At a glance - Movenpick

Gastrology recently attended an early Chinese New Year celebration at Box Hill Central.

For dessert, Mövenpick's ice cream and decadent fondue delighted. We loved the array of gorgeous flavours of the wide variety of ice creams and sorbets.

Mövenpick Ice Cream owes its inspiration to a revolutionary vision of culinary excellence that swept through the kitchens of fine Swiss restaurants in the 1960s. Today it is an iconic Swiss chain selling ice creams and shakes in modern surrounds.

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: Shanghai 1930

Location: 959 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill

Phone: 03 9899 8666
Link: http://www.shanghai1930.com.au/
Cuisine: Chinese
Overall Impression: 7/10

J and I recently had a 10 course banquet dinner at Shanghai 1930 that featured delicious Chinese delicacies like lobster served with noodles and ginger sauce abalone. 

We were pleasantly surprised by how good the food was. Each dish used good quality ingredients and had great flavour. Unfortunately, the overall dining experience was let down by the service. While the waitstaff were polite and willing to help when help was requested, there was a general lack of attentiveness. We found ourselves having to stand up quite a few times over the course of our dinner for things like more tea or water.