Newton Circus

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of MATRADE's Malaysian Kitchen Program.

Newton Circus in Box Hill North draws on owner Alex’s Malaysian background and Chef John’s Singaporean background to serve up authentic Singaporean and Malaysian food. The cuisine at Newton Circus reflects the diversity of it's South East Asian roots, drawing influences from Malay, Chinese, Peranakan and Indian cuisine.

The service was friendly and prompt with staff that are clearly proud of the food being served up.

Seafood ngoh hiang

The ngoh hiang is a mixture of ground up fish and vegetables wrapped in a beancurd skin which has been steamed and then pan fried until crisp. The crispy beancurd exterior, juicy fish cake interior and dark salty-sweet sauce makes for an excellent appetiser.

Chai Tow Kway

A much loved "anytime" snack of many Singaporeans and Malaysians, Chai Tow Kway is dish of fried radish cake and egg. Absolutely authentic, Newton Circus’ version was scrumptious and made with generous amounts of radish – crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, every bite was moreish.

Singapore hokkien prawn noodle

An authentically delicious rendition, combining rice vermicelli and Hokkien noodles with bean sprouts, prawn, squid, egg and pork crackling.

Seafood nyonya laksa

This seafood nyonya laksa was an absolute highlight. Derived from the Nyonya heritage in Malacca, the spicy coconut gravy base was complex and aromatic and was served with generous amounts of noodles, bean sprouts, tofu puffs, prawns, squid, fish, fish cakes and hard-boiled eggs. Definitely a dish worth returning for!

Hokkien noodle with oyster sauce

Prepared with dark and sweet soy and combining generous amounts of vegetables, prawns, squid, fish & sesame oil, the noodles were certainly not short on flavour.

Hainanese chicken

Succulent pieces of chicken were served with fluffy chicken rice and a beautiful chilli condiment. This dish was expertly prepared and authentic.

Beef rendang

Chilli prawns

The chilli prawns were absolutely stunning.  This dish promised a lot and delivered on those promises. We loved the beautifully fresh prawns which were lathered in sticky garlicky tomato chilli sauce which was aromatic and had the perfect level of spice. We just wish we had some mantau (steamed buns) to mop up the remaining sauce!

Newton Circus delights with a delectable array of hawker foods you will love. We can't wait to return for another delicious bowl of the seafood nyonya laksa.

Location: 179 Middleborough Rd  Box Hill South

Phone: 03 9890 9221

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

Cuisine: Asian, Malaysian, Singaporean

Restaurant Review: Mr Loys Puff

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Mr Loys Puff.

Location:

452 City Road, South Melbourne

Phone:

03 9696 6983

Link:

http://www.mrloyspuff.com.au/

Cuisine:

Singaporean

Overall Impression: 8/10

Mr Loys unveils a menu which features nostalgic gems of true blue Singaporean hawker dishes. We tasted almost every item on Mr Loys' thoughtfully-curated menu and were pleased with the irresistible flavours of their Singaporean specialties.

Nasi lemak

Served with crumbed chicken pieces, this traditional “kampung” or home-style dish triggered childhood memories. It was a proprietary mix of fresh green cucumber and dried ikan bilis, egg and sambal. The sambal was spectacular – it had the perfect level of spiciness and a beautiful flavour.

Curry chicken on rice

The curry chicken on rice was moreish. The dish consisted of tender, flavour-infused chicken morsels thoroughly coated in mouth-watering curry of various spices.

Hainan chicken rice

Pristine pieces of juicy chicken were served on a fluffy bed of rice and a beautiful chilli condiment. This dish tasted incredibly authentic and was cooked perfectly.

Roast chicken rice

Another classic Singaporean hawker dish executed well - We loved the tasty morsels of roast chicken.

Signature Curry chicken puff

Mr Loys' pièce de résistance is the Signature Curry chicken puff. Freshly made, the curry puffs contained aromatic and succulent chicken pieces. The pastry was absolutely beautiful - flaky and simply melted in our mouths. 

An exemplary menu of Singaporean hawker classics, the food at Mr Loys is impeccable. With all their dishes at or under the $10 mark, it is a delicious option for a casual meal or takeaway which will hardly create a dent in your hip pocket.