Thursday, April 10, 2014

Gin Long Canteen - North Adelaide

Gin Long Canteen on Urbanspoon

Atmosphere: ****/5
Food: ****/5
Drinks: ***/5
Service: ****/5

Wow.  I can not believe it has taken me this long to find Gin Long.  This Asian street food restaurant with Thai influences blew me out of the water.

Situated on O'Connell Street, North Adelaide, Gin Long brings the big city subculture into our humble town of Adelaide.  As we were a booking over five people we ordered the banquet and, by golly, I recommend you do the same!  Dishes categorised as big and small of Asian fusion were served over two courses and not a heavy greasy meal in sight.



The 'make your own' Cold Rolls were an excellent entrée, fire starting lively conversations as debates about rolling techniques and our favourite flavours made for a wonderful start to the night.  The cold rolls were so light and there was plenty of pork and beautifully crispy prawn, fresh food and sauces to accommodate for everyone.  Other finger foods such as Satay Chicken and the best Thai Beef Salad I have ever had accompanied the Cold Roll entrée.        

By the time the mains arrived we were already full,but keen to push through.  After the entrées we did not want to miss a flavour!  The presentation of the foods was wonderful with the fish presented as a whole with fish sticks surrounding.  The duck was served with lychees and pineapple which is one I would have never chosen myself, however, the flavours worked together perfectly and the duck fell away from itself.  The vegetarian stir-fry is one of the heaviest and favourite stir fry I have had!  There are a couple of us that will be experimenting in our own kitchens after some of the meals we had tired!



The hipster subculture of South American and Mexican food and tapa's style dining has taken over the dining world.  Some of it, quite unmemorable, especially paying $10 for a plate that does not fill you up.  However, the value for money here is refreshing.  Compared to banquets in China Town this meal focused on the delicate flavours rather than filling you up.  Between the five of us there was only a small bowl of rice which suited us just fine.

The atmosphere is super trendy, we sat at a large bench, I would definitely book if you are coming here.  There is bar seating in which does not lean towards the most romantic of settings.   I think they played most of my favourite songs while I was there too with trendy house beats and the wine list encouraging you to stay there well past the last bite has been taken!

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