Rock Sugar – The Overview…
Food: Spring Rolls, Lamb Steamed Bun, Tofu Steamed Bun, Grilled Eggplant, Cauliflower Salad, Massaman Curry, Mocktails
Ratings:
Food: 4.5/5
Atmosphere: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Value: 4.5/5
The details…
While it’s a little out of the way from the main hub of Chapel Street, it’s this that helps add to Rock Sugar’s charm (also the ability to park without lapping the block 30 times is a nice plus). Visit at lunch time to enjoy chilled out lazy lunches, or head on down for dinner for some fun, funky Thai food and delicious cocktails.
We started with the new tofu steamed bun as well as the pork belly one. The tofu was such a light little appetiser and perfect for a snack. It has a slight sweetness from the papaya and the apple, cucumber and yuzu mayo give it a real freshness – making you feel as though you’re sat on a beach. The pork came generously filled with pork belly and pineapple. There’s some spice from the sauce, but we felt the generous cheese shavings cooled it down nicely.
The lamb spring rolls, a favourite of ours from a previous visit were still just as great as we remembered. You bite through the crispy flaky outer skin of the spring roll to reveal soft, melt in the mouth lamb. There’s a subtle spice to it, as well as a little creaminess and slight saltiness. The massaman coconut cream is the perfect finishing touch. It’s definitely a spring roll to remember.
On the side we tried a couple of their tasty mocktails – fruity and fresh, they’re every bit as tasty as their popular Rocktails. Obviously, given the choice we’d go for the alcoholic version every time -Fairy Floss Martini and Blue Bird being our top picks – but if like us, you’re back to work afterwards, it’s great to see they have some awesome non-alcoholic versions too.
For mains we tried the massaman curry, Crumbed eggplant and warm cauliflower salad. We loved the increased range of vegetarian offerings on the menu. The crumbled eggplant was thinly sliced, super tasty and surprisingly filling. We loved the nutty, fusion purée it was served with. It’s not your typical Thai dish, but then Rock Sugar’s not your typical Thai restaurant.
The cauliflower salad, served warm, is a light dish – with a hefty spicy kick from the sauce. This is a good choice if you’re sharing one of the filling curries and want something a little extra as well. The cauliflower done two ways is delicious. Again it’s another break in tradition but it’s a delicious, welcome addition to the menu.
And never fear, their traditional delicious curries are still on the menu. This time we tried the massaman and it didn’t disappoint. The made-in-house curry pastes just blend so much flavour through the sauces and the beef was beautifully soft and plentiful throughout the dish. We were concerned on revisiting we wouldn’t love it as much, but Rock Sugar is still one of the best Thai curries in Melbourne!
Everything else…
Website: https://rocksugar.com.au/
Address: 477 Malvern Road, South Yarra,
Opening Times:
Mon 5pm to late
Tue 5pm to late
Wed 5pm to late
Thu 5pm to late
Fri 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to late
Sat 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to late
Sun 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to late
Parking: Parking on Malvern Road itself can be a bit tricky but there’s plenty of spaces on the side streets surrounding Rock Sugar.
Getting here on PT: It’s directly on the 72 tram route, an easy reach from the 216 and 219 buses and probably also walkable from Hawksburn Station.
Disclaimer: We dined as guests of Rock Sugar, South Yarra. Reviews are honest and based on our own personal experiences. We cannot guarantee things at a cafe won’t change including, but not limited to, menu items and opening hours, so please confirm any details with the venue before visiting.