Poached Chicken and Quinoa Salad @ Chow House (photo Instagram @neelsmcgee)
James Street always impresses me. If it isn't the eclectic variety of overpriced, yet visually appealing boutiques it is the ever changing restaurants that seem to appear, if almost, out of no where and bring with it a collection of delicious dishes, friendly staff and a bubbly ambiance.
The latest addition to the James Street precinct has replaced James Street Bistro with an Asian invasion of the most fresh and delicious menu I have seen for a while. The name of this establishment is Chow House.
Chow, meaning informal food and House, meaning building for human habitation is essentially the heart of this restaurant. Chow House escapes being pigeonholed into one particular category of dining as it encompasses flavours from Asia and other exotic countries of the world. The atmosphere and alternative seating options allow for diners to pick and choose to their hearts content. Feel like a summery cocktail? Take a stool and prop yourself up on the bar, after a more intimate restaurant experience? Than choose one of the lower seated options with candlelight. The choice is yours.
I came across Chow House when I was meeting up with a friend I hadn't seen in over a year and we were pleasantly surprised by the menu. There are over 40 items listed on the menu, ranging from share plates of
Kataifi mooloolaba prawn & pork,
Pasanda croquettes,
Hand made chicken & walnut dumplings and crowd favourite
Lemongrass chicken satay.
Opting for something a little lighter I went for the
Poached chicken quinoa salad w. red rice, rocket, diced sweet potato, orange, almond, goji berry, lime & honey whilst my friend opted
Chow House Nasi goring Indonesian style fried rice w. chicken, bacon & fried egg.
Our meal came out quite promptly and were blown away by how visually appetising both were too. I dug into my salad and was impressed with the combined flavours of sweetness from the fruit and nuttiness from the quinoa. Both dishes were filling and showed true testament to larger portions, which is a ritual when it comes to Asian street food influence.
Unfortunately we were too stuffed to try one of the desserts, but no doubt we will head back again and make a conscious effort to keep room available in our tummies.
I highly recommend trying out Chow House as you will not be disappointed.
Chow House Nasi Goreng @ Chow House (photo by @neelsmcgee)
