Deliciously Fresh Seven Day Dining at OISHII
It’s the only Asian restaurant in a winery in Australia, and Oishii Japanese Thai Restaurant is also one of few restaurants in wine country that are open seven days a week. With this in mind, we decided to take up the opportunity to have dinner at this popular restaurant in the middle of the week. Given its reputation, we weren’t really surprised to see just how busy this charming family-owned and operated restaurant was.
Dining at Oishii is like few other restaurant experiences, and it is easy to see why Oishii has become a highly recommended and favourite dining destination amongst locals and visitors.
Located within the Roche Estate complex on Broke Rd in Pokolbin and overlooking the architecturally designed amphitheatre and vines, Oishii provides a conveniently located, relaxed and affordable dining alternative with dishes designed to please every palate.
The menu at Oishii is a combination of two Asian cultures – Thai and Japanese and includes all the traditional Thai favourites such as Thai fish cakes, stir-fried vegetables with soft tofu, chicken cashew nuts, green curry chicken and other fragrant Thai curries. The menu is further enhanced by a range of Japanese dishes that include assorted sushi and sashimi selections.
There are also a variety of vegetarian dishes. We decided on the chicken satay and assorted sushi and nori rolls for the entree as well as the miso soup, which proved to be a perfect accompaniment to the Japanese dishes.
We then made a selection of three Thai dishes, all served with steamed rice for main courses. Our first selection was the red curry king prawns. This dish was superbly presented, and the king prawns cooked to perfection with just a hint of lime and deliciously fresh vegetables. The chicken with crunchy cashew nuts was colourful and healthy, served with seasonal vegetables and with an incredibly delicious sauce.
Our final dish was also our favourite and a very traditional Thai meal. We’re clearly not alone, as the Panang duck curry, as I later discovered, is also one of the most popular dishes amongst Oishii's patrons. It came served with juicy and generous slices of skinless duck sitting within a deep-flavoured Panang curry sauce, and after the first taste, it was easy to see why this dish was such a favourite – it was delicious and left us wanting more.
The dishes are perfect for sharing and ideal for families or groups of friends, and the Japanese menu also offers Teppan Yaki and Terri Yaki options for those looking for a ‘taste of Japan’.
The setting is minimalist and with a Thai-themed dining room. Diners also have the option of dining outside on the terrace overlooking the vines – a perfect setting for those warmer Autumn days.
Oishii offers a real alternative for dining in the Hunter Valley and is an absolute must-do dining experience. For more information and menus, visit www.oishii.com.au, or to make a booking phone 4998 7051.
