CALIA COLLECTIVE // Japan Air Flown A5 Wagyu (●♡∀♡)

When I was in Melbourne last month I visited the cafe called Calia Emporium not once but 3 times! The first time was for a cake break and the other 2 times were for lunch. I've been following their Instagram account religiously to check their amazing dishes and I must say it just leaves me drooling for more! I finally went to the cafe and I loved how they had a little grocery store on the side when you're waiting for a table or waiting for your food to come out. There were so many imported products to look at and purchase. This place is extremely popular and gets pretty pack during the lunch hours daily so be sure to come in early to get a spot.

I was lucky enough to fit in a few meal sessions here for cake, coffee and lunch. Although the pricing for some of the dishes can be quite expensive but I really wanted to treat myself this time round. Note if you see a '~' next to the pricing this is my rough estimate as I cannot remember the exact amount.

Yuzu Meringue & Black Sesame Tart ($9.50)- the tart was delicious! The citusy flavours of the yuzu in the filling had an overall smooth texture and beautiful taste. The sesame base and snap was my favourite part of the dessert as it went so well with the yuzu. I thoroughly enjoyed the taste however it was a little it too sweet so I couldn't finish the filling.

Iced Matcha ($6.80) - their ice matcha had that authentic bitter-sweet taste that I love so much! I didn't add the icecream on top as I prefer my matcha to be on the bitter side than sickly sweet.

Hojicha Latte ($5.50) - this was honestly the best hijicha latte I've ever had! It was so rich in flavour and creamy in taste plus the aromas of the roasted rice tea was just beautiful! I highly recommend trying their hojicha latte to anyone looking for a warm drink.

Truffle Hot Chocolate ($7~)- I've personally tried a few truffle hot chocolate and nothing matches up to this one at Calia! The aroma and taste of truffles was so strong and intense I thought a truffle had exploded in my mouth upon the first sip. Again, I'd highly recommend trying this drink if they have this available on their special menu!

Aburi Sāmon ($18.90) - flamed seared salmon topped with ikura and the secret CALIA sauce. The salmon was perfectly seared as it melted into my mouth with every bite. I personally love eating salmon so I really enjoyed eating this hearty dish.

Unagi Bowl ($20.60) - grilled eel with unagi sauce and truffle egg. I could taste the subtle flavours of the truffle infused with the egg and the eel was tender and tasty!

Crispy Roast Pork Bowl ($17.90)- crispy roast pork with ginger sauce and 63 degree egg. The pork was succulent and juicy and the skin was ever so crunchy! When we cut open into the egg the yolk just came oozing out. Literally yolk-porn right there.

Ultimate Uni Bowl ($30-35~) - premium grade uni, tenderly grilled wagyu pieces, foie gras, ikura roe and an onsen egg over rice. This was my first time ever trying uni (sea urchin) and I absolutely loved the incredibly fresh and sweet flavours! The beef was also tender and juciy

Wagyu Bowl ($40/80~)- You actually have the choice between the Australian wagyu or the Japan air-flown A5 wagyu. I opt for the later which came with an onsen egg was a whole new level of wagyu! The Air-flown A5 wagyu beef had a very different flavour compared to our Australian beef. I find our Australian beef tend to have a much stronger and pronounced taste whereas the Japan air-flown wagyu had a softer taste packed full of flavours in a subtle way(if that makes sense). The beef would literally melt in my mouth as I took a bite and it was one of the best wagyu's I've eaten as it was so tender, juicy and fatty yet it didn't have that heaviness with it. I cannot wait to compare this with Kobe beef when I go to Japan next year.

Overall this hot-spot is a must-go especially if you love Japanese food! Although some of the dishes can be overpriced you will find some dishes at reasonable prices too, but of course if you're willing to treat yourself and splurge then go for it! I'm very impressed with the taste and presentation of the dishes that are served at Calia plus the staff were also very friendly and tentative too. With the bustling and welcoming atmosphere, also noticed that while I was waiting for my dishes a lot of customers would wonder over to the grocery section to check out the products available for purchase while waiting for their food to arrive and I myself did the exact same thing.