Olinda Tea House
86A Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda
03 9751 0556
Chinese
$$$$
Food
- Thai Style King Prawns
- Plum Flavoured Cherry Tomatoes
- Crisp Fried Chicken with Dried Chilli and Peanuts
- Honey Soy Eye Fillet
- Braised Pork Belly Cube
- Signature Lamb Fillet
- Stir Fried Cabbage
- Stir Fried Eggplant and Potato
- High Tea Stand
The Good
We were off to an impressive start with the Thai Style King Prawns. The prawns were undoubtedly the highlight, coming in at an impressive size and exceptionally fresh. Offering up an almost crunchy feedback, the prawns were generously coated in a beautiful sweet chilli sauce that have it a lovely flavour.
We also enjoyed the rather unconventional Plum Flavoured Cherry Tomatoes. The small and delicate tomatoes were so soft and juicy. Having been poached in a sweet plum sauce, the unique combination of tomato flavour and a hint of sweetness from the plum created an irresistible flavour profile.
The Crispy Fried Chicken with Dried Chilli and Peanuts is certainly not a dish for the faint hearted. Mixed within the chunks of fried chicken were an abundance of vibrantly coloured dried chilli and plenty of crunchy peanuts. The chilli wasn’t overly spicy, though definitely provided an tantalising tingle sensation that grew with intensity. The intense flavours made this exceptionally appetising, though our only gripe would be the chicken itself, which tended towards the drier side and wasn’t as tender and juicy as expected.
The Honey Soy Eye Fillet was a crowd favourite. The cubes of eye fillet were well seasoned and cooked perfectly. It’s tender and juicy protein was well matched with the meaty abalone mushrooms and crunchy asparagus. Dressed with a sweet and savoury honey soy sauce, this dish went rather well with a bowl of rice.
We also enjoyed the Braised Pork Belly Cube with Sweet Soy Sauce. This was Olinda Tea House’s rendition of the traditional Shanghai dish, and boy did it impress. The huge cubes of pork belly were slow braised to tenderness. The even layers of lean and fat offered a perfect harmony in melt in your mouth goodness and just a hint of chewy sensation. The porky flavours combined with the sweet soy sauce was just incredible. All juxtaposed by the crunchy heads of bok choy, we simply couldn’t get enough of this.
The very fragrant Signature Lamb Fillet also impressed. The lamb fillets were sliced amazingly thin. Each generously coated in an aromatic and flavoursome cumin spice that was bold and forward. This was accompanied by stir fried chilli and onion making for an even tastier and spicier dish that proved a little too much for some.
Our sides of Stir Fried Cabbage as well as Stir Fried Eggplant and Potato both proved to be delicious. The Eggplant and Potato was cooked in a rather appetising sauce that was both sweet and savoury, generously coating chunks of meaty eggplant and soft, fluffy potatoes.
We rounded off our feast with a stunning High Tea Stand. With a variety of Macarons, Sponge Roll Cakes, Chocolate Mousse, and a Cheese Tartlette. The favourite of the crowd were the chocolate mousse, so soft and airy with an intense sweetness. The Cheese Tartlette was also suitably creamy and rich, nicely coupled with the buttery tart surrounding it.
The Mediocre
Nothing.
The Bad
Nothing.
The Verdict
Siutated in a beautiful and tranquil part of Melbourne just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne, Olinda Tea House offers a relaxed and serne atmosphere that’s perfectly accompanied by authentic Chinese cuisine and delicious High Tea options.
We thoroughly enjoyed sampling a range of dishes originating from all different parts of China, all while sipping on some the best tea we’ve come across! For Chinese food lovers looking for an experience that’s both unique and memorable, Olinda Tea House is a must.
Would Penguin Eat Again?
Definitely!
Penguineats would like to thank owner Tony for inviting us to Olinda Tea House.