Culinary Inspiration by Otao Kitchen

Banh Xeo, meaning “sizzling cake” in Vietnamese, is named for the satisfying sound the batter makes when it hits a hot pan. This golden, crispy savoury pancake is filled with fresh herbs, prawns, and crunchy vegetables. It’s one of Vietnam’s most iconic street food dishes—and now, it’s a crowd favourite in Vietnamese restaurants across Australia.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering Banh Xeo for the first time, this easy and delicious recipe will bring the flavours of Vietnam into your kitchen.

If you want to stock your kitchen with good-quality fish sauce, you’re in the right place. A staple in many Southeast Asian cuisines, fish sauce delivers that unmistakable umami richness — savoury, salty, complex — that transforms everyday cooking into something extraordinary.

But not all fish sauces are made equal. From country of origin to fermentation methods, the type you choose can make a big difference in your dish. So, let’s explore what makes a great fish sauce, how to choose the best one, and which brands are worth trying in Australia.

If you keep it simple and buy ingredients at farmers’ markets, the food can pretty much take care of itself. Do as little as possible to the food; consider leaving out an ingredient and relying on instinct. We have a list of shopping streets and farmer markets in Melbourne for you.

If you're craving melt-in-your-mouth sushi, slurp-worthy ramen, or an unforgettable omakase experience, Melbourne’s Japanese restaurant scene will not disappoint. This vibrant city is home to some of the finest Japanese eateries in Australia, from intimate chef’s counters to bustling izakayas. Whether you're planning a special night out or just searching for your next ramen fix, here’s your ultimate eating guide to Japanese restaurants in Melbourne — updated for 2025.

Mother’s Day Gift Vouchers – Give Mum a Memorable Experience She’ll Truly Enjoy

Mother’s Day is a special time to pause and celebrate the incredible women who nurture, support, and inspire us. But when it comes to choosing the right gift, it can be challenging to find something as unique and meaningful as your mum. If you're searching for a thoughtful, fun, and unforgettable present this year, look no further than an Otao Kitchen cooking class gift voucher.

Why Choose a Cooking Experience for Mother’s Day?

Instead of gifting more "stuff", why not treat Mum to a hands-on experience she'll cherish forever? Our cooking classes are not only fun and interactive, but they’re also a great way to spend quality time, learn new skills, and enjoy delicious food. Whether your mum loves Thai flavours, dreams of making perfect dumplings, or is curious about vegan cooking, we offer a wide range of classes that cater to all tastes and skill levels.

Flexible, Personal and Instantly Delivered

We’ve made gift-giving super easy. You can purchase an instant digital gift voucher online, personalise it with a message, and have it delivered straight to Mum’s inbox — no wrapping, shipping, or waiting needed. All our vouchers are valid for 3 years, so she can choose a date and class that suits her.

👉 Explore Gift Vouchers Now

Create a Special Memory Together

One of the best parts about gifting a cooking class? You can join in too! Booking a class with Mum is a beautiful way to reconnect, laugh, and bond over a shared experience. Together, you’ll prepare mouth-watering dishes, pick up new culinary tricks, and enjoy the satisfaction of eating something you made as a team.

Whether it’s for the mum who’s passionate about food, the one who’s hard to buy for, or the mum who simply deserves a break — an Otao Kitchen cooking experience is a heartfelt gift she won’t forget.

Perfect for All Mums – and All Occasions

• Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Indian, and more

• Gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-friendly options available

• Small group experiences led by expert chefs

• Fun, relaxed and perfect for beginners or seasoned home cooks

Let Mum stir, sizzle and spice her way to a fantastic day — or even better, join her and double the fun!

🧑‍🍳 Give the Gift of Flavour and Fun This Mother’s Day
🎁 Instant delivery | 3-year validity | Choose any class she loves

👉 Buy a Mother’s Day Cooking Class Gift Voucher Now

If you keep it simple and buy ingredients at farmers' markets, the food can pretty much take care of itself. Do as little as possible to the food; consider leaving out an ingredient and relying on instinct. We have a list of shopping streets and farmer markets in Melbourne for you.

If you keep it simple and buy fresh ingredients at farmers’ markets, the food can pretty much take care of itself. That’s one of our mantras at Otao Kitchen. Whether you're cooking at home or joining us for a masterclass, we believe seasonal produce is the foundation of flavour.

Instead of overcomplicating your dishes, try doing as little as possible—skip a garnish, trust your instincts, and let those perfectly ripe tomatoes, vibrant greens, and crusty loaves shine. Below is our curated guide to Melbourne’s best farmers’ markets and fresh food streets. These places aren’t just for shopping—they’re experiences in themselves.

🎄 Why Experience Gifts Are the Best Christmas Presents

The joy of experience gifts is simple:
✔️ No clutter.
✔️ No guessing sizes.
✔️ Just pure excitement and anticipation for something special.

More and more Australians are choosing experiential Christmas presents — and for good reason.

At Otao Kitchen, you can gift experiences that spark joy — from Asian street food and dumpling-making classes to Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese masterclasses.

🧧 Give a Christmas Gift Voucher from Otao Kitchen

A Cooking Class Voucher They’ll Never Forget

From dumplings to pho, sushi to stir-fries — Otao Kitchen gift vouchers open the door to new skills, bold flavours, and memorable moments.

Perfect for:

• Food lovers and aspiring chefs

• Couples looking for a fun date night

• Friends and families who love trying new things

• Team members, clients, or colleagues you want to impress

And if you want to join them, even better. It’s a gift for them and a great time for you, too.

🍽️ Top Experience Gift Ideas from Otao Kitchen

Here are some of the most popular options:

• Dumpling Making Party – Fun, interactive, and delicious.

• Thai Cooking Class – Spice things up with tropical flair.

• Vietnamese Masterclass – Great for lovers of authentic Southeast Asian cuisine.

• Asian Finger Food Cooking – Perfect for party hosts and entertainers.

• Japanese Cooking Experience – From sushi to ramen, this one’s always a hit.

🍺 Add a Thoughtful Extra

Pair your gift voucher with a festive add-on:

• A branded beer coaster for holiday toasts

• A quality apron, chef’s knife, or spice set

• A Christmas card with a personal message

• A box of Asian pantry essentials for at-home fun

Looking for corporate gifts? Add a custom branded item for clients or employees they’ll actually enjoy.

🧑‍🎄 A Gift for Every Kind of Person

Whether you’re shopping for:

• Couples looking for a new date night idea

• Parents who deserve something different

• Friends who have everything

• Work teams who love shared experiences

• Or even yourself (go on, treat yourself)

An Otao Kitchen gift voucher gives people something exciting to look forward to.

✨ Where to Buy the Best Christmas Experience Gifts

Browse all options and purchase instantly here:
👉 Buy a Christmas Gift Voucher

Vouchers are:

• Delivered instantly by email

• Personalised with a custom message

• Valid for 3 years

• Redeemable across all our cooking classes and group experiences

🎅 Make This Christmas One to Remember

This festive season, give something more than a gift — give an experience they’ll cherish.

From cooking, connection, and fun, a Christmas gift voucher from Otao Kitchen is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays.

🎁 Buy your gift vouchers today and make someone’s Christmas deliciously memorable.

‘Tis the season for festive cheer, great venues, delicious food, fun activities and, of course, the infamous Work Christmas Party. If you're the lucky one tasked with organising this year’s event, you’ll want to create something memorable — for all the right reasons.

To help you avoid the dreaded Christmas party flop and instead plan an unforgettable celebration, here are Chef Ha’s handy hints to get you started.

How to store spices and how long they will last are most frequent questions being asked in our cooking classes.

Most of our spices are imported, shipped and shelved before we get them. Our recommendation is store them in a cool and dark place. So do not store above your stove as you might think of a perfectly access for your cooking. Heat, humidity and light will cause the spices loose their beautiful oil and flavour.

Be a great cook to use your spices within six months or 12 months. They will loose their flavour over the time but you still can use them.