The Little Rickshaw, Aldinga: Restaurant review

Bursts of basil nahm jim and vibrant wasabi oil elevate delicate slices of locally caught nannygai sashimi, sweetened by razor-thin shards of nashi pear. Later, chewy bites of the Korean rice cake tteokbokki are given noodle treatment, wok-tossed with minced duck, choy sum and an umami-rich ’nduja-spiked butter in place of gochujang. Chef-owner Trinh Richards’ eclectic, modern nine-course set menu moves from light-and-bright to belly-warming renditions of Asian cuisine, inspired by her parents’ homeland of Vietnam and skimming Thailand, Japan and Malaysia. A salad of doenjang-glazed squid is a highlight, with balanced sweetness from pickled green mango, crisp coconut sambal and maesil (plum extract) caramel, as are inventive desserts such as salted miso mousse with an assam tea crust. The wine list spotlights local drops, with original cocktails rounding out a joyful dining experience in a rustic dining room, once home to a blacksmith and coach builder.

Price Guide

$$$

Bookings

Essential

Wheelchair Access

Opening Hours

Lunch Sat-Sun; Dinner Thu-Sat

The Gourmet Traveller Team

Gourmet Traveller is Australia’s trusted authority on food, travel and luxury lifestyle, bringing the latest news and trends to life through quality journalism, enticing recipes and evocative photography. For more than 55 years, it has been inspiring and informing Australians with the best in cooking, dining, travelling and shopping. Our critics bring the expertise of years of critical eating, drinking and writing to the table. Plus, as the country’s leading title in the luxury sector, Gourmet Traveller works closely with Australia’s leaders in the travel and hospitality industries to give our readers exclusive access. The Gourmet Traveller legacy is one of trust, prestige and relevance.

Annual Restaurant Guide

Related stories

About your privacy