The best always requires a little more effort to find. And here in Melbourne, only your curiosity can quench your thirst for the next best thing. That’s why you got to try ‘Chick-in’

Location

Located right next to one of those places that make amazing pancakes, this Korean inspired restaurant is a tiny, yet packed lunchtime favourite that there is always a queue to get seats or the waiters actively urge you to get takeaway. Heck, in my effort to note the language people use, I could even detect the subtle hints in their question. “Take away?! Or….” And then motion to the inside of the shop. I don’t know whether it was the loss in translation on her part but I found it to be very effective on a lot of people. There were two guys who were food hunting just like we were. I should’ve mentioned it was my good friend’s Mama G’s milestone birthday and I couldn’t attend so was making it up to her. Her choice of restaurant but um…no vu de monde thanks.

Chick-In

Anyway, so these guys who got there before us, saw the spare seats too and when the waiter asked her question, they politely offered to do takeaway instead.

Mama G and I, not so much. We bailed them up and got our butts on the last remaining stools.

Pork

Mama G got the Pork Bulgogi and I chose to get the “hottest Chick-in”.

Spicy Chick-In

What can I say? I love building up my spice tolerance. It’s no scorpion sauce by any measure. But it had a nice kick that died down straight away.

The food, flush with flavour ensured a good time was had indeed. The fresh, sharp taste was punctuated with the subtle aromas of the spices they used. I must say, that the company was more important and I found myself getting lost in the catch up than the food.

Having said that, this is definitely one of those places I highly recommend checking out for yourself. If ever you’re in the city and lost for options, this a must eat place that won’t break the bank.

TDT: 3.9/5