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 =)