MELBOURNE NEWS

Economy

Bringing the heat of the Torres Strait to Melbourne’s dining scene

4 July 2022

Be transported to a beach bar in the Torres Strait, as Mabu Mabu – Big Esso beams sunshine and tropical flavours across Fed Square.

Every morning before school in her idyllic childhood home in the Torres Strait, Nornie Bero would walk the reef in search of clams and other tasty treats.

‘Island life is so natural. After school we’d go out to get fresh catch, as part of general kid awesomeness. I can appreciate that now as an adult,’ said Nornie, who grew up on Mer Island in the Torres Strait.

‘We’d make our own snacks out of what we caught from the ocean, like periwinkles – sea snails are so cool. We always had good food in our stomachs,’ Nornie said.

She moved to Melbourne to become a chef when she turned 18.

Chef in a kitchen

Nornie Bero

And while Nornie has spent her adulthood sharpening her skills in Melbourne’s rich hospitality scene, the flavours of the Torres Strait have always called her home.

Now she’s bringing the heat of her home island to Fed Square through Mabu Mabu –Big Esso, a restaurant and bar serving up traditional island flavours and mouth-watering indigenous ingredients.

Think saltbush and pepperberry fried crocodile. Fish soup. Kangaroo tail with island-fried scones. Charred emu with cassava crisps. Gin infused with peppermint gum.

‘We’re bringing colour and sunshine to Fed Square. Bringing all the flavours of the islands to Melbourne and showcasing the really great cuisine of the Torres Strait.’

‘The flavours of the Torres Strait are like being on a summer’s beach. When you’re at Big Esso you’re always going to feel like you’re in a beach bar having a drink and hanging out with your mates.’

‘Customers are part of the family too. We want you to try not only the amazing food, but also the amazing drinks coming out of Australia. We’re really sticking with 100 per cent Australian and indigenous produce.’

Plate of food at a restaurant

Indigenous ingredients feature on the menu

Share this story

You may also like
Celebrating the City of Melbourne’s long-standing businesses

Celebrating the City of Melbourne’s long-standing businesses

Melbourne is full of fantastic small business success stories. We celebrate the people behind inner-city businesses that have stood the test of time with our Lord Mayor’s Small Business Achievement Awards. Among the recipients are legends who have been in business in...

Shop local for a feel-good festive glow

Shop local for a feel-good festive glow

Christmas shines bright in neighbourhoods across the City of Melbourne. Look out for live performances, markets, giveaways and gift cards to spend in local shops during the Christmas Festival. Carlton Christmas Spectacular Look for the dancing Christmas trees, Mary...

Clothing designer changes the game for wearers and carers

Clothing designer changes the game for wearers and carers

Dignity, comfort and ease are at the center of Linda Dugan’s mission at Petal Back Clothing in Docklands, one of the most innovative adaptive clothing brands in the world.   If you’ve never heard of adaptive clothing, you’re not alone.   Linda, a former...

There’s no water in Carlton but this yacht club’s a winner

There’s no water in Carlton but this yacht club’s a winner

It’s for very good reason Melbourne was named in the world’s top five travel-worthy drinking destinations this year. The key to this acclaim is Melbourne's cultural diversity and the waves of migration over the years from Italy, Greece and Asia which have influenced...

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up with what's happening in the City of Melbourne by subscribing to the Melbourne newsletter.

You have successfully subscribed!