The trend amongst Singaporean and Malaysian immigrants is taking advantage of their heritage. Their unique fusion of the Malay and Chinese cooking styles, breeding nonya. Often families start with the food business, which I believe is risky, but most successful when properly managed. As long as they can tap into the vast numbers of South-east Asian students who reside on Swanton, whom they recognise to be homesick and hungry for simple fares, they will succeed. They acknowledge the fact that amongst the rush of life students, especially those from SEA are well-read in ways to relax, who yearn to lead a more lackadaisical lifestyle reflecting the kampung days that were once part of their forefather’s.

This is their niche.

Nothing quite compares to the originality of this tiny eatery. Square tables are decked in clear plastic, protecting random pieces of chinese children poetry we fondly grew up with, the everlasting quality of comics such as Pickles and jokes that you just don’t hear anymore. There’s also a certain classroom canteen feel to the place, as the counter essentially a glass cover over their ingredients, while the florescent lights hark back to the days of our dingy, overly-lit classrooms. Chairs are red and white, clearly proclaiming their patriotism.

Like I said, familiarity allures.

Har Mee Dry ($7.50) looked so plain. Nothing fancy - just shallots. I must say I was disappointed, but the more I looked at it, the more authentic it appeared to be. Really, who garnishes their dishes in extravagant ways at home? Har Mee, which is the Prawn Hokkien Noodle, was most pleasing. A couple generous dashes of vinegar gave it so much more flavour. The accompanying soup honestly tasted too saturated, suggesting perhaps a case of msg overdose. Otherwise, spot on.

Another surprise awaited as the Bak Kut Teh ($8) arrived to the table. It, too, looked plain, bland even. The broth appeared to be lighter than other versions we’ve had in Melbourne but this is certainly one of the best. Li Wei praised it as being ‘Shiok!’ and ‘Flavourful!’. BKT comes with a standard "rice-bowl-flipped-over" serving of rice, but remember that this is only available on FRIDAYS.

Other dishes include Laksa , Nonya Mee Siam, Mee Rebus, all $7.50. You will also find favourites like Teh Tarik ($2.50) and the whole lot of coffee and teas you find in Kopitiams.

I truly admire how.