Chow Down
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Chow Down in the heart of the CBD draws on owner and passionate chef, Vincent Chow’s Malaysian background to serve up authentic Malaysian hawker food. The cuisine reflects the diversity of its South East Asian roots, drawing influences from Malay, Chinese, Peranakan and Indian cuisine.
The service was friendly and prompt with staff that are clearly proud of the food being served up.
Teh Tarik
The menu is incredibly well-priced and there is a huge range of Malaysian delicacies to choose from including some great drink options for either dine-in within the communal areas or to take-away. For drinks, we recommend the teh tarik – a frothy and sweet pulled tea.
Char kuey teow
The fried kuey teow was superbly authentic. Long and thick ribbons of flat rice noodles were cooked with an assortment of ingredients - shrimps, fish cake and egg – all of which possessed a wonderful wok caramelisation. The dish had the perfect amount of heat and boasted a great depth of flavour.
Nasi Lemak
Variety pack - Nasi lemak (coconut rice), chicken skewer, selected kuih plus a choice of one dish from the window
The variety pack was a decadent lunch option. The full-bodied, pungent rendang gravy paired beautifully with melt-in-your-mouth chicken skewers and perfectly crisp fried chicken. We enjoyed the richness of the gravy and the generous use of spices in each element of the dish which showcased the customary punchy flavours exhibited by Malaysian food generally. Together with fluffy coconut rice, crispy anchovies and delicious sambal, it was an addictive and comforting dish.
Roast Chicken Rice
A Malaysian favourite, the plump and juicy slices of roasted chicken breasts were the highlight of this dish. Coupled with the aromatic and fluffy chicken rice, it was a moreish dish.
Nasi Goreng Kampung
The nasi goreng kampung was a winner. A fragrant traditional Malay style fried rice dish cooked in shrimp paste and normally served in a banana-leaf wrapping with bountiful anchovies, chicken bits and veggies, the crowning element was a perfectly cooked sunny side up egg.
Kuih seri muka
For dessert, the Kuih seri muka is not to be missed. A dainty and absolutely lovely sweet cake made of a gooey glutinous rice base topped with pandan flavoured coconut milk jelly.
Chow Down punches above its weight with a delectable array of hawker foods you will love. We can't wait to return for another delicious bowl of their authentic Malaysian delights.
Location: 16/246 Bourke St, Melbourne
Phone: 0412 334 681
Cuisine: Malaysian
Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of MATRADE's Malaysian Kitchen Program.