Blown Away

So not really a restaurant, but definitely worth a mention. Potato tornadoes are a craze that have been hitting Perth for some time (My research hasn't been that deep, so no exact time for you) and are a stall food- like something you buy at a market. Exactly something you'd buy at a market actually.

A market like Fremantle's (already mentioned previously in the Ramen post) is the most consistent place where you can get your hot little hands on these twisty delicious snacks.

You might be thinking "gimmick" at this point, and I don't blame you. The unique look of the potato tornado is most certainly half of its draw, but the other half has to come down to flavour. Nowhere have I tasted seasoning like that which has been sprinkled on these spirally wonders. The flavours range from Salt, BBQ, Cheese, Chilli to name a few and they would all go perfectly well with normal, non-dizzying, potato chips.

But that isn't to say the "tornadoey" potato isn't fried just right, with just the right texture, flavour and fun factor. Because it is, oooh yeah. These babies cost $7 for two sticks worth, but a little bargaining can surely reduce that price- just don't tell them I told you.

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ATMOSPHERE: N/A (Well, its a market)
SERVICE: 7/10 (Friendly and willing to deal)
FOOD: 8/10 (If you're looking for a snack)
OVERALL: 7.5/10

This place is perfect if you're looking for a snack that tastes good and is a little special.

Freo Market Ramen (Dosukoi Japanese Noodle & Bubble Tea)

So the time has come for the first review and I've decided to start with a place that is very dear to my heart.

You guessed it (or read the title, or have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about)! I'm talking about Dosukoi Japanese Noodle and Bubble Tea or better known as "that Fremantle ramen place."

On the south western flank, next to the crepe place, stall number 7; that is where the Ramen place is located. And upon first glance some obvious flaws are immediately recognisable. Its tiny! People are cramped together on one bench opposite the kitchen and the window sill that opens into the market. The maximum capacity is a mere ten people with just enough elbow room to perform the difficult "eating" maneuver. If you can't get a seat, all is not lost, you can put your name on a waiting list with Terry- the friendly japanese man- and he promises to call you when a spot is available.

Um, great Terry, but why would I want to be put on this waiting list in the first place? Why would I want to be treated like a sardine in a can?

The answer hits you at about the same time the flavoursome ramen noodles hits your tongue. All the pains from waiting, all the gripes about space, all your worries just release from your body. The hot broth, the soft noodles and the succulent meat take all your attention away.

This is it people, this is the best ramen you will ever have in Perth. Not to mention the takoyaki (octopus) balls and Japanese fried chicken. Everything is just as tasty as it gets.

The success of this place would be a surprise, but the moment you step in through the small doorway all the pieces fall into place. When you talk with Terry and see the way the practiced kitchen staff handle their cooking you know you've entered someplace authentic, you know you've somehow found that small piece of Japan hiding inside Perth.

Now only if they were open 24/7.

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THE LOWDOWN
Prices: around $9 per dish.
Overall Kelvin Rating: 8/10 (marks off only for lack of convenience)
Fremantle markets is located South Terrace, Fremantle.
Open: Friday 10am to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 10am to 6pm.

Contact:

• Stall Number: 7
• Terry Komatsuzaki
• 0412 855 663

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