Chang Go, Melbourne CBD

Yeeee-haaaaaaw!! The Famous 8 Flavoured Pork Belly BBQ Set!!

1. Wine

2. Original

3. Ginseng

4. Garlic

5. Herb

6. Curry

7. Miso Paste

8. Hot

Hidden dead smack centre of the CBD in an alley that nobody cared to look... When it actually is just right behind Melbourne Central -- go figure!

A deserted street at night, perfect location for one of Melbourne's best kept secret, no?

LOVE it when places serve this spring onion salad, such a perfect accompaniment to a Korean BBQ meal

Want... MOARRR!

Sexy, fatty, caramelised pork belly action...

AMAZING Kimchi Jjigae as part of the BBQ Set Meal

Sweet and Sour Chicken -- $25.50

Korokke (Japanese Croquettes) -- $10

8 Flavoured Pork Belly!!!!!!!!! E. Nuff. Said.

Chang Go, a place that I recently went to for dinner with I-Hua, Zeboy, Agnes and Thanh after we went on a day trip to Ballarat =)

One of the many things I love about my cousins is that they're actually the ones who's introduced me to so many great places to eat around Melbourne, including this place. I must be honest, I was being slightly selfish for not wanting to speak about this place at all for the longest time, even though I've been secretly coming here for about 1.5 years. It's just.. It's just... It's just that I love this place SO much and it's already so hard to get a table here as it is, despite not being particularly "famous" on Urbanspoon. That said, I know I've been being a bit silly about the whole thing so I've decided to blog it today =)

This place, as you might've imagined by now, is dead famous for its 8 Flavoured Pork Belly. To me, it really is Pork Belly Heaven for all you Pork lovers out there. Makes for such a unique Korean BBQ experience too. Piece after piece of thick, juicy and beautifully charred pork belly sensation. Very different to the usual paper thin pork belly you get in most places (yawn). I do admit that I do lose track of which flavour of pork I'm eating halfway through the meal, but I honestly don't care. It's all good nonetheless although if I did have to pick, I'd probably lean more towards the Ginseng and Miso Paste Flavour. Gewd stuff. 

The Pork Belly Set is $58.80, comes with 8 Flavoured Pork belly, soy bean stew, vegetables and rice. Can comfortably feed 5 - 6 ppl each time. 

The other dishes were really good too IMO. First of all, the kimchi here is top notch. Definitely balanced in all the right ways. Just as good (if not better?) than the one at Don Woori and Woo Ga. Also, the Koroke is an AWESOME dish to order. Utterly delish. A perfect side to order, very generous for only $10 too! Finally, what I like to do is switch the soy bean stew that comes with the set to Kimchi Stew instead. The one here was really, really good. It was generous with fresh seafood (like crab, prawns etc) that it added a natural sweetness to the soup. 

Although the service when we went that night was rather slow, but it was the first time I've experienced that out of my 5 meal experiences here. Plus, we noticed it was only our table that was slow as every other table around us had finished well on time. All good though, because we had a good laugh with the waiters about it. No biggie.

Anyway, this place is def up there for my favourite Korean BBQ in Melbourne. What I highly recommend you doing is:

- Organise a group of 5 to 6

- Come early

- Order the Pork Belly Set

- Switch the soy bean stew to kimchi stew

- Order an extra serve of Koroke

BEST part about this place is not just the delicious food and unique experience, but also how VALUE FOR MONEY it is. Our meal that night was only $17 per person when a typical Korean BBQ meal would almost always cost $25 - $35 per person. Preeeeetty good... 

Do hope you give this place a go. Peace!

To check out Agnes' blog post on Chang Go, click: here

Shyun, Carnegie

Special: Salmon Lover -- $15.90

Miso Katsu Don (Pork) -- $9.90

Sukiyaki Hot Pot -- $14.90

Kaki Frai (Deep Fried Oysters) -- $10.00 

Chef's Rolls (special of the day)

Photo taken from my Instagram: @winceeee

I honestly do think that we are spoilt for choice in Melbourne when it comes to awesome Japanese food. Shyun is definitely one of them. This was another place that I took my family to when they were here for a visit last month. Needless to say it was truly enjoyed by all.

One of Shyun's most notable value proposition is definitely it's affordable pricing. They are run by Japanese people who give a damn about good quality Japanese food and this is the kind of Japanese food that I want to eat. Fresh ingredients, good variety (with constantly updated specials board), faultless execution and easy on the wallet. Overall, value for money. And this is really what I'm all about (VFM) whenever I eat out. Not how much or little I spend.

The price is so affordable that you don't feel guilty for ordering everything that is calling out to you from their extensive menu. It was a cold Autumn's night and that sukiyaki hotpot was perfect for the occasion. Massive portion for the price of one. The kaki frai (deep fried oysters) were one of the best we've had. Super crunchy, piping hot and creamy/fresh flavours on the inside. So good we ordered two. Always order the Chef's Rolls everytime I come, in anticipation of what the chef might whip up for us that day. Honestly, even the staff wouldn't be able to tell you what the chef is making.

Shyun really is one of my favourite Japanese joints in Melbourne (in the Cheap and Affordable category). Thanks again Thanh for sharing this great jewel to all of us, your friends and followers on your Instagram =)

Like I said, Shyun is just one of the many Jap places that I love in Melbourne, including:

Pabu Sake and Grill (for Izakaya and Sake)

Komeyui (for amazing quality Japanese)

Ibuki House Restaurant (for special occasion and banquet)

Ume Sushi House (for decent Jap in the CBD)

... And I'm sure there'll be more to come. Possibly in the Ramen or Sushi Train category? 

So, fellas. Do share with me where YOUR favourite hot spots are for Japanese food in Melbourne as I'd be really keen to try. I love going to places that people recommend. Hope you're all having a fantastic start to the week. Happy eating! =)

Wince's Fave's: Big Mama, CBD

Kicking off with another "episode" of Wince's Faves... =)

Banchan aka Korean Appetisers

You'll notice that their banchans are more fried/savoury/tasty as opposed to the usual pickled selections

Korean Jap Chae 

aka potato noodles

Seafood and Spring Onion Pancake

LA Gal Bi

aka grilled beef ribs

The aftermath of one of my many, many catchup sessions at Big Mama

Korean Fried Chilli Chicken

Soon Du Bu Jigae

aka Soft Tofu and Seafood Stew

Korokke

aka Potato Croquettes

Agedashi Tofu

aka Fried Tofu...... BEST OF BEST!!!

Kimchi Fried Rice with Creamy Garlic Seafood

Deeeeeelicious...

It's no secret that I love Korean food. I think it's one of the best food to have when you're eating in the CBD. I really do. Even though there's a large selection of Korean restaurants, there's a number of reasons why Big Mama remains as my favourite for over 5 years.  

I know a lot of people who are really apprehensive or unfamiliar with Korean food, which is why I'm always keen to bring people to Big Mama. Why? It's all because of the TASTE of the dishes here that are simply outstanding and UNDENIABLE. Thus, making it perfect for an introductory/gateway meal to this wonderful cuisine. And I've tested this hypothesis on the most stubborn non-believers of Korean cuisines numerous times in the past who have all come around after a meal here. 

Great thing about suggesting this place is that I always get either one of the following reactions:

a) "What? Is it nice? I've walked past this place a thousand times but never thought of going in."

b) "Ohhh Big Mama!! I haven't been here for ages!"

But believe you, me, the food here is so delicious and you will NOT regret ordering the Kimchi Fried Rice with Creamy Garlic Seafood, Korean Fried Chilli Chicken, Seafood and Spring Onion Pancake and best of all... The Agedashi Tofu!! Everything here is pretty good but you have to order these top picks.

And yes, that Agedashi Tofu trumps all others and also makes it to my list of Top 10 Dishes of 2012...... Ta!

Wince's Faves: Mabrown, Balwyn

First post of the year!

I was just having dinner with Bryan and I-Hua today and was just saying that it's funny how when once you've started taking a short break from blogging, it's really hard to snap out of it and get back into the swing of things.

A lot has changed in my life the past few months, which is also the main reason why you'll see a big difference in the way I write my posts from now on... 

Basically, Food Writing for me has gotten to a point where it's becoming quite forced to get through every single detail of a meal, when all I really care about is the lasting impressions about a place and also dishes that really stand out. By making this change, I'd be able to blog more frequently and continue to share my Food journey with you guys.

So, here we go... The Hungry Excavator v2.0 starting... NOW!

Signature Chilli Quail

Braised Pork Trotters

Steamed Fish with Shallots, Ginger and Soy Sauce

Signature Stir Fried Beef

Garlic Kai Lan

"Pi Pa" or "Chinese Banjo" Duck

XO Prawns on Egg Noodles

Claypot Tofu with Seafood

Mabrown is really famous for a few different reasons: 1) The signature chilli quail. It's amazing. You can't come here and not order this dish. Otherwise, it's like going to Maccas and ordering... a bowl of salad. What's the point, right?

This place is established, consistent and can produce no bad dishes. It's just that there are some dishes that are more famous and tastier that makes the others seem pretty ordinary. Notably, the signature chilli quail, fried tea smoked duck, xo prawns on egg noodles, claypot tofu with seafood. These are fantastic and highly recommended.

Besides being famous for the quails, Mabrown is just as famous or shall I say, notorious for the service. Especially that from the owner, which I like to refer to as "the angry Mabrown auntie". Instead of being fearful or taking great offense by this angry auntie, I personally find great humour in the whole situation and most people think I'm nuts. 

Why? Well, I love how a restaurant can be so famous for its food as well as an iconic angry auntie. Plus, my friends and I can't help but laugh when we share our personal encounters with this famous lady. So, guys. Please don't take bad service too seriously sometimes, especially at a Chinese restaurant. What else do you expect? Just laugh it off and have yourselves a good time. All in good fun. 

Till next time!

Wince =)

Top 10 Dishes of 2012

Hello!

A coupla weeks ago, Sharky (of Sharking for Chips and Drinks) e-mailed me about this post where he's approaching a few Melbourne bloggers to put together each of our Top 10 Dishes of 2012. 

I thought it was a fantastic idea. Never really thought of putting together a list like this, so I was kind of curious to know what my Top 10 dishes would turn out to be as well. Besides, it's always fun to collaborate and connect with fellow bloggers in the community =)

Just to clarify, this is list consists of my Top 10 favourite dishes to eat, and not what I think the Top 10 "best" dishes in Melbourne are (based on restaurant standards or whatever). It's more of a personal thing that basically showcases food that I was happily eating over and over again the past year, which I hope you'll appreciate too. Who knows, this Top 10 dishes thing might turn into an annual thing too... Eh? Eh...? 

Anyhoo, do expect a new post in the New Year where I'll be starting to take a slightly different approach to the way I blog on The Hungry Excavator, so stay tuned! I'm currently on holiday in my hometown of Kota Kinabalu but am very active on Instagram. Do add me (@winceeee) so we can stay connected! =)

Thanks again Sharky for thinking of me for this list. Definitely look forward to catching up with you sometime soon! Do check out the full post and see the Top 10 picks by the other awesome Melbourne food bloggers: here

__________________________________________

"My life as a full-time studying/part-time working student the past 5 years has really shaped me to become particularly passionate about searching the Melbourne food scene for food that are affordable, delicious and more importantly, value for money. 

Being a Chinese-Malaysian (and hence my affinity towards Asian cuisines), it is evident to see how my list of Top 10 dishes really does reflect who I am and where I'm from."

- Winston aka "The Hungry Excavator"

In no particular order:

1) Roast duck - Pacific House Richmond

Blog post to come

2) Salmone Pizza - Kaprica

Full post: here

3) Hamachi Sashimi - Pabu Grill & Sake

Full post: here

4) Korean Fried Chicken - Gami Chicken & Beer

Full post: here

5) Chirashi Sushi - Ume Sushi House

Full post: here

6) Claypot Fish Head Curry - Kuala Lumpur Restaurant

Full post: here

7) Deep Fried Lamb Spare Ribs - Chinese Spicy & Barbie

Blog post to come

8) Spicy Deep Fried Quail - Mabrown

Blog post to come

 9) Spicy Cod Roe Butter Pasta - Horoki

Full post: here

10) Agedashi Tofu - Big Mama

Blog post to come