Ok, well this is probably a lot longer coming than it should have been, and a testament to the fact that I’ve been off gallivanting around the countryside far too much, because I haven’t been back to Ria in quite a while now.
For the unacquainted (or out of towners), Ria is a wonderful restaurant in Leederville, that serves up an array of Malaysian dishes, in a trendy and informal setting. Nothing too indepth about the food this time, other than my stance on what is “authentic” is as firm as ever (i.e: If the food tastes good, I couldn’t care less how authentic it is).
I was lucky enough to be joined on this latest expedition by Grendel, Mrs Grendel, and 2 x junior Grendels, as well as Kam, Justin + Irene (trusting lender of expensive cameras), the ever lovely Sharon, and potato growing, bike riding, Irish/Kiwi valkyrie Lorraine.
So after finally making it into the place (that doesn’t take bookings) with 10 people, I had to struggle not to pry the vegemite sandwiches from the hands of a junior Grendel with discerning tastes. Then ordered essentially everything that looked good on the menu (most of it).
Prices of the dishes vary, but the majority of the curry dishes are around $18 – $20, a few other dishes cost more of less, depending on what’s in them.
Stand outs… definitely Mum’s Lo Ak, a caramelised duck covered in a rich sticky sauce, and the Nonya Achard Fish; a deep fried fillet smothered in sesame seeds and dressed with a chilli viniagrette.
Wine was a Pinot Blanc by Hugo & Fils of Alsace, well chosen by Kam.
Dessert (for me at least), was a delicious sago in coconut milk, with a dark sugar syrup hiding underneath.
All up, another outstanding Ria experience, and a great night shared with old and new friends. If you’ve been waiting to try this place out, now is definitely the time.
Ria Authentic Malaysian
Unit 1
160 Oxford St
Leederville 6007 WA
Phone: (08) 9328 2998
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I had a great time – and can certainly second your duck recommendation. My Junior Grendel’s started out pretty well, but a big night out can get to be just a bit to much for your typical sanger-muncher. The other Junior Grendel enjoyed his Satay very much!
Sadly we had to dash early and missed those delectable looking desserts, and the rest of the conversation. I still haven’t had a chat to our fellow CS Lorraine about potatoes!
We shall have to have a follow up event when the ‘Fiori’s’ return.
Valkyrie… Eh? Wild, brave & heroic battle-maiden… I LIKE it!
And, just for a useless bit of how-did-she-know-that trivia, in Beowulf, Grendel’s mother was a Valkyrie!
Believe I may have to look for suitable attire now! Horned helmet and a suitably shaped breastplate… Not unlike side-by-side Sago puddings (with/ without those infamous little maraschino cherries?)!
Those Vegemite sandwiches sure looked good after a long wait for a table!
However, the fantastic duck (and everything else) was worth the wait! Thanks for the steer towards that one Matt (think I manged 2 helpings).
But I must say, as with any truly enjoyable dining experience, it matters more what’s on the chairs than what’s on the table… and this evening was no exception!!!
I look forward to the next… with or without my Kipflers!
P.S. How’s Sivia? Is it terminal?…
Dearest Grendels and Valkyries, don’t hate me because I’m too lazy to reply to my own comments…
Grendel, I will eventually get my act together and bring the machine around to take a look at… when that will be is anyones guess at the moment, as weekends are pretty tight.
Lorraine, thanks again for your wonderful kipflers, garlic, lemon, grapefruit, celery…hmm what else was in there… I made a lovely kipfler salad with soft boiled eggs and Italian sausage and a lemon/garlic mayonnaise dressing… superb… sadly the photos turned out crappy… So I’m not sure they’ll get posted.
Well about time! I was beginning to think your blog had gone into suspended animation!
Ah, yes the fabled Kipflers finally appeared… even though technically they were supposed to be for Justin! That salad sounds pretty damn good…
Have been trying my best to master that beautiful piece of Italian machinery today… Yes indeed a show down with the La Marzocco at Fiori. Just “the beast” and ME and a jug of cold milk…
Cup of Excellence El Salvador beans arrived this morning… Justin and I very excited! With psychic-like intuition Grendel was on the phone within a matter of hours to inquire after them! Also got some more “blue horse” Harar (missed out on so much as a sniff last time). Mmmm… roasting on Monday!
Looks scrumptious – especially the fish! I am Malaysian and I think the standard of this restaurant has brought Malaysian food to a new level, well done! Wasn’t aware of this restaurant when stayed in Perth for 2 years (ages ago though!)