The Passing of An Exceptional Malaysian, Yasmin Ahmad…

For those of you who don’t know who Yasmin Ahmad is, she was  a Malaysian film director, writer, and screenwriter known for her work in the movie Sepet and Petronas commercials during the festive seasons. I personally have never thought highly of our local entertainment industry but Yasmin was, in my opinion, truely gifted and a talented writer. Her works never fail to touch the heart of its audience with it’s humour and it’s ability to transcend cross-cultural barriers. Most of my generation would have seen her movie Sepet and debated over the meaning of the end of the movie, and most Malaysians would have seen at least one of her Petronas commercials for the major holidays (they were always my favourite ones). Her works always portrayed a sense of unity amongst the people of Malaysia or what we Malaysians call “perpaduan kaum”, but not in a cheesy way. She was only 51, and even though she may not be as well-known as the late MJ, I believe this is a great loss to Malaysia. Rest in peace Yasmin.

Han Guk Guan

Craving for Korean food? HGG is the place to go in Melbourne. For me, HGG will always be the number 1 – undisputed – Korean-Chinese restaurant in Melbourne!! For one thing, they have THE BEST gan jjajang (jjajang myun) EVER. Just thinking about it makes me hungry. Also I like the banchan they serve there. My other favourites deep fried Korean dumplings, ddukbukgi, kimchi chige, sweet & sour pork, sweet & spicy chicken, spicy octopus rice, and grilled pork belly. If you ask any Koreans where is the best place to go for Korean in Melbourne, most of them will say HGG. For what you pay, you will receive a generous portion of a delicious dish (unlike some other restaurants…). The staff may not be the best English speakers but they are very competent.

Han Guk Guan

13A, Victoria Street

Near the corner of Exhibition Street. The restaurant is quite hidden so you may have to keep a look out for it.

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I also recently had dinner in Hwaro Korean BBQ. This restaurant is in a sense quite the opposite of HGG. It’s modern, chic, and fashionable. The food is pretty good but the portion is really small for the price they charge. Although the lemon shouju is really nice. The staff is friendly and food came pretty quickly so I can’t really complain.

Hwaro Korean BBQ

562 Little Bourke Street

Near King Street.

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There are also a few good ones on Victoria Street near Victoria Market. Hallah, a modern Korean cuisine restaurant, has a really nice soy chicken but the food there is pretty pricy (well actually Korean food is pretty expensive).