Cycling past Vic Park’s Hey Griller last Sunday, my partner and I were instantly intrigued.
Describing itself as an ‘Asian Fusion’ restaurant, Ben showed some initial reluctance but after some gentle coaxing, we found ourselves there over the weekend with a couple of family members.
Hey Griller impressed us from the moment we walked in right until dessert was served. The wait staff were incredibly friendly and the energy and enthusiasm about the newly opened establishment was palpable.
Four starving cyclists and one hungry student tucked into three courses of culinary combinations that would impress most foodies.
We all shared the chicken wings and lamb skewers while Ben ordered the Vegetable Karima.
Reports on most dishes were positive, particularly the juicy and subtly spiced lamb.The chicken wings were slightly awkward to eat as they are served on skewers, but their delectable taste made any difficulty in consuming them worth it.
Presentation was a priority for Hey Griller, and their choice of crockery and food display reflected their experimental approach to each dish.
Ben’s Vegetable Karima was served on a grey stone dish with two neat parcels of crispy pastry stuffed with Mediterranean vegetables and topped with kewpie style mayonnaise and HG’s adobe sauce.
His choice paid off as he enjoyed it thoroughly – his only complaint being there could have been more sauce.
The most visually impressive dish had to be Ben’s Dad’s Flame Iron – a succulent Sou Vide partially cooked and flame grilled before our eyes with a metal dish and blue flame.
Crispy Skin Barramundi and Lamb Shank were among the other choices of our table – the former served on a bed of vegetables and brushed with a spicy sauce.
The fish reportedly tasted delicious but did not have much spice. Ben’s Dad adored his Sou Vide, which melted in his mouth.
The generous serving of lamb satisfied Ben’s sister as it fell off the bone just like a good lamb shank should.
Each dish had an Asian twist, reminding me of the Japanese versions of western food I have tried during my travels.
For mains I conservatively ordered the Grilled Chicken Salad, which was presented as three portions of diced chicken carefully wrapped in wombok cabbage surrounded by sprouts and topped with peanut sauce. If you’re a fan of peanuts, which I am, I highly recommend this dish.
Ben ordered the Spiced Chicken, which was coated in Moroccan type spices and served on a bed of cous cous. Reports were positive.
I was glad I had room for dessert as I am a fan of anything green tea flavoured (it takes me back to Japan) and Hey Griller’s Matcha Puff did not disappoint.
Personally I would have preferred the puff to be served with a creamy ice cream instead of HG’s house lime sorbet, but the others on the table were fans of the latter.
Ben ordered the HG Grilled Watermelon, which was just how it was described – slithers of watermelon lightly cooked to extract some of its acid.
A bold dish, I would recommend it to anyone looking for something different.
We left Hey Griller satisfied with its high standards of service and cuisine. The prices were reasonable, but not necessarily cheap.
I know we will revisit.
Check them out on Facebook here or find them at 439 Albany Hwy, Victoria Park WA 6100.
Claire Tyrrell
