Find Fantastic Fusion Fare on the Plate at These 7 Restaurants

Fusion cuisine combines the elements of different culinary traditions that originate from various countries, regions or cultures.

Cuisine of this type is not categorised according to any one particular style and has played a part in many contemporary restaurant menus since the 1970s.

As we celebrate all things fusion this week, here are seven venues to find fantastic fusion fare on your plate:

Bringing a transformative collaboration of Japan and Melbourne to the heart of Swan Street in Richmond, head to Eazy Peazy restaurant for perfectly balanced food and drinks. Imagine the peaceful tranquillity of the rolling hills of Kyoto paired with the fun of sipping sake in downtown Tokyo as you relax in bright and breezy surrounds of potted and hanging greenery and intimate table settings.

 

Perhaps perch on a stool at the bar to peruse a menu focusing on izakaya-style dining and the hibachi grill dishing up yakitori, kushiyaki and share plates. Say arigatou to choices such as tamari-grilled calamari skewers with green chilli sauce and lemon, along with braised boneless beef rib, seaweed polenta and pickled shallots.

Drawing inspiration from the vibrant spirit of Thailand's hottest Summer month, Maysa Thai Restaurant on Magdalene Terrace in Wolli Creek delivers authentic flavours and warm hospitality. Vibrant murals adorn the walls indoors as guests settle into banquette seating or at a cosy table in rustic surrounds of polished concrete floors and recycled timber to peruse a menu showcasing childhood memories, traditional and royal Thai cuisine.

 

Small bites such as char-grilled chicken skewers and satay sauce, or Thai fish cakes, peanut and basil set the scene for mains to come; think deep-fried turmeric snapper with five-flavour sauce and sides of jasmine rice and roti, or green chicken curry with coconut meat, eggplant, kaffir lime, chilli and Thai basil.

Discover Japanese-Italian fusion fare to tempt all tastes at Jicca Dining on Military Road in Neutral Bay. Meaning ‘home sweet home’, that’s what you will feel at this Sydney dining destination serving seasonal seafood-based meals created with warmth and care. Take a seat at the white subway-tiled counter or bring the gang and sit at the large communal timber table for a meal to remember, perhaps starting with Chef’s special octopus carpaccio, or prawn karaage with rock salt and sweet paprika powder.

 

Twirl your fork around spaghetti carbonara with Parmigiano Reggiano, bacon, poached egg and black pepper, or devour Jicca teriyaki chicken with salted malt, roasted vegetables and a side of fried potatoes, best washed down with an ice-cold Asahi Super Dry beer.

More than just a restaurant, embark on a culinary adventure like no other at Ming Asian Fusion on Queen Street in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. This dining destination hides in a basement, boasting soaring ceilings, a main dining room and exclusive niches for private and event dining; expect dark wood panelling, sparkling chandeliers and intimate table settings, ideal for lingering over a meal with someone special.

 

With a focus on fresh ingredients, the menu showcases classic and unexpected flavour combinations begging to be tried – start with prawn toast, with crispy seaweed and sweet and sour sauce; then indulge the senses with dry-aged duck breast, celeriac purée, pickled blackberries, charred spring onion and parsnip.

Toei on Campbell Street in Surry Hills takes your favourite Australian and Asian dishes on a transformative journey, using modern techniques to unlock hidden depths of flavour. This Sydney dining destination oozes classic elegance with plush velvet banquette seating, intimate tables for two and whitewashed walls adorned with artwork, making it ideal for a romantic rendezvous or family get-together.

 

From a concise menu, perhaps start with Wagyu rump cap skewers with galbi glaze, sambal matah and micro herbs; before memorable mains such as kingfish collar, pea wasabi purée, caramelised miso and black lime powder, or dry-aged duck with Yukari blueberry jus and confit fennel.

A fusion of South American cuisine, music and folklore awaits Adelaide diners at Cumbia Bar & Kitchen on Grote Street. Located next to the Central Market, this rustic eatery welcomes guests through a well-worn brick archway to a trendy fit-out of high stools, pendent globes, mosaic tiles and natural light streaming through the glass frontage.

 

On balmy days dine alfresco and people watch while enjoying breakfast dishes such as beef empanadas, or a grilled halloumi stack with poached eggs, corn fritters and Hollandaise; while those dining later start with King salmon carpaccio, or steamed black mussels and crusty bread, before hearty mains of grilled Scotch fillet rubbed with South American spices, served with roasted vegetables and chimichurri sauce.

Find flavour-packed Oriental dishes and alluring elixirs in an intimate setting at Modu Bar & Kitchen on Sherwood Court in the heart of Perth's CBD. Taking its namesake and inspiration from the city of Shanghai – which is known as Modu or the ‘City of Sins' – this moody, emerald-hued restaurant and bar is perfect for casual drinks, date night dinners and special functions.

 

Cosy up in a velvet-clad booth knocking back a signature Blushing Madam Wang cocktail while soaking up the action from the state-of-the-art open kitchen and live entertainment. Start with pork and prawn wontons, truffle and dashi broth, before diving into local WA emperor with black bean broth, asparagus, crispy carrot and leek, or confit chicken leg, shacha risotto and crispy greens.