19 September 2009

Snakebean Asian Diner: Unmissable Soft Shell Crab, Darlinghurst (10 Sept 2009)

95 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
http://www.asianpantry.com.au/snakebean.php
NOTICED CLOSED Feb 2012


Unmissable Soft Shell Crab

Last time I visited Snakebean I missed the 'unmissable lamb massaman' so I had to of course try it this time round. Lamb was tender with nice flavoured curry although I think it could have been notched up a couple of levels on the curry heat factor for me, unless it's not supposed to be too hot? The soft shell crab was a standout tonight with its decent meaty sized pieces of crispy crunchy outer batter goodness — although I prefer the tastier green papaya salad at Spice I Am from what I can remember. It's quite a small restaurant so unfortunately the tables are quite tiny leaving little room for the dishes when they come out. You need to order and pay for your dishes at the counter first.

Other visits to Snakebean Asian Diner:
10 Sept 2009 - Soft Shell Crab, Massaman Lamb, Spicy Beef Stir Fry
3 July 2009 - Banana Flower Salad with Prawns, Pork Stir Fry with Chili, Deluxe Fried Rice, Stir Fry Veggies with Tofu

Unmissable Lamb Massaman $16.50

Soft Shell Crab with green papaya salad and thai dressing $22.50
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Spicy beef stir fry with veggies and green peppercorns $13.50

Menus

Table setting

Dining area

10 comments:

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...

Looks like an interesting place!

aptronym said...

Only been there once, and it was a long time ago. The soft shell crab looks great but also a little on the expensive side for the serve!

Simon Leong said...

hi lorraine, seems to have some good dishes on offer worth trying.

hi aptronym, i think the crab was worth it because there was enough for 3 people to try some and they cooked it so well which is hard to find i think.

Jex said...

Hi Simon...Jeremy here (one of the owners of Snakebean). Thanks for your great support. Love your pics of SB and food. A note for aptronym and other readers...it is one of my greatest challanges to try and explain to people who love great food that our prices are truly affordable and great value. Unfortunately in Australia many Asian restaurants use sub-standard produce and pay their staff illegal and offensive low wages. We are proud to advis e that our staff are paid full award rates, we use the very best ingredients available and we also pay insurance, GST, TAX and all of the 'hidden' costs which many 'cheaper' food businesses dont pay which need to be passed on to the customer Think of it as 'free trade' in australia! People are often very concerned about certified free range coffee but dont seem so concerned that many restaurant staff in Australia are still paid as low as $5 per hour! So when you tuck into a $5 bowl of anything at your favourite asian eatery..stop and think..'how can they put this in a bowl for this price and cover REAL wages and rent++++?..and then think..my god what produce have they used to be able to sell this cheap etc it etc. Sorry to lecture folks but great food and service has a cost...I think that $50 main courses are often a rip off but under $25 is pretty good. Happy eating and blogging!

Simon Leong said...

Hi jex, thanks for the information, i've never really realised this about the industry but it makes sense. i can tell that your dishes use quality ingredients and as mentioned i think it's reasonably priced as such :-)

Anonymous said...

I went to Snakebean for dinner based on your recommendation and it was the worst food Ive had in a restaurant for a long time by far! The soft shell crab was salty and smelly. The fried rice was soft and gross. The papaya salad was the worst Ive tasted. The tables were dusty. And they wouldnt let us in until 5:30pm on the dot.

Simon Leong said...

hi anonymous, that's a pretty harsh review of the food. i'm sorry to hear you had a terrible experience which is such a contrast to what i've experienced. do you have any recommendations of a place you've been impressed with the soft shell crab and papaya salad for me to try?

Kristine Duran-Thiessen said...

hi there Just to let you know, Nhut is an amazing amazing chef and his food makes my knees weak! i felt so bad when my husband googled Snakebean diner and saw your blog on the google page.FYI for some reason it starts below 'Simon Food Favourites' with that silly post from 'anonymous'
saying it was the worst food etc..bla bla..
he didn't even want to read your blog post as it looks like it came from you not a commentor-
just so you know you might want to change that somehow. thanks
kristine

Simon Leong said...

hi Kristine, glad to hear you enjoyed the food. it's a shame anonymous didn't enjoy their meal. hopefully most people will see it as a comment but someone else rather than from me :-)

Bethany-Jayne said...

Hi Jeremy, i did not have any other way of contacting you on behalf of my mum Jackie Welsh (Bown). If you do receive this would you be able to email me your email address so that my parents can get in contact with you - Bethany-Jayne1995@hotmail.co.uk
Many thanks, Bethany (cousin)

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