Shaved ice summer

November 24 - December 8, 2025

   

So my little errand was to pick up a $10 ice shaver that was advertised on facebook marketplace. This idea had been churning in the back of my mind since before I encountered several excellent specimens in Taipei. You see, we'd arranged for a noodle-themed potluck with our vegan pals, and I was plotting cendol for dessert. I had the non-perishable ingredients purchased from KFL and stocked in our pantry at least a month in advance: the box of cendol, some sweet canned jackfruit, sweet red beans, toddy palm seeds, grass jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar.

   

The ice shaver took a couple of goes to get the hang of, was particular about the ice shapes I put in, and was loud. But it worked! I layered up my cendol ingredients and crowned them with feather-light ice shards shot through with palm sugar syrup. I had enough ingredients to last several weeks, and I experimented with different serving vessels - the plastic bowl in the second photo became a favourite. This was quick enough to arrange that I could whip one up for afternoon tea on a work-from-home day.

   

Once I'd exhausted my cendol supplies, I experimented with other fruits (while continuing to make palm sugar syrup - it's really good!). I made pandan-infused coconut jelly set with agar in my silicon cupcake trays, and teamed it with watermelon or mango. I've experimented a little with flavoured cordials, and have a can of lychees in the cupboard waiting for their moment - I just think they'd be great with lemon, lime and bitters! It's shaped up to be my shaved ice summer.

My Asian Neighbour

November 22, 2025

   

Back in Melbourne, we had a little errand to run in Reservoir, and it was a nice excuse to visit My Asian Neighbour for a sunny daylight-savings dinner. This venue is cheery and sprawling, with indoor seating, a courtyard bar, and astroturfed street-side outdoor seating - we picked the latter. The Indonesian menu is extensive, with lots of well-marked vegan and gluten-free options.

   

My digestive system was still a little delicate, and I decided that the Gado Gado ($25) might be safest option. 'Safe' couldn't get more joyful than this bright bowl of contrasting colour and textures - the classic hard-boiled egg, potatoes, green beans, bean sprouts and tofu were layered with satay sauce, a snowstorm of crushed garlic crackers, and a generous drizzle of sweet dark soy sauce.

   

Michael's no-holds-barred Nasi Campur Banquet ($35) was an even greater sight to behold, with a corn fritter, a tempe fritter, deep-fried eggplant, a trail of rich rendang curry, a medley of fresh veges, garlic crackers and a bowl of dark sweet soy sauce all clamouring around a hefty mound of rice. Only the sambal was really fiery, so it was possible to measure out the heat to taste.

   

The staff were a mixture of experienced and efficient with new and eager-to-learn. We weren't left wanting... unless you mean wanting the stomach space for dessert. I've got my eye on the pandan pancake for next time.

____________

My Asian Neighbour

760 Plenty Rd, Reservoir

9470 5481

entrees, sides & specialties; mains & desserts; drinks

https://myasianneighbour.com.au/

Accessibility: In short, a bit chaotic. There's a lip on the door and a crowded-looking interior (we didn't explore far). Outdoors there's a medium-density mixture of high tables with backless stools and regular-height, not-so-sturdy tables with those pinchy metal chairs (booo). We ordered at our table and paid at a regular-height counter inside. We didn't visit the toilets.