Chef Lagenda, Flemington

So you can’t get into Laksa King, but don’t worry about the “If you’re not first you’re last” complex about going to Chef Lagenda. You’ll leave a winner.



Lobak is meaty, gentle on the five spice, but no mercy on the hot oil.



Roti roll with Chinese satay and julienne cucumber a substantial starter.



Assam Laksa.



Chicken Laksa – a much sweeter, less curry intense broth than next door.



Wat Dan Hor Fun – a nice eggy gravy.



Nasi Lemak with a good rendang.



Ice Kachang.

Chef Lagenda a very close second, or controversial first? A matter of preference really.

4 / 5 yums!
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Where? 16 Pin Oak Cres, Flemington, VIC
What? Most mains $12

Chillipadi Mamak Kopitiam, Kensington

Back in the day wanting to mess with the King could either have you beheaded or pronounced insane and exiled.



So the trusted brand for Malaysian has bought their A game and have situated themselves far enough from the sparring that takes place over on Pin Oak Crescent.



This Chillipadi branch might not have a headline act on the menu like the other two, but what it does is consistently high quality dishes with comforting flavours to tuck you in at meal time.

Good on them for standing toe to toe with the big boys. Especially if the King or Chef is hard to get into.

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Where? 295 Racecourse Rd, Kensington, VIC
What? Around $10-15

Cornershop, Yarraville

Besides the distance to the city and attractive property investment, this smart café would be right up there as a reason for me to move to Yarraville. That’s because I’m a fatty.



Coffee - it’s good, not too light but not strong either.



Baked eggs with smoked trout, potato, dill – healthy can taste good.



Spanish braised beans with paprika on sourdough with chorizo – needs the smoky charred sausage to lift the tomato based sauce.



Spiced braised meatballs with grilled Turkish and parmesan – never fail choice.

I can’t afford to live in the suburb, but I could easily live in this Cornershop.

4 / 5 yums!
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Where? 11 Ballarat Street, Yarraville, VIC
What? Around $15