JAMU

Located in Melbourne’s bustling go to foodie suburb Richmond, JAMU brings people together with their delectable Asian fusion menu designed for sharing.

Owned by James Frawley and Isaac Smith (Hawthorn AFL players) and Evelyn Lau (A Thousand Blessings owner), JAMU has been inspired by a mixture of backgrounds and is truly something magical.

The interior is designed to match the concept of the menu, creating a fusion through the use of materials and forms. Throughout the 70 person capacity space with indoor and outdoor seating, you will see a combination of copper, mesh and custom designed solid timber tables aimed at bringing diners back to Australian roots through the use of local materials.

We absolutely loved tasting our way through the menu.

To start the King Fish Ceviche was beautiful. The ceviche items were beautifully presented and were a wonderful mélange of sweetness and acidity. Delicate cubes of fish were embellished with Tamarind and smoked pineapple with luxurious roe adding the final touch to an enlivening combination of ingredients.

The Crispy Eggplant was similarly delicious – A well-conceived dish that took full advantage of the eggplant’s most notable characteristic – its supple flesh. The thick pieces of eggplant were battered and deep fried and before being adorned with a sweet fish fragrant sauce. The creamy eggplant flesh melted in the mouth in a manner similar to unctuous pork fat. This was a gem of a dish.

For mains the Cone Bay Barramundi was an absolute highlight of our visit. The fish had been steamed in paper with tried and true flavour combinations of soy, rice wine, ginger, fennel and soy. The quality of the fish was exemplary and perfectly cooked resulting in a very delicate and moist piece of fish. A wonderfully simple dish that allowed the natural subtle sweetness of the fish to be enjoyed.

For meat lovers the Pork Hock is not to be missed. The pork hock was legendary. It combined amazingly crisp pork hock skin with delectably succulent pork and an intoxicating Tamarind caramel sauce. Just yum!

Dessert time showcased the kitchen’s versatility. The unassuming dessert of Coconut Sorbet was a standout. Think a perfect quenelle of texturally perfect Coconut Sorbet served with a refreshing amalgamation of pineapple, mango and Thai basil syrup. It was an elegant and simply delicious dessert.

If you prefer to end your evening on a heartier note the cheekily named “Spring Pastry Delight” will do the trick. Luxurious Oolong mousse and spiced pear is sandwiched between crisp spring roll pastry. Either way, you can’t go wrong here.

To match the stunning food selection, JAMU boasts an impressive drinks menu with a huge selection of wine, beer and heavenly cocktails to choose from.

Named after the Malay word for ‘feast’, JAMU is founded on the fusion of Malaysian and Modern Australian cuisine. Under the guidance of Head Chef, Calvin Wong the kitchen operates like a well-oiled machine. The result is an enticing menu of unique, high quality and delicious tasting food.

Location: 1 Palmer Street, Richmond

Phone: 0431 261 221

Link: https://www.jamudining.com.au