Chinta Ria Soul

Best Known For

Chicken Curry Laksa: strands of vermicelli and yellow noodles with bean curd puffs, fish cakes, chicken, bean shoots and green beans, in a piquant spicy coconut curry soup.

Good food and music for the soul are on the plate at Chinta Ria Soul on Acland Street in St Kilda. This modern hawker-style Malaysian restaurant presents an earthy vibe with dark wood furniture, terracotta tiled floors and potted palms, while a full glass frontage allows an abundance of natural light. Take a seat beneath the colourful wall mural of well-known jazz musicians and delve into entrees like deep-fried chicken wontons, or satay chicken skewers; before seafood delicacies such as soft-shell crab, tossed with curry, fresh chillies, onions, garlic, ginger and tomato salsa. Perhaps opt for a classic beef rendang in an aromatic and spicy sauce, with a dash of coconut milk; or boneless braised duck in honey soy sauce, best enjoyed with sauteed vegetables and fragrant steamed rice.