Bites: Kitchen Inn @ Kardinya

Another budget bite to tick off my list this week is Kitchen Inn.  A successful business that first started in Thornlie, this little eatery has since expanded  down to Kardinya and even as far as Melbourne.  How is it possible that something that started little more than 4 years ago  manage to expand so rapidly you might be thinking?  I have not spoken to the charismatic family who owns this eatery, but I have some answers of my own from a foodie’s point of view.  For starters, stick with the basics and keep it that way.  Its cuisine style is from East Malaysia and here it is done the same way it would have been done back home.  80% carbs and 20% meat.  To justify, keep the price low.  The traditional favorite, the Kampua Noodle starts at $6.90 and that has not changed since it first opened.  To be honest, I love it.

 

The noodles are cooked perfectly, the Asian Al Dente before being tossed in a lardy and salty sauce.  To finish, slices of barbecued pork followed by a sprinkling of shallots and crisp scallions.  Its taste reminds one so much of home and for me who just loves everything Malaysia has to offer in terms of food, this Sibu (East Malaysia) delicacy just helps to keep those cravings at bay.

 

If you are from the Peninsular like I am, we tend to add a little black sauce to our food and at Kitchen Inn, Kardinya those requests can be accommodated with no extra cost.  Least to say, I was chuffed. While there is hardly any flavor in the black sauce or dark soy sauce, the beautiful caramelized color it gives the noodles is enough to make me drool.  Kampua with Dark Soy Sauce for that added kick.

 

Put a few more dollars and you meat lovers can get your needs sorted too.  So why not finish the Kampua Noodles with some delicious mince and crispy Roasted Pork?Even if you are not a noodle fan, Kitchen Inn offers a host of other traditional favorites such as Nasi Lemak, Chicken Rice and even the famous Bak Kut Teh.  For me, having the added homemade love in the preparation of such classic Malaysian dishes never grow old.  In fact, I do not think anyone ever gets sick of such food.   If you every come, do try their Crispy Chicken Wings which they tend to have every now and then.  It is superbly moreish and I have never failed to get excited every time I order it.  Delicious.

 

Never once have I finished a meal at Kitchen Inn feeling hungry.  The serves here are simply gargantuan and with the help of a little chili oil, I always leave the bowl empty.  That tends to get me a little bloated at times, but I still love this place to bits especially for their noodles which are prepared the traditional way.  While I would not rank their other offerings like the Nasi Lemak, Chicken Rice or Bak Kut Teh among the best, the convenience of knowing it is there when you want it is just pleasing.  So if you are looking to eat like a king, and make the crowd happy for little money, do come and try Kitchen Inn.

 

See my first visit here to the original place here.  WenY Bites: Kitchen Inn @ Thornlie

 

WenY