Melbourne's iconic laneways of food and festivities really don't disappoint when they keep serving up places such as Rice Paper Scissors (19 Liverpool Street, Melbourne CBD). Around the corner from our hotel and on the outskirts of Melbourne's mediocre Chinatown, is this little tapas style eatery. Rice Paper Scissors is not a place to roll sushi or play a variation on rock, paper, scissors (haha Bernard, you still got it; don't know if rice beats scissors though), instead it specialises in South East Asian cuisine, most notably Vietnamese and Thai hawker food.
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| Awesome centerpiece |
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| It deserves 2 photos |
This centrepiece seriously looks like a green version of an evil minion from Despicable Me 2. All that hair. Patty really wanted to steal one and take it home but I doubt Rice Paper Scissors would see the hairy side of things.
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| Beer Nuts (Thaw Lsing) with Kaffir Lime & Chilli Flakes |
We were given a complimentary sake cup full of some 'boxing' nuts that really packed a punch (see what I did there? Nice). These little things grew increasingly addictive, a little bit like heroin. No doubt I was chasing dragons afterwards.
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| Vietnamese Iced Coffee |
Regrettably our only drink of the meal as they have a large selection of wines, cocktails, beers and even some intriguing slushies! It's so hard to go past a well made, traditional Vietnamese Iced Coffee. Probably a little bit too much condensed milk for my liking but it came with an awesome mixer stick so all was saved.
In true tapas style, they've designed their menu all for sharing and have a 'get
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| BBQ Lamb Ribs (Sii Krong Nuex) Mekong Whiskey Marinated Lamb Ribs in a Stick Special Sauce |
I can safely say that this dish did my head in for the entire trip. It was so mesmerizing, so tantalizing and just marvellous. These gooey, ooey, sticky ribs literally kept me awake at night because I was trying to organise another visit into our busy one week schedule in my head, but alas ... it did not eventuate. The meat slid of the bone like it was tobogganing off ice and the succulent juices and flavours were almost too unbearably good. These ribs were overwhelmingly tasty and throughout the entire trip, this was probably my favourite and most memorable dish!
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| Thai Fried Chicken (Peek Gai Tod) Marinated in Galangal, Chilli & Coriander Root |
Next to come was a pint sized serving of Thai fried chicken accompanied with some mayonnaisy dipping sauce. I just spilt water on myself rethinking the flavours that exploded from the crispy skin. Like actually ... hold on let me get a tissue. Anyhow, I don't think this is on the menu anymore which is a shame but the spices from the marinade worked so well together and the chicken was as moist as wet socks.
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| Crispy Coconut Wafer (Banh Xeo) Filled with Pork, Prawn, Bean Shoots & Fresh Herbs |
A contemporary twist on a classic Vietnamese dish sees the formation of this sombrero looking saucer. Unlike the traditional one where the crispy pancake cradles the ingredients like a folded omelette, this open Banh Xeo has its guts spilled out and is ready for quick consumption. The pancake was light and crispy and the pork, prawn and bean shoot stir fry on top was tantalizingly good.
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| Betel Leaf (Miang Kham) Topped with Roast Duck & Lychee Salad with Sweet Lime Juice |
Mince wrapped in betel leaf are a match made in Vietnamese heaven and it's almost unbearable to eat such a delicate little cigar shaped roll. I'll be honest here ... I ate it with such enthusiasm and at such speed I didn't really pay attention to what was actually inside; it says it was topped with duck which I don't remember but the mince was either pork or prawn if that helps at all. All that matters is that it was delicious with a capital D and delightful ... also with a capital D.
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| Steamed Pork Buns (Banh Bao) with Pork Belly, Cucumber, Shallots & Hoisin Sauce |
These buns are nearly as cute as Patty, what? Haha alright buddy. These buns were slightly toasted and jam packed (not with jam haha) full of veggies and a glistening slice of pork belly. It's hearty, juicy and everything that you would want from a pork bun. Would have been even better with a healthy smear of pate on the buns, just saying =).
This hidden gem was my favourite place during out visit to Melbourne. It had me by the scruff of my neck and Rice Paper Scissors had me hooked like a dog on a leash (so many dog references). A great place for a relaxed meal and there's no better way to enjoy a feast when everything on the menu is recommended for sharing!
Bunny Rating-
Category: Melbourne, Pub/Bar, Snacks
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