Ayam Chef

What’s going on? It’s rare for me to visit a venue more than once a week. But I visited Ayam Chef 3 times in a week and it performed solidly. Got myself hooked — great food and price as well as a location that is convenient to me with no parking traumas.
The décor is modern Malaysian and the staff attentive. Clearly there are experienced hands back of house. I’m told that the people behind this venue are the former owners of Kota Raya Malaysian food in Elsternwick. The Kota Rayas long had a reputation for the best Hainan Chicken rice in the southern suburbs.
So naturally both the Hainan and roast chicken rice dishes are notable. In the stir fried dishes the wok hei — breath of the wok — is all there, especially in the cha hor fun.
The focus is Nonya hawker food, so you won’t find Mamak (indian) specialities like mee goreng, but you will observe that there’s a specials board, an occasional dessert special like durian crêpe cake and interesting menu items like the school prawn pancake.
The curry puffs are tasty but I personally prefer the Singaporean style flaky pastry puffs containing hard boiled egg over at Mr Loys puff. Not a big deal. The chicken satays they call ‘skewers’ here are big, hearty and tasty. This generousity carries through to most dishes so if dining in the evening go with friends and share plates.
The lunch menu has meal sets ideal for one person, plus the regular menu is available. The lunch special of pepper beef came with rice, fried wonton and salad. The drinks list is small but I am so hooked on their kumquat drink my eyes glaze over once they’ve read those words.
There is outdoor seating for sunny days and those who lace their palate with nicotine. Take away is also available.
Parking outside is 2 hours metered before 6:30pm weekdays. But just near Victoria Barracks it is also accessible by Sturt Street and St. Kilda Road trams.
After four visits I still haven’t exhausted the menu. I’ll definitely be back. Hey — might see you there?

Pretty good Malaysian in the South Bank area!
When we went it was dead. We were the only one in there at first and let me just say we were waited in hand and foot! I think the ladies working we’re appreciative of our tendency to be Nanna’s and eat at 6:00 on a Saturday night.
I had Beef Rendang curry which was nice. Not the most flavoursome but still tasty. I’d definitely go back because it’s conveniently located and it’s good enough food and fast service.