not, it will seem like eating a plain no dressing salad. If you don't like chilli as much like myself, do try and take as much of the fresh chilli slices out of the dish itself and place it on the paper menu place mat or elsewhere you see fit before mixing the salad. The Panko fried calamari was definitely the highlight of this dish being thick and nicely thinly crumbed.

'Chicken Pad Thai' (AUD$18) is a classic Thai dish that consists of thin rice noodles with chicken breast, peanuts, bean sprouts and eggs. What intrigued me was that it wasn't as dark as the other Pad Thai dishes I have had before as well the crumbed peanuts and the bean sprouts were placed on top and on the side along with a wedge of lemon. Usually, they would all be mixed together while it is being stir fried in the pan.

As for the Pad Thai itself, I did think that it lacked the punch even if it did look pretty in its presentation. By squeezing a little of the lemon onto the dish and mixing it altogether along with the peanuts and bean sprouts, it felt that it needed abit more soy sauce to enhance its flavour. Overall it was alright but not extraordinary..

One thing I do have to say is that sometimes trying to get the attention of the waiters to top up your water or refilling your tea is a bit hard as they sometimes wander around other areas of the restaurant and I have had experiences where they seem to walk past you or avoid eye contact.

Terminal Live Seafood Restaurant, Jl. Manyar Kertoarjo, Surabaya, Indonesia

Terminal Live Seafood restaurant is located on one of the busiest and restaurant filled roads in Surabaya. Offering fresh and live seafood dishes to suit any appetite, they have a few of their own house specialties but also do watch out for their special offers as they might have something that might intrigue you to try. This 2-storey restaurant also has 3 private room that may be used for Karaoke for events or even if you just feel like eating seafood and singing... I guess? If you are looking for a place to entertain for a birthday or even gatherings, they do have a multi purpose area with a stage that you are able to use.. But, nevermore... here is a seafood restaurant that you may want to try when you are around.

Being able to pick out your own seafood just reminds you of being in Jimbaran, Bali but other than that.. it isn't your usual visit to seafood restaurants where you are able to pick out which good lookin fish you would like may it be the smallest or the biggest. Sometimes, the problem with live seafood restaurant is that some may be empty and they would just say that they have sold out or maybe just don't have them anymore on the menu.. Yet, they still have it on their menu which bothers me sometimes when you do want to order it.

The grilling is done outside of the restaurant, allowing them to be able to use a charcoal grill making the seafood have a smoky flavour and also, the crispiness if you have realised do differ from the way you cook or grill your fish or any other seafood.

Once you are seated, you are given a side plate of pickles, freshly chopped chilli with red onion and also a dipping sauce which is quite chilli. First was the 'Grilled Fish' which we ordered which sadly I forgot what type of fish it was.. so, I'll just post the different types of live fish they offer which also includes its pricing so then you know roughly how much it is for each of them. The way they do it is that you choose what fish you would like and also how it is cooked. I do prefer this way of choosing seafood dishes as it is easier and also allows you to not have to stick with what they offer but you can also have a taste of this and that, try it this and that way, more like a flexibility on what you are eating which is great.

We chose the fish to be grilled indonesian style sweet which just uses their Dark soy sauce as a base of the fish while it's grilling. As you can see, the burnt bits are abit extreme in some areas, hence you would omit in eating those areas. But the other areas, you can see how it has been grilled nicely, having the soy sauce absorbed into its meat whilst also getting the charcoal and smoky flavour and texture like I mentioned previously. The seafood was fresh, thick meat and it was delicious.

'English Burr Head cooked with Ebi (Sayur Genjer Masak Masak dengan Ebi) (IDR38rb = ~AUD$3.8) to be honest, I wasn't sure what type of plant it was at first other than that it was some kind of vegetable. When I looked it up online for its English name, it turned out to be an English Burr Head aka. Limnocharis Flava which I have never heard of in terms of its English name but for those who aren't familiar with this vegetable, it is very common in Indonesia, being grown amongst the rice fields in Javanese islands. The central flower stalk is used for cooking but its flower can also be eaten as well. What makes it unique is its triangular shaped leaves, growing in clumps and its hollow stems are bald/smooth.

'Live Galah Prawns' (IDR48rb/ons = ~AUD$4.8/ounces) in which we chose its cooking method to be served with Ginger and Spring Onions. Prawns like these, especially prawns such as King Prawns or Tiger Prawns are best served naturally. In which I mean that it shouldn't be drenched in sauce or full of toppings in which would overpower the prawn's texture and flavour. That's what I think anyway..

Everyone likes their seafood served differently but I feel that minced garlic or just ginger and spring onions allows the juices of the prawn to be tasted as well as the light toppings on top.

There was a Special Offer when we came and that was 'Alaskan King Crab Leg in any sauce of your choice' (IDR128rb/100g = ~AUD$12.8/100g) where you are able to choose out of these sauces or its way of cooking; American Cajun, Garlic, Terminal Signature Golden Cream, Singapore sauce, Padang sauce or Pepper sauce. However, there was a minimum on how much you were able to buy the special which was you had to buy at least 400g of it. The whole dish was served with corn, clam and potatoes which was complimentary for every order made when you choose the American Cajun sauce, which we did.

Everything was served on a big white plate, it was alot of crab legs, I may say.. The American Cajun sauce seemed to have been marinated in, also being poured over everything. There were a few corn cobs on the side, along with roughly cut big fat potatoes however, the amount of clams could have been more but I guess it would have sufficed with the amount of other dishes we have already ordered.

American Cajun sauce wouldn't have been my first choice for sauce but it turned out pretty good I must say. There were the right amount of spices and herbs, flavour was good but I did find it quite full on with the pepper. The crab legs was fat and juicy, filled with flavour and the sauce became a good dipping sauce for the meat.

One of my favourite dishes to eat everytime I am in Indonesia, it is always this.. though every restaurant has their own way of serving and cooking it. 'Soft Shell Crab with Salted Egg' (IDR79.8rb = ~AUD$8) The serving was quite big compared to some restaurants, however there were slices of capsicum as well as what seems to be basil or lettuce as decoration which was quite a nice touch. Overall, the dish was well done, the soft shell crab was crispy and full of flavour with the salted egg all around it.

You can see how big the crab leg is when one is placed on a small plate on its own.. Now I feel like eating more crab.. Wonder where I should go for good crabs over here in Brissie..?

The Old Malaya Cafe, 313@Somerset, Singapore

A humble restaurant on the ground floor of 313@Somerset in Singapore. Here you are able to experience old traditional and classic dishes of Malaysian, Chinese, Indonesian dishes. Although all these cuisines are incorporated to how Singapore food is today. A humble restaurant offering an olden vintage tables and chairs, a more cafe feeling let's say.

 'Popiah' (SGD$2.8) is a must try dish when you're in Singapore. It may not look like much but the filling will make you like it even more with every bite. Usually in every restaurant that serves up old type of dishes, you would find this in their menu.. Oh, and also in every food court you would definitely find this in one of the stalls. The popiah itself was quite big in portion which would have benefited for the price you paid. The skin was not too thick but it was quite hard to bite into which would make the skin break easily and so, the fillings would sometimes come out. So a tip would be, if you can fit it in your mouth in one big bite, then do so and just don't worry about the big cheek munching face you'll have on but try to enjoy it instead. The filling inside consists of bean sprouts, crushed peanuts, fried egg omelette, lettuce, spring onion, stir fried turnip, fried shallots, tofu and sometimes prawns are also included. The healthy part is that it isn't fried when you order this dish so it's kind of similar to like a Lumpia in Indonesia, or a non-fried spring roll really.

'KL Sar Hor Fun' (SGD$5) is a popular hawker style noodle dish however at every state of Malaysia, there are always different versions and adaptations. It consists of thick rice noodle (Hor Fun/Ho Fan), beansprouts, pork, prawns, squid, vegetables, fish fillets, fish cakes, fish balls are some examples and topped with freshly sliced chilli and fried shallots. The soup or sauce you may call it, is somewhat both savoury but has some sweetness in it as well. There are of course dried noodle dishes and also noodle soups, but if you haven't given this a go, then you should.

Mie Keriting P. Siantar, Pluit, Jakarta

The word Mie Keriting simply means Curly Noodles when literally translated into English. Here at Mie Keriting P. Siantar, a classic and old noodle shop offersa humble menu of various dishes with its main being their Classic Curly Noodles. Although it is quite far from the CBD, I would recommend it to anyone who would like to try an old classic Chinese Indonesian dish. I should say that the recipe has been brought down from generations as it has been opened since 1954.

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Imperial Treasure La Mian Xiao Long Bao, Plaza Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia

Imperial Treasure Chinese restaurant is located in Plaza Indonesia offering a wide variety of Chinese dishes. Signature dishes such as La Mian and Xiao Long Bao is a huge hit for diners but overall, whether it may be their appetizers, seafood, soup or even their desserts, they are delicious with full of flavour allowing you to order dishes to share in the middle of the table with your families and friends.

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Soup Restaurant, Plaza Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia

Soup Restaurant in Plaza Indonesia is one of the must go restaurants I guess when you're here. It may not be one of the best known Chinese restaurant as there are many competitions around but I feel that they have character and good service which is always a tick when you enter to dine. Having the influence of Chinatown in the 1930s, the Samsui Lady would look forward to her daily ritual of a simple meal with her sisters from her hometown which made it a treasured moment to remember. Her legacy passes on leading Soup Restaurant to have the Samsui heritage, bringing their heirloom recipes of authentic Chinese Heritage Cuisine which takes you back in time..

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Spicy Fish, Little Bourke St, Melbourne CBD, Melbourne

It was about 9.30 pm in chilly Melbourne when we decided to have dinner. As I had a few places I had wanted to go for dinner, we made our way to the restaurant. We wanted a nice warm chinese meal at the time so we didn't particularly noticed the Italian or Korean etc etc restaurants as we passed by it. Unfortunately, the restaurant I had wanted to go to was closed and so, having to walk back again, I decided to try the next one on my list, and again, it seemed to have closed earlier than what I thought it would normally be. I wasn't being judgemental or anything, but since it is in the CBD, plus near Chinatown, and may I have to remind you that it is a Chinese restaurant may it be a Dumplings restaurant or just a noodle soup but no, I did not expect it to close at around this time.

And so, our journey ended us with grumbling tummies, trying to look for a Chinese restaurant in the heart of Little Bourke St area and some were quite filled but the menu didn't interest us. We came across 'Spicy Fish' a restaurant located on the GF of Target Centre, a restaurant that didn't look as much as appealing but what the heck, we gave it a shot.. So that's how we ended up here, in 'Spicy Fish', whilst being tired of walking around at night trying to find a casual delicious Chinese restaurant.

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Pine and Bamboo, Cannon Hill, Brisbane

Pine and Bamboo, a restaurant located East of the CBD known most for their famous Peking Duck and yes, I would have to agree that so far, that this is one of the best I have eaten in Brisbane. They don't only serve Peking Duck of course, they also serve other Chinese dishes like other Chinese restaurants would. Their space is quite big so whether it may be a family gathering or a birthday party, it can cater for any.

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Fat Noodle, Treasury Casino, Brisbane CBD

It's not that I fancy this restaurant so much until I keep revisiting it, but sometimes, it is rather quite a convenient place to dine, the environment and the ambience as well. It wasn't that busy during lunch time so it was rather nice to dine at a more peaceful and not so noisy environment. If you like your Asian hawker style food, then give here a try since you may just find what you're missing on from back home or from your previous travels. The food ranges from Vietnamese cuisine to chinese, Indonesian to Thai and so on. The place is quite spacious with seatings available inside and out, bar seatings as well, oh and did I mention private function rooms too? It's nice to see restaurants that can cater for various needs and likes.

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