Image credit: FermentAsian
When thinking of the Barossa Valley, glorious wines and long outdoor lunches among sprawling vineyards come to mind. However, the tourism hotspot is home to more than just its famous wineries.
Introducing FermentAsian; the award-winning fusion restaurant taking its inspiration from owner and head chef Tuoi Do’s Vietnamese heritage.
FermentAsian’s elegance cannot be overstated.
Nestled in the heart of Tanunda, it’s unlikely you’d think of Southeast Asian cuisine when stumbling upon the eatery, or a menu containing fresh betel leaves, pancakes with prawns or a lime-flavoured creme brulee.
The delightful restaurant doesn’t follow the typical fit-out of a five-star restaurant. Instead, it looks rather homely, finding itself in the bones of a quaint brick cottage behind a well-kept front garden.
Upon entering the restaurant, the whole mood changes. Greeted by contemporary decor, intimate lighting and flawless table settings; not a single detail has been overlooked.
Offering both a la carte and chef’s tasting menus, guests are treated to a decadent dining experience, perfectly complemented with a wine list spanning over 100 pages – which is award-winning in its own right. The skilled and friendly staff are eager to share their extensive knowledge on the best pairing arrangements.
Tuoi has placed significant focus upon using fresh, local ingredients in FermentAsian’s dishes. Just down the street, Tuoi’s family has established a large, fruitful garden, from which much of the produce used in dishes, is sourced. When ingredients do not come from Tuoi’s own garden, local Barossa Valley produce is still used where possible.
During our visit, particular favourites on our table were the Barossa chicken dumplings with oyster mushrooms, and confit duck leg with quandongs and dates. The chef’s tasting menu should be recommended to all new guests, as it allows you to sample the best of FermentAsian for $78 per person.
FermentAsian’s story has not always been smooth-sailing, however, receiving negative press before even opening its doors. A testament to the skill and dedication of Tuoi, FermentAsian opened, and over a decade later it’s gone from strength to strength, with countless five-star reviews and many return diners more than happy to make a dedicated trip just to visit.
For those wanting to make a weekend out of this dining experience, FermentAsian now offers two accommodation options, right in the heart of Tanunda. Guests have the choice of Villa Maria, a luxury guesthouse, or 29 Jane, a renovated 1920s bungalow. You can head to this link for more information on the accommodation options.
You can find FermentAsian at 90 Murray Street, Tanunda.
For more information and to book a table at FermentAsian, click here.
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