MELBOURNE | Kakilang Char Koay Teow began life in 2003, hidden in the laneway beside the Park Regis hotel on St Kilda road. A year later, it moved to more permanent digs in Balwyn, and in October last year, a second location opened in the CBD. I visited for What’s On Melbourne to find out more.
As the name suggests, Kakilang specialises in char koay teow. Specifically, the version of the Malaysian staple that you find in Penang. It’s owned by wife and husband duo Ping Ch’ng and Rayvin Vello, who hail from Penang, and their friends Patricia Cheong, and Calvin Lim.
The char koay teow here is less sweet than the Kuala Lumpur and Singapore version that most Melburnians are familiar with. It’s saltier, with a more intense wok hei. On the menu, you’ll find the classic version, plus options like a vegetarian version, and additions like duck egg and razor clams.
The classic, wok fried thin flat noodles with prawns, Chinese sausage, egg, bean sprouts, crispy cubes of pork lard, chives, and chilli, is excellent. Bold flavours, punchy spice, and unmistakable wok hei.
You’ll also find also a selection of other Penang street food favourites. Things like char mee, nasi lemak, chicken rice, hokkien mee, and Assam laksa. Sides include options like popiah, lok bak, and curry puffs.
There’s a great version of kaya toast with all of the additions, and cendol for dessert. To drink, it’s all the favourites – kopi o, teh tarik, Milo, and the like.
Kakilang Char Koay Teow (CBD)
190 Bourke Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia
Telephone: 0421 906 988
E-mail: n/a
Website
Open
Sun – Thu: 11:00am to 9:00pm
Fri – Sat: 11:00am to 9:30pm