Horse Bazaar — Gastrology

As part of Horse Bazaar’s 10-year celebrations and the launch of a new gluten-free Japanese menu Gastrology were invited to experience a night at Horse Bazaar, one of Melbourne’s original hidden bars.

Horse Bazaar serves fresh, home cooked Japanese soul food. The menu features a mixture of Japanese dishes and pub food with a hint of Japanese flavour/style with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options to please the masses. All food is lovingly made fresh in house and by hand. There are many gluten free, vegan and vegetarian Japanese food options. As there are almost unheard of in Japan, they required head chef Takako Enomoto to reinvent many classic Izakaya dishes.

The venue features a state of the art 20-meter panorama projection system; this bar is unlike any other in Melbourne. Digitally projected wallpaper wraps its way around the majority of the room with striking ever-changing visuals. The eclectic live entertainment (listed on their website) includes live music; story readings, international DJ’s, reggae bands, performance art and hip hop battles.

Background: Salmon Sashimi; Foreground: Seared tuna with negi miso and coriander salsa

Chicken gyoza

We start with a few izakaya style tapas. Great for a bar snack or for sharing with friends, we chose from a large list of options that are available in either full or half serve portions, providing patrons with the opportunity to try multiple dishes. The Salmon Sashimi was a stand out. The slices of sashimi were fresh and exquisitely textured. The home-made chicken gyoza was also delicious. The flavoursome chicken nestled within the delicate pastry skins was well seasoned and was beautiful in flavour.

Hokkaido Style Salmon Steak on Rice

The Hokkaido Style Salmon Steak was a traditional dish done well. The salmon was cooked very well and lacquered with umami laden negi miso.

Jumbo Chicken Parmy curry with rice

The Jumbo Chicken Parmy curry was absolutely moreish. The tender chicken breasts boasted a beautiful exterior crumb while the curry was robust, fragrant and had just the perfect amount of spice. Together with steamed rice, it was an addictive and comforting dish.

Recently celebrating 10 years of quality Japanese inspired cocktails and tasty izakaya style soul food, Japanese-owned, Melbourne-based Horse Bazaar is a fusion of visual arts, live music and specialty drinks.