Cafe Oratnek

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Cafe Oratnek is headed by Kenny Takayama, former Head Chef of Bills Darlinghurst. With pedigree such as this, it is little wonder that people are willing to line up for his Australian-Asian love child cuisine.

The Asian influence can be seen in the matcha (Japanese green tea) items on the menu, as well as dishes with kimchi and soy; while the modern Australian influence is clear from the simpler and more wholesome items on the menu.

Chicken Katsu sandwich, $12

Cafe Oratnek is well known for its pork katsu sandwich, which is sort of like a Reuben sandwich, except instead of beef, the centre-piece is a juicy, crumbly pork katsu. The crumb is slathered with a soy glaze, which together with mustard, add a beautiful flavour to a dish that otherwise allows the pork to speak for itself.


The menu also boasts a seasonal section which showcases fresh produce. The current collection include spicy pork stuff chicken wings, miso bbq boneless beef short ribs, salt and pepper soft shell crab burger, and our choice - green tea cold soba noodles.

Green Tea cold soba noodles, $16

Cold soba noodle is a delicious Japanese dish perfect for a hot day. Normally, cold soba noodle is either served in, or alongside, a thin broth. Not this one - the Oratnek version puts a modern twist on an old favourite by serving it in a pool of beetroot gazpacho, accompanied with salty grilled vegetables. The salty softness of the vegetables balance the delicate green tea flavours of the soba noodles to perfection, and the beetroot gazpacho is a genius twist. A surprising and beautiful dish which made me believe being a vegetarian wouldn't be so bad for an omnivore like me if all vegetarian dishes were so delicious.

Matcha Lamington, $5
Another item Oratnek is well known for is its selection of matcha desserts. The matcha lamington has got to be the best lamington I have ever had. I'm usually not a huge fan of lamingtons, because they are usually dry, sad affairs. Not this one - a fluffy, light and soft sponge cake is encased in matcha icing, then dipped in a very generous layer of desiccated coconut. The flavour takes on the best of Australia and Asia - a classic Australian dessert with the Asian penchant for not-too-sweet.

Matcha Latte, $4.20
Another stand-out matcha item on the menu is the matcha latte. Matcha lattes have been a bit of a 'thing' lately, but they are usually overly sweet and gross. Oratnek does a match latte perfectly - retaining the slight bitterness of the green tea, this smooth and silky number is actually a viable alternative to a regular latte. In fact, I'd argue it's superior.

Score: 4.5 / 5
One of my new favourite spots, Oratnek does fusion, and does it impressively well.
Cost: so reasonable for the quality of food!
Address: 4 Pitt St, Redfern
Website: http://www.oratnek.com.au/

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