Ginseng (Modern Asian Cuisine)

Ginseng is a rare gem that really shows that sometimes looks can be decieving. Located on the nepean hwy in Frankston, from the outside it just seems like another restaurant, but on the inside you are welcomed by friendly staff, excellent service with attention to detail and wonderful food. Not to mention, the menu is VERY large with different Asian cuisines offered.

The service here outdoes the price or the location. For example, the wait staff placing the napkin on your lap, they also open the menu for you when giving it to you. They also ask you if you would like a drink as soon as you are seated, so no need to wait until the waiter returns. They also serve a plate of prawn crackers for you to snack on while waiting for your food. They give you a refresher towel before starting your meal. During your meal, they serve the rice onto your plate if you have ordered it as a side and once you are finished they serve you an after dinner mint and a warm hand towel (yes, like in a plane!). Overall service is exceptional. The staff are friendly and the food on time.

As for the food, I have been here on several occasions. The food is great and the prices are really good. If you ask me (and everyone I have ever taken there) you MUST order the honey glazed duck with coconut rice. Seriously, this dish needs to win and award it is that AMAZING!

The red curry duck is also wonderful if you are in a curry mood. As for entrees, I recommend the quail, the sang choi bao and the spring rolls, but seriously everything is really good.

If you can't get a booking on a Friday or Saturday night (they tend to book out), then don't despair! They have a take away menu however, you can order anything off their normal menu to take away if you wish. Actually, from experience they pretty much make you anything you want. They never used to have coconut rice on the menu, but everytime I went I would ask for it and they would make it for me - now it's on the menu. I guess they got the hint!

Here are some photos from my latest adventure there, it was for Sunday lunch:

Chicken Sang Choi Bao

Entree Dumplings

Honey Glazed Duck with Asian Greens

Coconut Rice

You can find Ginseng at www.ginsengrestaurant.com.au