Mekong

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I visited Mekong at the end of 2019 (which feels like an absolute lifetime ago) and rather enjoyed the vibrant South-East Asian cuisine on offer during that visit. This time round, I gathered a couple more friends and decided to make a feast of it, trying a few more dishes. 

Mekong Share Plate, $42

For entree, I highly recommend the Mekong share plate, which serves 2 people and is a selection of the menu highlights. The scallops, which was also featured during my last visit, is a must try: fresh, tangy, balanced and sweet. The veggie samosas take me right back to my high school years where curry puffs were the height of a Thai takeaway experience (usually enjoyed right before a concert and shovelled down between rehearsals). The duck pancake comes pre-wrapped, and unlike the Chinese version with the crispy skin, the cut at Mekong has more of a pork belly like texture and equally enjoyable (though secretly, I still prefer the Chinese version if I must choose). The chicken wings are beautifully marinated in a slightly spicy sauce. 

Salt and Pepper Squid, $20

These are beautiful. Lightly battered, tossed with pork floss - a welcome twist I have not seen elsewhere - and served with pickled cabbage and a gorgeous sauce, this delightful dish alone is worth a return visit. 

Prawn pad thai, $28

Generous with the prawns and on point with the flavour, how can one go past this iconic, sweet and sour noodle dish? The noodles are much softer and thinner than pad thai's I've had elsewhere, but the enjoyment factor is right up there. 

Asian greens, $25

How exciting can Asian greens be? Very exciting, as it turns out. Wonderfully salty yet moreish and fresh, the veggies are a perfect accompaniment to rice and never has virtuous fibre-consumption tasted so good. 

Pork ribs, $35

Fall off the bone goodness, wonderfully seasoned and marinated, this is one of the most impressive ribs dishes I have had. Even the vegetables (deceptively simple as they seem) are cooked to perfection. 

Vibrant, delicious and balanced, I would say Mekong is one of the best South-East Asian restaurants in Sydney. 

Score: 4.5/5
Price: approx $80pp with drinks
Address: 2/14 Kensington St, Chippendale 

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