Baba Laksa, Orange Grove Hotel
- Author:
- Jackie McMillan
- Posted:
- Wednesday, 24 August 2011
In the type of pub you’d usually go to find a blue, there’s a surprisingly nice little bistro. Prejudice well and truly checked, I settled in amongst the families and local Ambos to enjoy the well-priced Malay dishes of Chef Richard Wai. For the last fifteen years, his laksas were the talk of Woolloomooloo’s Old Fitzroy. After one mouthful of BBQ Pork and Greens ($10.50) I could see why – it’s better than most I’ve had in restaurants far more expensive. I’m not going to lie; Richard’s Roti Canai with Curry Chicken ($10.50) was too sweet. However after the perfectly balanced house-made sauce accompanying the Satay Chicken ($8.50/4 pieces), I suspect the problem is us conservative inner westies – so don’t be afraid to let him know we can handle a bit of heat. Dim Sim ($8/8 pieces) also impress with a crispy, oil-free exterior and a tasty filling that made me sit up and smile. Small touches like complimentary Neapolitan ice cream and a ping-pong table nearby to amuse the kids make me thankful that brave licensees like Caroline Stening can renovate a pub without taking the usual gastro-pub route. After all, even us yuppies need a cheap eat with well-priced bevvies on mortgage week…
Baba Laksa
Orange Grove Hotel, 311 Balmain Road, Lilyfield
Ph: (02) 9810 2835 www.orangegrovehotel.com
Pub Bistro $
Like this article? Register as a subscriber here. It's free! We'll keep you up to date with new stories on the site.
Story posted on Wednesday, 24 August 2011, filed under Bar Food, Booze, Dining Guide, Malaysian, Pub Bistro. Follow responses via the RSS feed.
Post a comment