Bao that bangs and salmon to die for - a review of The Muddler’s ‘bargain’ new Asian menu

It doesn't look oriental. It doesn't sound it either. But if you're keen to get your Asian kick from some banging bargain food, in the lap of luxury, look no further than Newcastle restaurant, The Muddler.

From the outside, the decor or the table, and the service it's impossible to tell that when you open your mouth you're set to be transported to the far shores of the Far East for a taste sensation.

Slap bang in the middle Grey Street, it's not really a venue you'd expect to pair with the word 'bargain'. But when NewcastleWorld got asked to try out the restaurant's new pre-theatre menu, we couldn't wait to get down there.

Greeted at the door we were ushered to our neat booth at the back of the restaurant and presented with a menu that flowed with options even for the pickiest eater. The drinks were incredible, too. Cocktails galore and some Asian bottled or draught beer options, the Muddler caters to every taste. I went for the Lucky Buddha beer, in it's ornate, shapely bottle, while my dinner date for the night opted for a Singapore Sling, as recommended by the waitress. Both absolutely banged!

This was a Wednesday night, not one you'd expect to be busy. And while the streets flowed with a steady pace of end of day workers and late night shoppers, the restaurant was anything but quiet. Every table, every seat filled, the atmosphere alive, and the food to die for.

The setup is simple. Three small plates, available between Noon and 6.30pm, and all for just £18.95. Now you can see why I'm heavy on the use of 'bargain'. Three might not feel like a lot, if your eyes are as greedy as mine, but believe me, three is more than enough. Should you need it, there's rice, kimchi, Asian slaw and noodles that can be added to your spiced, colourful triumvirate. They, of course, cost extra.

I'm not really much of a fish guy, but I really felt like trying something out of my comfort zone on the night. So I went for Teriyaki Salmon, Prawn Ha Kauw - a bit of a dumpling-type offering - and Crispy Duck Bao. My partner-in-crime went for the same bao option, with added Chicken Katsu Bao and Duck spring rolls. He didn't quack in the making of this review.

Other options on the menu include Chicken Katsu, Crispy Chilli Squid, Bulgogi Pork Belly and fried gyoza with a variety of fillings.

We agreed, the bao were collectively the fluffiest, loveliest of their kind we'd ever tasted. My salmon was out of this world. The prawn offering was served with a dipping sauce that proved a touch too spicy for this heat weakling, but that did little to take away from the overall experience. It did make sure the Lucky Buddha drained quicker than usual.

For afters we went for mochi, a Japanese desert table staple. I'd never tasted it before, weirdly, as everyone seems to have done so these days. And I have to say, I was not overly impressed by the texture, but that is no fault on the presentation by the restaurant, more my picky palate.

The bill, around £50, which filled two gentleman's bellies to the brim, and with enough room to sink a few further cold ones after. A must try. I'll certainly be back, even just for the salmon.