It’s well known that my favourite food is Malaysian, although other cuisines do come in a close second and third. For my birthday, my partner Jim, took me to a restaurant in Newport right near Newport Railway Station.

The owner Noel and his delightful host Veronica make a fabulous team. Noel has not just a passion for his food but for life itself. He creates a welcoming atmosphere of warmth and generous hospitality. Kuala Lumpur born, he learnt to cook from his mother and carries on that tradition for his loyal customers in little old Newport.

While we dined, time and time again, people would drop in to place or pick up their order and everyone is on a first name basis. Noel asks about their day, their family and connects with them in a way that is authentic, genuine and frankly, quite refreshing.

Noel took our order of vegetarian curry puffs, beef rendang and a roti with peanut sauce but for me, he made something not from the menu but his own creation of noodles, vegetables and chicken. So let me unpack the awesomeness of our meal.

Vegetarian curry puffs. Who hasn’t had curry puffs where the pastry around the edges was thick and a little crunchy and lacked plenty of filling. Me! All the time! Well not here at Hawkers Lane. The pastry was delicate and light, generously filled with vegetables. I could order a half dozen just as a meal in itself. As a Malaysian food aficionado, these are by far, the best curry puffs ever!

Beef Rendang. A popular menu favourite and Noel’s version was gently spicy with a sauce that wasn’t too sweet. Served with steamed rice, Jim said it was the best he’s ever had.

My meal. Chicken, vegetables and noodles was made by Noel for me. Wasn’t on the menu, just made for me with ingredients I told him I love most. Fresh and generous portion size.

Roti with peanut sauce. The roti was well cooked but the peanut sauce was a ‘jammy’ combination of peanuts and other ingredients that were luscious and saporous. This should be bottled and sold to the public.

Before we left, Jim tried a seafood curry puff and again, a culinary treat.

There’s a rumour that people ring through their takeaway order at Yarraville, jump off at Newport and pick up their order and get back on their next train.

Obviously as a traveller and reviewer, I’ve dined across the globe and I’m always on the hunt for good Malaysian food and here it was - only a few suburbs away from my home. We shall return - soon! Tera makasi Noel.

Notes: cash only but ATM next door. A total of 9 stools indoors and occasionally outdoor dining. Wheelchair accessible but tables are high so would be challenging to eat at a table. BYO is fine. Good parking. Kid friendly. Awesome takeaway service. Accessible by public transport. Dietaries catered for if you let them know.