Phone: 03 9663 2666
More cheap lunchtime fun in the Melbourne CBD.
It is funny how one’s perception changes. I always used to pity city workers, thinking them droll and automaton as they poured from the loop and straight into their office buildings. But I am now one of them, but damn if I ain’t half enjoying it! It is great to be so close to such a range of cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs. Am I hankering for Japanese? Well then I may head over to ITO or Don Don or Kenzan. Or do I want some Italian, Greek or Indian? The choices are endless.
On this day an old work colleague and I caught up and felt like something Asian flavoured, though the persuasion escaped us. But I had been to Sambal Kampung on a few occasions prior, and knew it would hit just the spot (it is Malaysian / Chinese). Basically, you can leave this place with a ridiculously full belly for under a tenner. And if you’re there with a mate, then you can share an entree, just like the curry vegetable samosas above (mmm…they were excellent! The pastry, as you can see, was flaky and oh so yummy).
I couldn’t resist the laksa – a lovely coconuty spicy broth filled with chicken, beancurd, fish balls, noodles and vegetables. It was tamed down in the chilli department, which sometimes isn’t a bad angle to take, as you can always add, but can never take away. Not the best laksa in Melbourne, but a damn good effort.
My companion went the beef rendang – which is just that. Beef. Nary a vegetable to be seen, these tender chunks of beef practically swam in their oily spicy coconuty sauce, which is best left behind if one suffers cholesterol problems. The side of steamed rice makes the meal feel somewhat healthy (well…we all try to kid ourselves now and then!).
Service is kind of quirky. The wait staff will leave the menu and your order slip on the table. You write the dish order number, name, and any variations (eg. spicy +++), on the bit of paper. The waiter then whisks it away to the kitchen for on the fly cooking.
Hmm…I wonder if that means I can order a low fat beef rendang next time? 
I went there some time ago and the food there was terribly. My dining companions and I are not going there again.
Hi kristian – sorry you had a terrible experience there. I have been three or four times now, and have always had a decently satisfying meal. Yeah, it’s no fine diner. But as a cheap and cheerful (and tasty) meal, it is has been pretty reliable for me.
What did you have that was so horrible?
Mmmm! I love a good laksa! You mentioned though it wasn’t the best you had, where would you say you’ve had the best ever laksa? I’ve had just a few around the city but none that really stand out to me but i’d love to find a place that makes a really fiery, kick-ass one!
I usually ask for recommendations from the staff and was recommended the spicy chick on rice. My wife had the laksa while another friend had friend noodles. None of them were any good.
For laksa, I really like the one in Blue Chilliies in Fitzroy. They do a really “lemak” (richer due to the amount of coconut cream) style which is more Peranakan style then the commonly found Malaysian style curry laksa. Of course, you can’t go past Laksa King in Flemington.
I’m so envious. A definite advantage of working in the city is the vast choice of restaurants to eat at. On the flip side, the traffic is hideous.
I must have tried nearly every restaurant in the Mount Waverley/Glen Waverley shopping area. There’s nothing left to eat. Friday lunches are getting harder and harder to plan. Each week I go around asking the regular lunchers if they know of any new places before sending an email out to everyone.
A work mate said the best laksa he ever had is at Nonya Hut in Mount Waverley. He’s Singaporean so I guess he’s eaten a few laksa’s in his life.
You took me there once many moons ago, I don’t know how many times I’ve been back since, when I’ve just felt like… something. So I usually end up either there or Kimurakan (sp?). Both very close to each other, both fantastic, both cheap prices, it’s just about what you feel like at the time.
Hi Mellie – I have to agree with Kristian. We went there shortly after the place opened and the food was distinctly sub-par. Undercooked curry puffs and bland other dishes – no compelling reason to return with better cheapies so close by. Now, if they’ve improved since their opening that’s wonderful and I might try them again.
Hmm…sounds like this place has been operating with some variable quality. I have been three or four times now, and have had good meals each time. But plainly there are some punters out there who are not too happy. Oh well, I can only go on my experience in the last eight weeks or so, and they have been pretty much consistent.
Hi serenity later – mmm…best laksa in Melbourne. Geesh, that is a really tough one, considering I haven’t had a lot of them! Perhaps swing by Delaksa, a website dedicated to reviewing laksa. I don’t agree with some of his verdicts, but then it is all in the tastebuds of the beholder.
Hi kristian – thanks for your clarification. And thanks also for the recommendations. I’ll have to check them out!
Hey thanh7580 – time for you to move into the CBD! Hey, have you been to Shoya yet?
Hey there Anna – uh huh, I find it satisfies the craving when I want something pungently spicy. I had a great noodle dish the other day – i think it was the Sambal special. We’ll have to go back and test for it’s consistency
Hi Duncan – thanks for your comment. I have been to a few first week openings, and more often than not they have been less than positive experiences. A place needs to find its groove and settle into its menu before it becomes consistent. But you are right, there are a plethora of cheap alternatives a stones throw awat, so if you don’t like it, well, it is easy to go somewhere else. Would be interested in your opinion if you go back.
hi there
i’ve been to sambal kampung a few times. in my opinion, it’s nice and quite a unique restaurant. yes the service can be a bit weird and the serving is a bit small sometimes. but what more could you ask for? it’s cheap and they focus more on the taste of the food.
It’s unique bcoz it has some interesting Hakka food on its menu. Try the Hakka fried pork on rice or the ginger and duck stewed on rice. Very authentic, given that Hakka food is quite rare to find in Melbourne CBD.
The spicy fish fillet on banana leaf is a must-try. It reminds me of “ikan bakar” (means grilled fish) in malaysia. Yummy!
the nasi lemak, prawn noodle are reasonably nice too.
i think you can always get something nice from a restaurant if you know how and what to order. it would be better if you can find out what are their specialties so you can order the right thing.
Heya yongtze – thanks so much for your wonderful comment. You have provided a wonderful insight into some of the cuisine they offer. I didn’t realise they specialised in Hakka cuisine. I’ve had the nasi lemak, and loved every bite (especially the ikan bilis on the side). I must give the spicy fish fillet on banana leaf a try next visit. Thanks!
Hi all,
I have beent to sambal kampung ever since its opening and have basically tried everything thats on the menu. i find the ordering process pretty kool, allows time to decide and discuss with friends.
Other than that the food is outstanding, its by far the best malaysian restuarant i have been to in melbourne. everything i have tried has been wondering.
Everytime i have friends coming over i always recommend or even take them there and the place just simply reminds them of the malaysia. they love it too!
Definitely would continue supporting them!!
I have yet to find a more satisfying laksa in Melbourne than that on offer at Sambal.
What’s more, you get the whole shebang – chicken, prawn, vegetables, egg and tofu for just $8.70.
I’ve heard about Laksa King being up there as well, so I’ll have to give that a go too.
Hey Mike – yeah, it’s quite hard to fine good Laksa in the CBD, and the Sambal one is certainly a good version!
Laksa King is pretty awesome though, and one of my favourites in Melbourne.
Indeed, mellie, a good laksa is very hard to find. A few friends have suggested Chilli Padi in Melbourne Central, but they’re more into the Ayam laksa style as opposed to the coconut milk-based version.
If you’re ever around David Jones in Bourke Street Mall, you may want to try the laksa in their Food Hall Noodle Bar. I’d say it’s more attuned to the ‘western’ palate (less spice, less chilly, more sweet coconut) but I’d like to know what you think of it. I quite enjoyed it.
Also, just want to congratulate you on such a wonderful site. Your appraisal of Vue De Monde brought back some great memories, as did your photos of their splendid creations…
Hiya Mike,
Chilli Padi used to do awesome laksa, but the last few times we’ve been, it hasn’t been so great. But the David Jones food hall is not one I’d heard of before! I’m certainly intrigued!
Thanks too for your lovely words. This blog is a passion of ours, and Vue de monde is especially close to our heart. It was such an awesome experience *sigh*