Petaling Street - Review - Chinatown

The big photo's of the whole fish dishes are certainly enticing each time you walk past along Swanston Street.  So finally the visit to Petaling Street was fulfilled.  This is basically a budget restaurant really for students, backpackers and those wanting a budget dinner or lunch with exotic flavours.

It claims to be home to Malaysian hawker food and I would have to agree.  Its sort of a mix of Malaysian, Indonesian, Thai, a bit of Cantonese (minority) and Asian styled drinks.  It is semi-modern inside, clean and the table service is first class for this type of place.

The lobak entree, Chinese white radish wrapped in beancurd and deep fried is disappointing.  It doesn't have much of a lobak flavour and is incredibly oily.  If is was drained properly is would have been okay.

Deep fried Lobak wrapped in beancurd

The sambal sauce with deep fired fish is pretty good.  Its best to eat this while its piping hot as it just doesn't taste as good once its cooler.  The flavouring is great, and for an inexpensive fish it isn't too bony and doesn't have a muddy flavour (that I was dreading).  It is a bit oily but as it costs only twelve dollars I cannot complain.

Deep fried whole fish with sambal sauce

The chilli prawns with steamed rice again has a nice flavour. If only it wasn't drowning in oil I would be happy to recommend to anyone.  It certainly has a satisfying taste and the prawns are not over cooked, firm and plentiful for the price.

Chilli prawns with steamed rice

Overall I would say that Petaling Street offers good value for money and the dishes generally have a pleasant and enticing flavour.  However, if you don't have a taste for excessive oil definitely stay clear.


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Petaling Street
Rating - 4
Would I go again - Yes, I have
Would I recommend to a friend - Yes


Telephone: (03) 9650 8878
Address: 1f/188 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Reviewed By: Howie Be