3-5 Waratah Place, Melbourne
Phone 03 9663 6508
I may have mentioned in previous posts my love for fish balls (and no, I’m not talking the balls of fish). When I had a craving the other day, Dan suggested we visit Kum Den, a Chinatown institution (formerly) known for the quality and bounciness of their balls.
See, fish balls are essentially made from a slurry of pulverised fish, which, during the process of beating, binds the proteins together. This produces a texture somewhat akin to rubber, and the best balls are those that are “bounciest“.
Along with the fish balls, you get fish cake; essentially the same thing, but in a rectangular slab (sliced for easier eating). It will normally be fried on the outside.
They also serve fish skin. Uh huh..those knobbly things sitting on top of my noodles are curls of skin, floured, salted and deep fried. I must admit they were kind of tasty!
Well, the fish ball noodle soup most certainly satisfied, despite the prevalance of MSG in the broth (once again, it just makes it extra tasty!). You get a choice of noodles (I have a preference for egg), which were firm and to the tooth, and a choice of three different chilli sauces (for dipping your balls into). Sliced lettuce and green onions provide the vegetable matter.
Kum Den is perhaps a lil’ utilitarian around the edges, but if you’re after a bowl of soup noodles, or stuff on rice for a damn cheap price, well, this is where you’ll find it.
New blog post: Fish Ball Noodle Soup at Kum Den http://tinyurl.com/deqb5l
The Heffernan Lane Kum Den is one of my favourite haunts, along with the place next door, Nam Loong, and the Asian supermarket across the road. I didn’t realise there was a branch in the next lane as well – must try it.
LOL I walked past Kum Den the other day and thought- jeez that is such a horribly wrong name
Sorrie but I am laffing my butt off 
well, they are balls so it’s probably aptly named
Hey kitchen hand – I think the Heffernan Lane Kum Den is actually the “New Kum Den” (check out the website with Aunty Chen
). And I love that Asian supermarket – often a good spot for hard to find ingredients.
Hi Piggy Eatalot – uh huh, the name is kind of unsavoury
The name is especially, unintentionally hilarious when you notice all the “discreet” back entrances to the adult shops in the same lane …
However, their beef brisket is excellent, as is their cold jellyfish and duck salad, which more than makes up for the name
Thanks for the tip Theodora Brown. I love a good cold jelly fish and duck salad. Will have to give it a go!
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