Orexi
Phone 03 9569 1151
“Orexi“, meaning “appetite” in Greek is certainly what you’ll need when you venture to this bustling suburban souvlaki bar. Located in Oakleigh, an area just as well known for it’s frappes as the old Greek men sitting around drinking them, this corner shop offers one of Melbourne’s better souvas.
Brook no argument - you MUST have the lamb souvlaki. Forget the chicken. Forget the Mexican version (what are they thinking?!?). Just keep it simple - that is always the best.
The yeasty yellowy pita bread, toasted yet still pliable, is spread thickly with cool garlicky tzatziki. Actually, give me a plate of pita and tzatziki and I’d probably be a happy girl. Next, crisp iceberg lettuce, slices of tomato and sweet white onions contribute to the vegetable quotient (yes, some of this IS healthy). Then there is the meat - oh my, the joy.
We’re not talking any of that greasy 2-o’clock-in-the-morning-after-a-night-on-the-piss crap. This lamb was tender. It was salted to perfection. It had the taste of the charcoal and smoke infused right through it. Yes! There were no chunks of fatty gristle or overcooked scrapings from the bottom of the souvlaki tray either. It was just delicious, mouthwatering lamb.
I came. I saw. I ate. And my hands smelled of souvlaki for the next few hours, despite the heavy duty hand washing. Proof indeed that this was a damn good souva.
Written by mellie on
February 6th, 2008 | Tags: Greek | Category: Uncategorized
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February 7th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Looks and sounds absolutely delish! I’m not a huge fan of souvlaki but I do enjoy it occasionally. However, I know people who LOVES souvlaki and I’ll definitely keep this place in mind…if we can be bothered to trip all the way to Oakleigh for it…hehe.
February 8th, 2008 at 5:04 am
Ooohhhh yum. I HAVE to find a decent souva out this side of town.
February 8th, 2008 at 10:37 am
noice! I’ll have mine with garlic sauce thanks.
February 10th, 2008 at 12:25 am
Hey mouse - yes, sometimes the trip to the burbs can be the hardest bit! We don’t often venture down that way, but sometimes I think we should make the effort as there are some great eats out there.
Hey anna - my advice is to follow your nose. You should be able to smell a good souva at least a block away
Hi tuan - extra tzatziki is always good
February 11th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Oooh such timing Mellie. I was talking to a work mate about souvlakis and we were wondering if there were any goods one at our new work locations.
Wednesdays used to be Souvlaki day for us back at the Mount Waverley office. We would go to the cafe at Pinewood and always get “Lamb souvlaki with extra garlic sauce please”.
Oakleigh is reachable for us so now we can go try this place. I love souvlakis but hate the smell of the garlic sauce on my hands for hours. I wash and wash but it never comes off. It’s the price I pay for eating a good souvlaki.
February 11th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Thanh, Oakleigh is HQ for Melbourne’s Greek community, anyone who made a crappy one there would probably be lynched - LOL! That does look like a mighty fine example and probably doesn’t leave Tzatziki dripping down your arms like some do.
Thought I would mention while I’m visiting today that The Purple Goddess will be hosting the next Melbourne Bloggers Banquet in April, at her holiday house in Dromana which features a wood fired oven & BBQ with wok burner. More details at her blog or you can email me from my blogs for the address etc if you prefer. Would love to see you there. Cheers!
February 15th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Hey thanh - well I can pretty much guarantee and hand stinking souva experience for you at Orexi
Let me know what you think!
Hey there stickfingers - thanks for the invite, both EG and I would love to come! Unfortunately we missed the first banquet, but we sure as hell don’t want to miss the second.
September 10th, 2008 at 1:11 am
looking for good souv shop to go into joint venture business in oversea Asian market
September 10th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Well…that’s a great one!
November 12th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Orexi is run by a group of asian people who are TRYING to make a traditional greek souvlaki (not yet succeeded yet) i have eaten 1 on many occasions and it is shit thankyou Do not recomend crap Souvlaki to any1 Fully Re!
November 12th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Thanks for your comment Con. When I visited back in Feb 08 I actually thought they made a great souvlaki. I haven’t been back since (I live on the other side of town), so I can not say whether they have gone downhill or not recently. Also too, I think it is irrelevent as to who makes it. All I care about is whether it tastes good or not.
That being said, what didn’t you like about it? Perhaps by expanding further on “it is shit” might give other readers a more balanced opinion.
So tell me, what makes a good souvlaki? Who do you rate as making the best?