Master

If any place encapsulates the combination of fine dining without the snooty never-get-laid wait staff; and the trendy without the too-cool-for-you army of bearded artisans of ‘whatever’, Master might just be the perfect candidate. Amidst the ubiquitous ‘simple food done well’ trend that everybody seems to be following, it’s refreshing to see a new place that’s not afraid to take some risks. Moreover, you would be hard pressed to find a restaurant that achieves this, while also boasting such a reasonably priced menu. What looked like tuna sashimi turned out to be Watermelon in Preserved Mustard & Nori ($10), and tasted like nothing I’ve ever had before. The Roasted Squid with Snow Pea Sprouts ($20) convinces you the noodle-looking things are noodles, but they’re squid. Side note: the broth in this dish is like Asian comfort food liquid gold. Burnt Cabbage with Fish Sauce Butter ($18) is the best cabbage I’ve ever had. Period. If you go here and don’t order it, we can’t be friends anymore. Trying to explain the flavour of the Congee with Pear and Coriander ($10) would be like trying to describe a colour you’ve never seen, so I won’t bother. Get in here before everybody else has their way with it.

Master
368 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Ph: (02) 8065 0838 masterdining.com.au
Chinese $$