Firebird is a Vietnamese-inspired restaurant in Prahan, Melbourne. We dined here as a big group of 8 and had the premium set menu for $88 per person.
Food
The grilled oysters were beautifully smokey, complemented by the bright, savoury kick of nuoc mam (fish sauce), fragrant lemongrass, and aromatic Thai basil.
The flat-pressed baguette was perfectly crispy, paired with a rich black garlic relish and creamy whipped tofu that blended together in a deliciously unique bite.
The kingfish tartare was fresh and vibrant, with the citrus nuoc mam adding a zesty kick, while the sesame crackers, creamy avocado, and pickled chili brought a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
The duck spring roll was crispy and flavorful, with tender duck, earthy shiitake, and a hint of shisho and sesame that added a delightful balance of tastes.
This was the grilled squid. It was tender and smoky, complemented by the tangy green nuoc mam, crisp daikon, and a refreshing kick of hot mint.
The fire-roasted duck was perfectly tender and smokey, with a delightful citrus-y sweetness from the orange. The excellent sauce and burnt ginger relish added layers of depth, making each bite irresistibly delicious.
The rice was okay, a bit bland.
The papaya salad was refreshing and vibrant, with the tangy lime dressing, crisp green apple, and crunchy peanuts creating a deliciously balanced dish.
The burnt coconut fudge was rich and indulgent, perfectly complemented by the creamy white chocolate ganache for a decadent finish.
The mango custard was smooth and creamy, paired perfectly with the refreshing blackberry granita, coco jelly, and airy whipped coconut for a delightful burst of flavors and textures.
Service
The service started off good but by the 3rd dish, it went haywire. The staff were slow and bringing dishes at different paces for both ends of the table. And then they took so long to bring out desserts, even though the restaurant had almost emptied at this point. The service left an overall bad impression on the meal.
Review
Due to the slow service, we probably would not return to this restaurant. The food was good – but service really put us off this place. Maybe we’ll give it a go in a few years.
Thanks for reading. Happy eating.
Thanks for reading. Happy eating.
