Fitzroy Street has been a bit drib and dry of late. While still a diverse and colourful street with a mix of artisan bakeries, flamboyant sex shops, and the iconic Albert park across the road, it used to be more of a culinary destination. But with a few closures, of late less so.
And suddenly it’s been hit with a Bang. Bang Bang, the sexy sultry spice Queen, has arrived and is painting the town red with its vibrant interior, gregarious atmosphere and exciting Pan Asian cuisine. It’s the same awesome team that started the first Bang in Mordialloc, then hit Hampton, and now they have expanded seaside to St Kilda.
Design and Vibe
They’ve kept the place in theme, with its flashing neon signage, drop-down lamps and dark mood lighting, Same as before, we hear the loud tunes pumping, fire from the fryer sizzling and cocktails rattling . It’s the ideal spot for a cheeky date night, catch up with a mate, or a group of gals in high heels looking for a laugh, some spice and exceptional cocktails.
Also keeping in theme with its older sisters is the glowing inviting service. With a warm and graceful welcoming, even though it’s the first time I’ve dined there, it already feels like home.
The Food – Pan Asian bites
Hawker style dishes from all parts of Asia have a modern spin. Dainty slices of pristine kingfish with a white pillow coconut foam, and crunchy tropical coconut shavings are like eating a cloud. Each bite is fluffy, light and elevating. A piping pot Szechuan eggplant is stunning in stature and taste. This bold vegan dish has a caramelised sweet sticky outer and a gooey creamy unami tasting interior. Somewhat phallic looking, placing a serve of these crunchy soldiers in front of a table is like putting a lolly jar in front of some hungry kids – and I find myself elbowing my neighbour to get in while they’re hot. A thick nourishing brick of humpty doo barramundi steamed with beautiful aromatics of ginger and soy and plump juicy shitake mushrooms.
Cocktails and Dreams
And the epic night continues with a ‘Chilli Chilli Bang Bang’, their take on a spicy margarita. A seemingly innocuous looking glass with a chilli salt rim, a sip and I feel my head spinning and tongue doing fire-twirls. Despite the sting, it’s a hedonistic pleasurable beverage that that makes me yearn to keep going.
Fitzroy street needed a bit of a Bang to put it back on the map. Now Bang Bang’s arrived, it’s sure as hell got one.
What we’re addicted to? Banging pan, Asian Eats, and eclectic atmosphere, and a jolly good time
What we need to be more addicted? Not much, they have a pretty bang on.
Bang Bang 2/157 Fitzroy St, St Kilda VIC 3182
Mon – Thurs 5pm – late, Fri – Sun 12pm – late (kitchen closed 3pm – 5pm)