AUS: Big Esso
Eating ants... The same swarm that usually makes me cringe!
Situated at Fed Square along the banks of Yarra River, Big Esso offers a dining experience that's both rooted in culture and refreshingly modern at the same time. Focusing on the use of native Australian ingredients, it's the kind of place where the menu sparks curiosity. With that in mind, let's dig into crocodile, emu and even ants.
Indeed, that was my first time eating ants. I'm not sure about you, but I've always found the sight of a swarm of ants unsettling, the kind that sends a faint shiver up my spine and makes the hairs on my arms stand on end.
Pepperberry and Saltbush Fried Crocodile A$26.00 (~S$23.40)
Taste: 7.5/10
It wasn’t my first time trying crocodile: lean white meat that's often likened to chicken. The deep-fried version at Big Esso made for a pleasant small bite to munch on, though it wasn't extraordinary. Seasoned with native pepperberry and saltbush, as well as topped with smoked oyster aioli, the dish carried a gentle, aromatic heat.
Native Green Ant Curry Spatchcock A$40.00 (~S$36.00)
Taste: 8.5/10
The braised spatchcock arrived tender and juicy, a clear testament to careful, slow cooking. It was served in mild curry that wasn’t overpowering, yet fragrant enough for my liking. Crispy warrigal greens added a delicate crunch to the dish.
Of course, the real intrigue came from the native green ants. They lifted the curry with their bright, citrusy flavour, delivering a lime-like zing with every bite.
Pepper Leaf Smoked Emu Flat Fillet A$54.00 (~S$48.60)
Taste: 8/10
Despite being a type of poultry, emu has got deep red meat that's rich in iron. While not the most tender, the smoked emu slices were packed with flavours. Smoking with pepper leaves gave the meat a subtle earthy warmth and a lingering woody aroma that added a nice layer of complexity. The dish was finished with crispy cassava chips.
Meta Choc Cherry Ripe A$21.00 (~S$18.90)
Taste: 8.5/10
I love Cherry Ripe, a brand of chocolate bar manufactured by Cadbury Australia. Big Esso's reinterpretation of a classic favourite was lovely, featuring shredded coconut blended with cherries and Davidson plum, a native rainforest fruit priced for its tangy profile. It was accompanied by saltbush puffed rice crisps, which added a light, savoury crunch.
Melon's Rating
Taste: 8/10
Ambience: 7/10
Service: 8/10
Overall: 7.5/10
Big Esso is run by Mabu Mabu, a company established in 2018 with a vision to place native Australian ingredients firmly at the centre of modern dining tables. Pika's advice: Can't decide what to order? You may want to go for the 3-course Feed Me menu priced at A$75.00 (~S$67.50) per person with a minimum of two diners.
Big Esso
25/2 Swanson Street
Melbourne, Victoria
Australia
(Tue-Sun: 11.00am - 8.00pm)
*Prices quoted are nett prices.
Have a nice meal,
Cliff(y)
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