Chick-in - CBD

After a long day of class, I went with the uni squad to Chick-in near Southern Cross Station. We were too excited that we completely over ordered. Thank-god they forgot our order of their Signature Kimchi Fries ($17). Between the 5 of us we ordered 2 Whole Signature Fried Chickens ($32ea) and 2 Chick-In Plates which consisted of Gang Jung, pork Bulgogi, Dumpling Salad, Kimchi, Rice and Miso Soup ($15ea). A.B got the Chicken Salad ($16).

Whole Chicken (for 2)

The fried chicken was hands down the best chicken I've ever had out of all the Korean Fried Chicken joints in Melbourne. It's a big call but it was just so succulent and tender as the juices were literally dripping with every bite. I didn't even mind that the chicken wasn't coated in sauce because I got to enjoy the chicken on its own. The coleslaw was nice.

Chick-In Plate

This was really good value for money as it was jam-packed with variety. The Pork bulgogi and miso soup were especially memorable with yummy flavours.

A.B's Chicken Salad

A.B like his Chicken Salad. It was tangy and refreshing.

Our Setup!

Overall, we had a great feed at Chick-In. I've heard about it but didn't expect it to be this good. I would definitely recommend this place if you have a craving for Korean fried chicken. The serving size suggestions are on the generous side so don't over order like we did. Thank-god, K and Sham were legends and had 9 pieces of chicken each while we only had 3-5. Service was lovely since our waitress was really bubbly and accommodating. I would defo come back to try to Signature Fries.


Taste: 8.5/10
Presentation: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Value for Money: 8/10 (under $20 pp)

Hanaichi - CBD

We went to Hanaichi for a quick feed after studying all day for exams (creyz). I haven't been here for a while but I was keen to try the combo meal. I ordered the Japanese curry with Pork Katsu and Kay's Chicken ($9.80) and B got the Beef Yakiniku and Chicken Teriyaki ($9.80). They both come with rice.

My Meal

The fried chicken was heavenly and goes so well with the mayo. Jap curry was the standard stuff but oh so good. Would recommend this combination!

B's Meal

For the sake of variety, B chose these two. I wasn't a fan of the beef as much (too thin for my liking) but the chicken was flavoursome. The yellow pickled radish was really not my thang, it was too tart instead of refreshing.

Overall, we were both stuffed by the end of the meal. The portion is great for the price (defo good value for money) and I just loved how I didn't have to be stuck with just one thing and could get 2 of my fav things at Hanaichi. It's great that QV has seating on the fake lawn, so it was nice to eat outside and enjoy the weather. 

Taste: 8.5/10

Presentation: 8/10

Service: 7/10 (Quick and efficient)

Value for Money: 8.5/10


 

Big Mama - Carlton

With a craving for cheap Korean/Jap food, the uni squad headed to Big Mama. Over the last 3 years, we have come here countless of times. Between the 4 of us, we ordered the Chilli Chicken Karaage ($14.80), Korean BBQ Beef ($15), Kim Chi Ji Gye ($15) and Teriyaki Chicken Don ($9.50) and 3 servings of rice ($2 ea). 

Chilli Chicken Karaage

This was delicious, which is why we order it every single time. The chicken is more sweet than spicy but just so addicting. Yum!

Korean BBQ Beef

We wanted variety so we went with the beef. The flavours were there but the beef was sliced a tad too thin for my liking. It was the most neglected dish out of the 4.

Kim Chi Ji Gye

The kim chi soup was warm and a good spoonful to have in between all the meat we had. We were promised pork but I'm fairly sure there were only 2-3 tiny pieces. The flavour was pleasant.

Teriyaki Chicken Don

This tasted like every other teriyaki chicken ever. Nothing special but still good to eat so no complaints from us.

Dat spread. Much wow.

Overall, we had a great time at Big Mama. The servings were pretty generous and we were so full by the end of our feed. The free side dishes were a nice touch. Honestly, you can't go wrong with ordering the Chilli Chicken Karaage, it goes off every time. Would I go here again? Most definitely and an added bonus is that it is very close to RMIT.


Taste: 8.5/10
Presentation: 8/10
Service: 7/10
Value for Money: 8/10 (~$15 pp)

Baotime - Richmond

To be completely honest, I have been to Baotime around 4 times and I love it each time. My previous photos have been lost some where but here's an insight from my most recent visits. I absolutely love the flavours of the baos and each time I'm here there's always something new to try. From my last visit in July to the one last night there were literally 2 pages of options I needed to try ASAP, especially all the dessert baos. I would recommend going with a group as there are so many options.

My favourites that I get every time I go would have to be the Captain Baoger, the pork is so tender and full of flavour, I crave it every time. Also a must is the Mr Potato Fries (burnt butter fries), I've never tried this elsewhere and so the first time and every time I've had it I love it so much, especially with some sriracha mayo on the side. And of course my favourite drink there is the Lychee Soda!

July visit
Chilli crab bao ($9.5) soft shell crab cooked in a chilli broth
Captain Baoger ($7.5) braised pork belly with crushed peanuts

Teriyaki Chicken ($15)

K-Style yum yum chicken ($15)

The korean fried chicken here is also one of my favourites. The chicken skin is so crispy without the meat being dry and I love the sweet sticky sauce.

October visit
Back- Lobster bao ($12) lobster meat with mayo and pineapple salad
Baodown combo ($10) (front) Captain Baoger + Mr Potato Fries

Gangnam Pancake ($12)
Kimchi pancake covered in cheese lava

I normally don't like cheese however these pancakes and the cheese tasted really good together.

BAONUTS!! Set for 4 mini baonuts ($10)
Salted caramel & honeycomb, nutella, coco puff and housemade kaya jam

I have been wanting to try the Baonuts since I saw them pop up on my instagram feed and they did not disappoint! Nice and crispy, I can't wait to try the other flavours in the regular size.

Jes is always so helpful and attentive, I look forward to coming here soon in the near future to try more desserts and main dishes.