Irene Zhang

Irene Zhang is a freelance food and culture writer.

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First Look: The Bar Selecta Team Brings Korean and Japanese Cafe Culture to Hawthorn

First Look: The Bar Selecta Team Brings Korean and Japanese Cafe Culture to Hawthorn

New Glenferrie Road cafe Sabi Sounds has drinks designed by a former Flower Drum bartender and a saké sommelier. Plus, second-hand vinyl, solo listening booths and vintage JBL speakers.

First Look: Matsu Triples in Size (and Still Only Seats 12)

First Look: Matsu Triples in Size (and Still Only Seats 12)

The restaurant’s bigger space makes room for more diners as well as new equipment – including a hibachi and Japanese iron pots for frying.

I Can’t Stop Thinking About: Katie, the “Tom Cruise Cake” From Penance

I Can’t Stop Thinking About: Katie, the “Tom Cruise Cake” From Penance

An anonymous baker makes a dupe of the white chocolate coconut bundt cake the A-lister sends to hundreds of industry friends every year. As most of us won’t be getting a private jet delivery from Cruise anytime soon, a trip to Prahran feels like a perfectly reasonable substitute.

Chess Clubs Make Moves in Melbourne

Chess Clubs Make Moves in Melbourne

Rookies and experts are meeting at some of the city’s coolest venues for friendly games – and dramatically updating the scene’s stuffy reputation.

First Look: Nora Thai’s Fiery Curries Arrive in the CBD

First Look: Nora Thai’s Fiery Curries Arrive in the CBD

The popular South Yarra southern Thai restaurant has just opened a second location on Lonsdale Street. Find a comforting chicken and turmeric soup and other rare regional Thai dishes.

First Look: Find Cheesy Quesabirria Tacos and Baja Fish Bowls at Sam’s Cali Cantina in South Yarra

First Look: Find Cheesy Quesabirria Tacos and Baja Fish Bowls at Sam’s Cali Cantina in South Yarra

Former burger shop Hello Sam is a casual Cal-Mex spot with tacos, milkshakes and nostalgic tequila cocktails.

First Look: Bento by Day, Mochi-Wrapped Japanese Gelato by Night at Hareruya Pantry in the CBD

First Look: Bento by Day, Mochi-Wrapped Japanese Gelato by Night at Hareruya Pantry in the CBD

At the popular Carlton spot’s second store, you’ll find even more flavours of gelato – some experimental – plus bento boxes, egg salad sandos and bouncy steamed buns.

Now Open: Trattoria Emilia in the CBD Is Now an Italian Sandwich Shop During the Day

Now Open: Trattoria Emilia in the CBD Is Now an Italian Sandwich Shop During the Day

At lunchtime, the restaurant’s bar area turns into Emilietta, a playful sandwich shop specialising in tigelle, a crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside Italian flatbread.

First Look: Sincero Brings Italian Classics – but Not As You Know Them – to Malvern

First Look: Sincero Brings Italian Classics – but Not As You Know Them – to Malvern

Come for nouvelle cuisine takes on dishes like eggplant parmigiana, served here with cheese foam and basil powder. Opt for the à la carte offering or try the degustation menu with matched wines chosen by a sommelier with Michelin cred.

First Look: Sanhe Congee, Near Queen Vic Market, Has 30 Versions of the Comforting Rice Porridge

First Look: Sanhe Congee, Near Queen Vic Market, Has 30 Versions of the Comforting Rice Porridge

The Chinese dish is on full display at this former takeaway-only shop. Find savoury versions made using a secret 15-spice seasoning powder, as well as dim sum staples like char siu baos and fried turnip cakes.

Three To Try: Japanese Shaved-Ice Dessert Kakigori Takes Melbourne by (Snow) Storm

Three To Try: Japanese Shaved-Ice Dessert Kakigori Takes Melbourne by (Snow) Storm

The city’s authority on the dessert, chef Hiroshi Kawamata, says cold weather is the best time to enjoy the Japanese specialty: “The ice will melt slower and you can take your time”. Here are three of our favourite places around town to get kakigori (and what to order when you’re there).

Now Open: It’s All About Rice Balls at Onigiri Kitchen and Sake Bar on Little Collins Street

Now Open: It’s All About Rice Balls at Onigiri Kitchen and Sake Bar on Little Collins Street

The seven onigiri on offer at this CBD spot are made using a specialty machine imported from Japan – then they’re stored at 15 degrees Celsius to retain optimal rice fluffiness. Meanwhile, the sake is mostly sourced from a small family-owned sake brewery based in Niigata.