Jack's Satay Bar

Gastrology visited Jack's Satay Bar on behalf of the Australian Good Food Guide.

Jack’s Satay Bar aims to satisfy Melbourne’s unquenchable thirst for South East Asian cuisine by offering flavour-laden food in Monee Ponds.

An absolute favourite among the locals, the menu features a variety of South East Asian favourites including hawker style food as well as main dishes to share with rice.

We enjoyed the entrees. Of particular note were the succulent, aromatic, freshly grilled chicken and beef satay skewers which we slathered in the decadent and perfectly spiced satay sauce.

The Lohkaing was yet another highlight - an appetiser containing small pieces of fatty minced meat wrapped in beancurd skin and lightly fried. As you bite through the crispy beancurd, you are greeted with a mouth-watering blend of minced prawn and pork. The tangy plum sauce adds the finishing touch.

For mains the Ikan curry was decadent with melt-in-your-mouth fillets of Sea Perch simmered in coconut curry sauce and vegetables. We enjoyed the richness of the curry and the generous use of spices which showcased the customary punchy flavours exhibited by Malaysian curries generally. Together with fluffy roti, it was a comforting dish.

For something a little interesting the Nyonya beef is not to be missed. Deep fried slices of beef were coated in thin crisp batter and slathered with an addictive sauce. Simply delicious.

The Sambal Spinach was similarly moreish – think wilted spinach coated in an umami laden sea of sambal belachan and soy.

Dessert time continued to please at Jack’s. Whatever you do, do not go past the Lepat pisang. A dish inspired by owner John’s trip to Cambodia, this is one hearty dessert that will ensure your visit to Jack’s concludes on a sweet note. Bananas are cooked in a palm sugar caramel, placed inside layers of roti, grilled and finally topped with vanilla ice cream, palm sugar caramel and dusted lightly with caster sugar.

Jack’s Satay Bar presents a modern and thoroughly enjoyable take on South East Asian cuisine (with a focus on Malaysian food). With food this good, a delightfully casual atmosphere and prices this reasonable, Jack’s Satay Bar is great for a casual catch up with friends or a decadent feast with the family.

Location: 571-573 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds

Phone: 03 9375 3778, 03 9375 3577

Link: http://www.jacksatay.com.au/