Red Spice Road

Red Spice Road

27 McKillop Rd, Melbourne

(Ph) 9603 1601

Red Spice Road! I had been meaning to come here for so long - been to so many similar restaurants (Chin Chin, Gingerboy, Cookie) all with a Western-twist to South East Asian cuisine, fusion! I had read and heard so much about their famous Pork Belly here - could not wait to finally try it out =)

The interior decor is very unique here - the restaurant is only lit by large ball lanterns which line the restaurant to the back along the 2 very long communal tables. The lighting is very ambient here and be prepared to share tables especially if you're a small group or don't book - complements the whole sharing dishes experience. Up the back hangs 3 large portraits of young Asian women - adds to the fusion feel of the restaurant =)

There is also a bar area which has a different feel to the main part of the restaurant. Since we were a group of 8, they seated us near the entrance which was good had a bit of privacy =)

We decided to share 6 mains between us 8. Thought we should get 2 serves of their famous Pork Belly with Apple Slaw, Chilli Caramel and Black Vinegar $35.00

Heavenly goodness <3 The pork belly is cooked twice, then deep fried so the meat is soft and melt-in-your-mouth but crunchy on the outside. My first piece of pork was a bit soft and chewy on the outside, probably 'cause it was sitting in the gooey sweet caramel sauce but my second piece was perfection <3 The black vinegar is served separately so you add it to your liking, but complements the chilli caramel sauce nicely. And the apple slaw adds a refreshing touch to the fatty deliciousness of the dish =)

We also got 2 serves of the Soft Shell Crab stir-fried with Snake Beans, Wild Ginger, Basil and Black Pepper Sauce $34.00

Stir-fried soft shell crab? I've only really ever had soft shell crab deep fried but this meant it wasn't super crunchy but still with a slight crisp on the outside and you get to actually taste the meat! What a bonus they were very generous with the crab =)

We got one serve of the Duck Red Curry with Pineapple and Sweet Potato $37.00

The duck was very tender and fell off the bone easily. The curry was quite tasty full of flavour - red curry is my favourite with coconut milk =)

Last came the Crispy Skin Chicken with fragrant Cinnamon Broth, Sugar Peas and Corn $34.00

We thought we should get a chicken dish but this was a bit ordinary =( Crispy skin chicken yes but nothing too spectacular here.

They gave us 2 massive bowls of rice - definitely need rice to go with the many different flavours of the meal =)

Food~
8/10 - definitely go for the Pork Belly! It's the only dish on the menu that never changes =) Would like to try some of their entrees next time like the Twice Cooked Lamb Ribs with a Tamarind and Coconut Relish. Fine dining at a very affordable price especially with the Entertainment Card! =P

Service~
3/5 - waiters are very attentive here, kept refilling our water and asking us how our meals were =)

Atmosphere~
3/5 - quite nice that they seated us separate to the rest of the restaurant so had some privacy

Will definitely be back! Next time might try their banquets (lunch banquet for $25 each!)

C.
xo



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