Water Flame

Tucked away on upper Little Lonsdale Street is Water Flame. Manned by happy staff with a similarly disposed décor, this unassuming Taiwanese place is good for a quick bite after work before you dash off to a show or gig nearby.

The great thing about Taiwanese cuisine is that it’s genre-straddling, reflected in the extensive menu. Chinese and Japanese influences are apparent with won ton soup ($5.80) through to bento boxes ($9.00) and a range of sakes on offer, as well as traditional Taiwanese dishes.

The crowd-pleasing popcorn chicken ($6.80) was served with deep fried basil leaves, which gave the dish a nice fragrant kick. However I wish I had realised that the pork ribs with spicy salt and chilli sauce ($9.00) were also deep fried, as I would have ordered something else for a bit of variety. By the end of the meal I was stuffed and looking enviously at vegetables on other people’s tables. Luckily the refreshingly chilled 13.5% sake ($8.50) was a sprightly digestive.

Perhaps it was the choices I made on the menu but I was left feeling a bit over-fried at the end. I also die a little on the inside when the only chilli sauce on offer is the Thai sweet variety.

If you’re watching the clock (or your wallet) then this place is a winner - plenty of tables, friendly service and well-priced. If you’re watching your cholesterol then perhaps not.

WATER FLAME
336 - 368 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne
9642 2882
Mon - Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat 5pm - 11pm
facebook.com/pages/Water-Flame