Oriental Spoon
Sunday, January 31, 2010
First REAL foodies post for 2010, and are you not surprised... on a KOREAN restaurant.For people who do not know me, I am a real fan of Korean food. Plus, I have a group of friends who are either Korean/loves Korean food as much as I do. However be rest assured that this blog will not be filled with only Korean delicacies. I am not that boring.... :)
I shall start off with a place I've just been to a few days ago:
Oriental Spoon
254 La Trobe Street, Melbourne
VIC 3000, Australia
254 La Trobe Street, Melbourne
VIC 3000, Australia
Located just next to Melbourne Central Shopping Centre and train station, and just less than 5 minutes walk from RMIT University, Oriental Spoon is no doubt conveniently located. Korean food wise, Oriental Spoon serves pretty decent Korean food, though not the best you can find in Melbourne. However, credits go to their good location and a pretty nice ambience (kudos to their newly renovated/decorated interior, with a whiff of fresh paint still evident). Food is served in big portions, so it is good to order a few dishes to be shared amongst a group of friends, or an entree and a main dish to share amongst two adults (unless you are obviously a big eater).
Their pork bulgogi was really good though. It was the best dish amongst those we have ordered.
Dumplings (진만두)
Sweet and sour chicken (탕수육)
Potato Noodles (잡재)
Texture was right, though tasting slightly more oily than some of the rest I have tasted.
Mixed rice in a stone pot (literally - 돌솥비빔밥)
Seafood pancake (해물파전)
A bit too much batter, even though there was a decent amount of seafood in it
Pork Bulgogi (돼지불고기)
A decent portion with good taste that shows that it is well-marinated, and it is not overly spicy. Served on a sizzling plate.
Korea's very own Ginseng tea... for the health-conscious people. (인삼차)
Chicken Bulgogi (닭 불고기)
Tasty chicken mixed rice in a stone pot
Beef Bulgogi (소고기 불고기)
Tasty beef mixed rice in a stone pot
Kimchi fried rice (김치볶음밥)
Served with a side of salad.
Overall (out of 5 stars per category):
Food: Taste: *** Fragrance: *** Appearance: ****
Decent food, worth a try.
Service: ***
Friendly staff, but they did not seem to be able to differentiate when to give attention to you and when not to.
Price: ***
Average pricing considering its location - Ranges from about $20 to $30 per person for a meal shared with friends
Ambience: ****
Good ambience even when it was bustling.
Accessibility: *****
As described above, the location is perfect. Unless you live out in the country then probably not.
