With so much on offer, especially considering the scope and diversity in what Asian cuisine entails, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed. Burma Lane gives you a solution. Tucked away on the Paris end of Little Collins Street, you’ll find this spacious, two-storey gem of a restaurant. Bird cages hang from the ceiling, and a mesmerising, abstract mural stretches across the venue’s main wall. As a venue, Burma Lane is a fusion of urban modernity with Asian heritage. As for its food, it follows a very similar train of thought. The restaurant is pioneered by Australian executive chef John Mcleay (Red Spice Road) to reflect modern Australia, drawing inspiration from Asia and its world of flavours, sights and smells.
As a starter, don’t look past the sesame-crusted seared tuna. Jazzed up with some wasabi potatoes, blood orange and togarashi, this is the Japanese entrée of your dreams. The flecks of blood orange offer a smack of sweetness that balances well with the wasabi potatoes.
If you’re into trying something adventurous, you might want to experience the beef tartare. There’s some serious design skills in this baby, layered with kohlrabi cream, paratha, rice paddy herb and a quail egg. The taste is an acquired one, but it’s a real pleasure to take in with the eyes too.
If that tuna has you geared up to indulge in some more seafood, go straight for the snapper. Surrounded by an arrangement of clams, wild rice, mushrooms, coconut and roasted red pepper, the tastes of Thailand are oozing through every bite of this number. It’s all deliciously soft and rich, and a perfect choice for a main.
I know the drill when you’re offered dessert at a restaurant. You shake your hands and smile meekly while assuring the waiter that you wish you could, but you simply can’t. However, please save some space for Burma Lane’s lemongrass cheesecake. You’ll thank me later. It’s essentially a deconstructed cheesecake, artistically flourished across the plate, adorned with crumble, coconut meringue, caramelised pineapple and even some tiny edible purple flowers. It’s absolutely heavenly, with the taste of lemongrass offering a nice tang. The meringue is also a standout component of the dish.
Burma Lane is ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to get comfy and settle in for a few hours with friends, treating yourself for a three-course meal, or even dropping by for a few light dishes and a drink or two – this is a must for a night out in the summer that’s fast approaching.
