Disco Beans

When you enter a restaurant named Disco Beans, odds  are your not going to be  getting the stock standard meat and three veg. Nestled on Northcote’s ever-popular High Street, this Japanese cafe/bar/gallery space, is the kind of versatile space you might find in any major Japanese city, often down laneways or perched high above the busy street in a residential building.

The menu is simple, with many dishes mostly catered towards the vegetarian, with vegan options on all menu items. In contrast to this and keeping with Japanese tradition, certain dishes can have raw salmon and other fish added for an extra charge.

On our maiden voyage to the establishment, my culinary crewmate and I were greeted by friendly staff and were seated quickly at a communal table adorned with obtuse sculptures and cacti. The soundtrack of the evening was an Animal Collective LP playing softly in the distance, the perfect musical counterpart to the colorful graffiti clad décor.

First up we ordered a serving of Gyoza, pan fried, with a stuffing made with organic tempeh, mushroom, garlic and chives ($9.50), the generous amount of filling included in each parcel was a hearty start to the meal.

For mains we shared a serve of Sukiyaki Udon, a medley of stir-fried vegetables and udon noodles cooked in a tangy homemade sukiyaki sauce. We also ordered a Coconut Pumpkin Curry ($10.50), arriving as a vibrantly sweet aromatic coconut & pumpkin curry, served with a side of rice. Each main came in a generous portion.

Desert was a Strawberry Fields Forever Cake ($11.00), a raw and sugar free cheesecake-style frozen dessert. Sweetened with agave syrup, made with fresh strawberries, kiwi fruit and coconut. Served with a generous scoop of soy ice cream, it was a light and fruity closing act to dinner

The menu also includes a selection of stews and additional curry and noodle/rice dishes. A daily ‘belly plate’ such as a tofu steak with various salads and grains is also offered.

Like the frenetic art of its walls, Disco Bean’s menu is in a constant state of flux. Weekly so repeat visits are advised.

DISCO BEANS
238 High St, Northcote
9077-4772
Tues to Sun 6:00pm -9:30
pm
www.discobeans.com