Kensington Street comes to Castlecrag 

It's always good news when inner-city style decides to settle in the 'burbs as well. Especially when it's somewhere on the north side of the harbour. Even more so if the cuisine is Asian, leaning heavily toward Mekong River fare. Better again, that it is located at Castlecrag's revamped and food-centred Quadrangle Shopping Centre.

If this drink looks dangerous, you need to know that this is one of several non-alcoholic drinks on Bistro Mekong's wine list - a spritz of Zero Alcohol gin with San Pellegrino aranciata.

Bistro Mekong, a modern Asian diner and sister restaurant to Kensington Street’s Mekong restaurant, has reworked the concept to suit the new alfresco location and feel of this vibrant north-shore suburb. Come with us, and let your mouth water at what we saw (and tasted!) at its recent launch......

The decor is an immediate giveaway, hinting at the style-meets-authentic theme of this restaurant. A meal here is like a travelling feast on a river cruise along the Mekong, sampling all the flavours on offer along the way. With an updated, mouth-watering menu on offer, there are a host of delicious new additions, old favourites, as well as options for vegetarians and family friendly dishes.

The plan is for everyone to  enjoy the variety and spice of Bistro Mekong’s unique Indochine cuisine.  

Mention the Mekong and most people instantly think of Vietnam's delta area. More than the stunning scenery - this huge river flows through five countries responsible for some of the world's richest cuisines: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.  

The new outdoor location offers an unbeatable alfresco dining experience, boasting a relaxed, romantic atmosphere with a trendy outdoor courtyard, flanked by hedges of lush greenery and dishes designed for sharing. A perfect spot for a no-stress date night or casual, flavour-filled family dinner.

“So many Australians love travelling around Asia,” said Founder of Chippendale’s Kensington Street and Bistro Mekong owner Dr. Stanley Quek, who describes himself as 'an accidental restaurateur'. “By bringing Mekong to Castlecrag, I’m hoping to encourage Australians to challenge their tastebuds and try new cuisines. Castlecrag is like a little oasis – relaxed and sophisticated, at the same time. It fitted with our vision for Bistro Mekong perfectly, and I think will be a wonderful addition to the neighbourhood’s budding food scene.”

Headed by Kensington Street’s resident heartthrob, Chef Tiw Rakarin, Bistro Mekong promises to continue showcasing the best of Indochine cuisine, but with a twist.  Those in the mood for bold flavours and fresh hearty servings can chow down on a sensational Cambodian beef curry with mashed sweet potatoes, pickled ginger and homemade roti; Thai barbeque chicken with turmeric, lemongrass, a Southern Thai curry, watercress and coconut salad; or a plate of stir fry with crispy chicken, chili, cashews, onion and Kaffir lime. 

Bistro Mekong is also planning to present a regional dinner series once a month and weekly dinner specials that to appeal to families. Several of the canapes we tasted featured seafood such as grilled scallops on a coconut salad...

... or this little stunner: squid ink cups with prawns and corn.

As a casual dining experience, Bistro Mekong also offers up plenty of kid-friendly fare, such as pork and prawn dumplings, egg fried rice served with Chinese greens, or some Vietnamese fresh spring rolls with vermicelli noodles. Both the egg fried rice and Vietnamese spring roll dishes are available with either chicken, pork or tofu options.

The Indochine flavours continue on the drinks menu, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic concoctions specially designed by Sydney’s celebrated mixologist, Grant Collins.

Sip on the rich Smoke & Spice Margarita which contains 5 spiced gold tequila, Cointreau, house spice syrup, fresh pressed citrus, smoked spiced rim; for something with more kick the Mekong Cooler is made using dark rum, Madagascar vanilla syrup, Szechuan chilli, ginger and apple.

Next door is recently-opened Chinese restaurant, Holy Duck, a sibling to Bistro Mekong and another inner-city favourite now dittoed in Castlecrag.

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Bistro Mekong is open Tuesday – Sunday, all day breakfast from 8:30am| Lunch 11:30am – 3:30pm | Dinner 5:30pm – 9:30pm   

Stay in touch with Bistro Mekong
 (02) 9958 3177,  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Facebook: facebook.com/bistromekongsydney

Instagram:@bistromekong