West of Kin

Vietnamese eating-house West of Kin delivers a big flavour boost for foodies in Braybook.

Sister restaurant to the successful Kin restaurant in Chapel St (which offers traditional Vietnamese fare). The West of Kin menu offers Asian fusion cuisine focusing on locally sourced seasonal produce, all wrapped up in a ferociously fresh setting. 

The location is unexpected and instils excitement with lots of greenery on the outside with calmer hues inside offering sanctuary and a palpable sense of hospitality.

The Asian fusion cuisine has roots in traditional punchy flavours combined with a healthy and modern philosophy to suit Melbourne's discerning restaurant market. 

We loved re-visiting the restaurant to take their new menu on a test drive.

While all the entrée items were beautifully made, of particular note was the crispy tofu served with grilled eggplant, yogurt and chogochujang. Each element was expertly prepared and wonderfully flavoursome. 

From the large plates selection, the dish of barramundi, clams and dashi broth stole the show. The barramundi was cooked to perfection and boasted a wonderful aroma. Together with steamed rice it was an addictive and very comforting dish.

The pork hock bossam continued on the trend of stunning dishes. The pork hock was legendary. It combined amazingly crisp pork hock skin, intensely flavoured with rich Asian style master stock, with delectably succulent pork and an intoxicating array of sauces and garnishes. Assembled similarly to a san choi bao, a lettuce cup is used as a “base” and then layered with sauce before adding some pulled pork hock and finished off with some garnish.  

West of Kin is wonderful for locals and worth the trip for the rest of us -  an impactful, fresh, healthy and affordable dining experience.
 
Location: 17 Lacy St, Braybrook
Phone: 03 9317 7553
Link: http://www.westofkin.com.au/
Cuisine: Asian fusion