Spice Bazaar Uyghur Restaurant 小巴扎新疆餐厅 — Restaurant in Melbourne

Had dinner here after seeing their handmade noodles on their Instagram page. I didn’t order the main popular dishes but in comparison of other Uyghur cuisine I had in Melbourne, the noodles were lacking that chewy texture. Flavour was a bit underwhelming but that could be subjective.

Few things to be mindful of if you decide to give this restaurant a try.

Probably a small family business. One young girl, probably not even 18 does most the work. The two adults staff just sat and observed (maybe taking a break? If you speak English only, make sure you double check they took your order correctly. Food does take time to cook and you don’t want to wait half an hour for the wrong food ,then be told “that’s not what you said” as their response (in person, then now on Google) wait further 15 minutes for a hot dish that was cold. Don’t tap your card until you double check the final bill. I ordered $57 worth of food then saw $105 on the EFTPOS screen and was told it was a surcharge. The same young lady thought I didn’t understand what she way saying and point at the surcharge sign. I said “I understand what a surcharge is but how does 1.5% surcharge add my total to $50 more?” The staff was still in denial until I start flipping the menu.

The vibe and the service I got from here was a negative which were reflected in some of the reviews here. I hope their other popular dishes are better but I won’t come back...

Spice Bazar in Balwyn North is an authentic Uyghur gem, a delightful find run by a young Uyghur couple. The restaurant exudes warmth and authenticity, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the Uyghur community.

From their extensive menu, we opted for some of their signature dishes, and we were not disappointed. The fresh hand-pulled noodles were absolutely scrumptious, packed with flavor, and hands down the best we’ve had so far. The texture and taste were perfect, showcasing the skill and tradition behind their preparation.

The charcoal lamb skewers were another highlight. The marination was excellent, infusing the meat with a depth of flavor that was both savory and aromatic. Each bite was tender and delicious, making it a must-try for meat lovers.

We also ventured into new territory with the fungus salad, which turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Its unique flavor profile was intriguing and enjoyable, adding a refreshing contrast to the other dishes.

Lastly, the cold noodles were equally impressive. They were light, flavorful, and perfect for a refreshing bite.

Overall, Spice Bazar offers an extensive menu with something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Uyghur cuisine or a curious newcomer, this place will not disappoint. Be sure to check them out for a memorable...

Spice Bazaar offers a delightful experience with tasty and authentic Uyghur cuisine. We particularly enjoyed the flavourful "Big Plate Chicken" which certainly lives up to its name and had just the right level of spice. The "Uyghur Polo" was an addictive bite, with perfectly cooked and seasoned rice and super tender lamb ribs. Unfortunately, there was an extra long wait on our lamb skewers, and when they finally came we found that the majority of them were overcooked and tough to eat. Otherwise, Spice Bazaar has a pleasant ambience and with the venue packed on a Friday night, there was a nice vibe making it a comfortable place to dine.

Overall, despite the long wait for our overcooked skewers, everything else was delicious and still made for a positive experience. Would recommend giving Spice Bazaar a try if you're in the mood for some authentic...