Masak Masak — Restaurant in Melbourne

Tldr: it's definitely worth the drive, food excellent, coffee amazing.

Maybe you're like me, you started your hungover breakfasts at Archie's All Day, living your trendy life in Fitzroy. Then you had to journey out a bit, maybe Auction Rooms in North Melbourne because the rents a bit cheaper and one day soon you might have a kid. Now you've got two, you're out west because you need the space and a backyard and you're genuinely tossing up if the drive to North Melbourne is worth Auction Rooms great chicken sandwich. Well, in awesome news, MasakMasak is here for you (and me). Coffee was excellent, wisely guided to the Tiger Milk instead of my usual almond (just go for it) and it was silky, delicious and warm. Just what i needed after my kid woke me at some ungodly hour (remember when 5am was home time not wake up time?). I genuinely considered the Laksa because of the Anthony Bourdain quote but went with my original Roti John gut choice and it was superb, there's something about a breakfast wrap that's just wonderful and the balance of everything was spot on. The atmosphere was lovely when we were here but it was a Thursday late morning so I can imagine it would be humming on weekends. I would say be a little patient, as with any new Cafe they are running a small crew (for now, here's hoping it booms) Will definitely be venturing back here again soon, it this is gentrification then...

Malaysian fusion brunch. Which is probably the first I know of in Metropolitan Melbourne. So good on them for bringing that into existence. It works but manage your expectations from the plethora of Malaysian restaurants offering classical Malaysian dishes. It's fusion after all.

Got the small Sarawak laksa for $18 and a side of pork belly for $5.50. The small serving is smaller than most. The pork belly was generous for the price though.

Laksa broth was flavourful but lacked body. Noodles were firm enough for rice vermicelli. Some previous photos showed that they used to serve thicker rice noodles. Don't think they do that anymore. Prawn was fresh and creamy in texture. Chicken was likely breast meat since it was on the drier side.

Pork belly was drier and tougher than most typical Asian restaurant offerings. Tasty but different. The nam jim jaew was also atypical from classical Thai offerings but still tasty. Slightly sweeter and less spicy.

Good intro to Malaysian cuisine with a fusion trust. As mentioned before, don't expect classical flavours...

Recently opened cafe in Yarraville - very delightful. The food is well-thought out and bursts with flavour!

The Sarawak laksa comes also in vegan and peanut-free accessible versions and is super tasty - when you get to the bottom of the bowl, you find the proof of a homemade spice paste in the remnants. It's a full-bodied broth that doesn't make you feel bloated after.

The Roti John was delicious - fluffy and crispy tiger bread, tender lamb, and the fresh herbs really complemented the meat. Especially loved the fresh onion with it.

we also tried the sago pudding - the gula Melaka was just the right consistency, not too syrupy and heavy in flavour, and the jiggle of the sago reminded me of a well-made panna cotta.

The mint and mango addition was wonderful!

A very important detail was that the magic made for me, hit all the notes. Tiger Nut Mylk as recommended by the barista for a lactose free option, is smoother and has more flavour than the almond, without the aftertaste of the soy.

Keep it up,...