Culinary Inspiration by Otao Kitchen

The Best Dumplings in Melbourne: A Local’s Guide to Must-Try Spots

Melbourne is a dumpling lover’s dream. With its rich multicultural history and vibrant food scene, the city offers everything from handmade Chinese xiao long bao to Vietnamese bánh bột lọc, Japanese gyoza, and creative fusion dumplings. Whether you're a fan of steamed, pan-fried, or deep-fried, there’s a dumpling in Melbourne for every craving—and we’ve done the tasty research for you.

Here’s your local’s guide to the best dumplings in Melbourne, plus where you can learn to make your own!

Balinese food is more than a meal—it's a celebration. Rooted in ceremony, community, and spice, the cuisine of Bali is a vibrant blend of indigenous traditions and external influences from China, India, and across the Indonesian archipelago.

At Otao Kitchen, we honour these traditions in our hands-on Southeast Asian cooking classes, where you’ll discover how to prepare iconic Balinese dishes using authentic ingredients and time-honoured techniques.

Let’s explore the key ingredients that give Balinese cuisine its unforgettable flavour—and how you can bring them into your home kitchen.

f you have a sweet tooth and love exploring new flavours, Asian desserts offer a delicious world of textures, aromas, and tastes. From coconut-rich puddings to chewy rice cakes and shaved ice delights, Asian sweets are fun to make, visually stunning, and packed with flavour.

Whether you're inspired by Thai street food, Japanese cafes, or Vietnamese home cooking, we’ve rounded up the best Asian desserts you can try at home—many of which are featured in our Otao Kitchen cooking classes and recipes.

Why Beans and Lentils Are the Best for Easy Weeknight Meals?

At Otao Kitchen, we love beans and lentils—not just because they’re pantry staples, but because they’re incredibly versatile, nutritious, and affordable. In Asian cooking, these humble legumes are used in everything from curries and soups to salads and stews.

According to the Global Pulse Confederation, beans and lentils play a vital role in a healthy, balanced diet and are linked to preventing chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. They're naturally low in fat, high in fibre, and packed with essential minerals and vitamins.

If you're looking for healthy, delicious, and easy dinner ideas, beans and lentils are your go-to ingredients—especially when you want something plant-based and satisfying.

Hen Party Ideas: How to Plan a Hands-On Celebration Party in Melbourne

You’ve been asked to organise the hen party to beat all hen parties—so where do you start? Whether you’re inspired by a glamorous getaway or a more chilled, foodie-focused celebration, Victoria Street in Richmond and Abbotsford is your one-stop destination for creating a hands-on, unforgettable hens day.

From wellness to wine, glam to gourmet, here are 5 fabulous hens party ideas, all walkable from Otao Kitchen in Abbotsford—making your planning easy and your day totally seamless.

How to Make Fresh Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn)

Light, healthy, and bursting with flavour, Vietnamese rice paper rolls (also known as gỏi cuốn) are a favourite for good reason. These fresh rolls are packed with prawns, rice noodles, crisp vegetables, and fragrant herbs—rolled up in delicate rice paper and served with a punchy dipping sauce.

At Otao Kitchen, we love teaching our students to make rice paper rolls in our Vietnamese cooking classes, because they’re fun to assemble and perfect for sharing. Now you can recreate them at home with this step-by-step guide.

How to Buy the Best Kitchen Knife on a Budget: A Chef’s Guide for Home Cooks

Becoming a great home cook doesn’t start with a recipe—it starts with your tools. And nothing is more essential than a good kitchen knife. Whether you’re slicing onions, chopping herbs, or carving a roast, your chef’s knife will be the most-used tool in your kitchen.

But with so many choices out there, how do you find the right knife without breaking the bank?

At Otao Kitchen, we’re here to take the stress out of buying your first—or next—kitchen knife. Let’s walk through everything you need to know, with our 7-step guide to choosing the perfect kitchen knife on a budget.

Which Cooking Class Is Best for Your Team? A Guide to Otao Kitchen’s Top Group Events

In the world of corporate team-building, nothing beats getting your hands dirty—and your aprons on. At Otao Kitchen, we believe cooking is one of the most powerful ways to connect people, and our hands-on cooking experiences are designed to do just that.

Whether you're a small startup or a large organisation, a birthday group or a remote team, there’s an Otao Kitchen event designed to bring your people closer—through flavour, culture, and creativity.

“Food sparks conversation, collaboration, and creativity,” says founder and head chef Ha Nguyen.
“That’s why we design our cooking events to be more than just classes—they're experiences.”

Let’s explore which class might be right for your next gathering.

sian cooking is nothing without its iconic sauces—layered with flavour, rich in history, and easy to use at home. In Vietnamese cuisine, sauces are more than condiments; they’re essential ingredients that transform simple meals into delicious, aromatic dishes.

At Otao Kitchen, we believe learning about sauces is one of the most powerful ways to understand and master Asian cooking. Here's your guide to 8 essential sauces to bring into your home kitchen.