Paul Phillips, Jan Phillips, Debbie Quinn and Peter Quinn.
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Dive into the heart of the Goulburn Valley’s culinary scene with Jan and Paul Phillips. Every Friday, the pair will serve our readers with their knowledge of our communities’ restaurants, cafés and pubs — one plate at a time.
Fried rice.
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Shepparton’s dining scene has been enriched with the arrival of Sabai Sabai, a newly opened Asian fusion restaurant that is already making waves among locals and visitors alike.
Formerly known as Hawkers on Wyndham St, this refreshed establishment brings a new level of style and flavour to the area.
While a few familiar faces from the previous restaurant remain, Sabai Sabai is under the leadership of new owners who hail from Melbourne’s vibrant restaurant scene, bringing with them a wealth of culinary expertise and fresh inspiration.
With its inviting ambiance, warm hospitality and exceptional food, Sabai Sabai is quickly becoming a favourite for those seeking a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary Asian flavours.
The restaurant’s curated interior combines modern elegance with strong Asian influences, creating a space that is both stylish and welcoming.
One of the standout features was the amazing floral arrangements that greeted diners upon arrival — many passersby would have seen the spectacular displays while driving down Wyndham St.
Mongolian beef.
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We recently had the pleasure of dining at Sabai Sabai with our good friends, Debbie and Peter Quinn.
As always, our evening was filled with laughter, conversation and, of course, great food.
What made this experience particularly special was sharing it with friends who are passionate gastronomes and have an excellent appreciation for Asian cuisine.
Debbie has a regular cooking column in The News.
Like us, they were impressed by what Sabai Sabai had to offer.
From the moment we stepped inside, we were welcomed with genuine smiles and attentive service, setting the tone for a fantastic night ahead.
The atmosphere was lively yet relaxed, making it the perfect setting for an enjoyable evening out.
Adding to the entertainment, the restaurant encourages karaoke, creating a fun and interactive experience for guests looking to add a little extra excitement to their night.
We opted to save everyone’s ears and not participate this time.
The menu at Sabai Sabai is a celebration of flavours, drawing inspiration from various Asian culinary traditions.
With so many enticing options, it was a challenge to choose, but we embraced the opportunity to share and sample a wide selection of dishes.
Our meal began with a delightful assortment of entrees, including crispy prawn spring rolls, flavourful chicken satay skewers and perfectly crafted money bags that simply melted in our mouths.
Honey chicken.
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For the main course, we indulged in a feast of rich and aromatic dishes.
The honey chicken was perfectly glazed, offering just the right balance of sweetness and crunch.
The Mongolian beef was tender and flavourful, while the roast duck was an absolute standout, expertly cooked to perfection.
Accompanied by fragrant fried rice, each dish showcased the chefs’ skill in blending textures and flavours harmoniously.
Beyond the exceptional food, what truly set our experience apart was the impeccable service.
The staff at Sabai Sabai were not only attentive and efficient but also incredibly knowledgeable about the menu.
Their enthusiasm for the cuisine and their dedication to creating an enjoyable dining experience were impressive.
One of Shepparton’s greatest strengths is its rich cultural diversity, reflected in the variety of international cuisines available throughout the city.
Succulent roast duck.
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From Italian to Indian, Middle Eastern to Asian, we are fortunate to have access to an ever-expanding range of culinary delights.
Sabai Sabai is a shining example of how food can bring people together, celebrating different cultures while offering a fresh and innovative take on beloved traditional dishes.
Our evening at Sabai Sabai was a wonderful blend of terrific food, great company and a vibrant atmosphere.
It is undoubtedly a place we will return to, and we have no doubt it will become a favourite for many in Shepparton.
We extend our best wishes to the team at Sabai Sabai and look forward to seeing their continued success in the local dining scene.
Food pricing for Sabai Sabai, rated by Jan and Paul: $$
(Expensive $$$, moderate $$, good value $).
Money bags melted in our mouths.
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Chicken satay skewers.
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Prawn spring rolls with side condiments.
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