Guest Review: Mok’s Streetfood and Grill – Exploring the world through dishes

Ever one to be up with the very latest that Swindon's ever-changing foodie scene has to offer, guest blogger Emma Smith casts her eye - and taste buds - over Mok's Streetfood and Grill.

Hankering for a Vietnamese salad or Thai chicken skewer? Further to Mok’s launch in Commercial Road on Monday; a long-haul flight is no longer required to experience authentic street food. With, unlimited hot and cold starters and salads to accompany a wide selection of grilled mains you will not be limited in your choices either!

I was fortunate to taste Mok’s cuisine this week where we were treated to unrivalled service and mouth-watering food. An offering that the owner was confident in through his unusual decision to offer customer’s to “pay what they like” for the meal in the form of a donation and feedback.

From the moment of entering Mok’s sleek surroundings customers are welcomed and guided to their tables effortlessly by the attentive and friendly staff. The décor appears opulent but intimate with its neutral tones and exposed stone walls. Whilst, faithful to its origins the restaurant’s mains and starters serve an important part in drawing its customers in through sight and scent. The wood stone stove has been cleverly made into a feature and serves only to increase one’s appetite for the proceeding meal.

Although unusual, the diversity of Mok’s is very effective. The selection of starters and salads all conveniently labelled for those not accustomed with its offerings followed by the simplicity of the main dish helps even the most indecisive of diners select a plate of their taste.

With a choice of over twenty starters one could be forgiven for the gratitude of three simple choices for a main. All main dishes are accompanied with corn on the cob and house slaw whilst customers are invited to choose a side, marinade and meat/fish or vegetarian dish. 

The theme of variety appears to run through the whole restaurant from dishes to staff; with an Italian grill chef, street food starters and a locally sourced dessert choice of homemade ice cream from Ray’s Ice cream parlour.  Whilst, the large selection of choice only adds to Mok’s success.

As a customer, when dining we are no longer in a small pocket of Commercial Road where the restaurant is located. But, as per my journey, we are in Japan, Vietnam, Italy and Brazil at the cost of no less than a train ticket to Bristol Airport. With, the added advantage of the convenience and comfort that Mok’s location and surroundings provide to its visiting guests.

Mok’s serves to provide a taste explosion from starter to dessert from fish balls to a Brazilian passionfruit mousse recommended by the smiling, serving staff. Therefore, if you are looking for something different this week and are open to exploring new flavours and succulent grilled meals try Mok’s for an alternate offering.

I, for one, was not disappointed and having never tasted rib eye steak from a wood stone oven before am looking forward to experiencing my next one.

If you enjoyed Emma's article, you can find lots more fantastic content over on here website.