Passage thru Malaysia – The Overview…
Food: Crispy sshhhhh chicken, Chicken roti roll, Beef rendang, Salted egg calamari
Ratings:
Food: 4.5/5
Atmosphere: 4/5
Service: 5/5
Value: 4.5/5
The details…
Passage thru Malaysia has an extensive menu largely designed for sharing. Many dishes have been Australianised, making them less spicy, but there’s still a number of nods to tradition. The restaurant is beautifully and lovingly decorated with artwork, photos and trinkets. All the decorations are sourced from Malaysia, and are designed to bring back fond memories for many older Malaysians. (They work well for ignorant people like me as a teaching tool about Malaysian culture too!)
Situated in an old bank they’ve really made the most of the expansive space. Tables are pleasantly separated for privacy, with ample opportunities for larger group dining. The open kitchen towards the back allows you an insight into their cooking skills, and make sure you check out their gorgeous private dining space (in the vault) which can seat up to 12 people.
We began with a couple of the gorgeous, refreshing mocktails – these can transport you straight to the beach, even on a cold winter’s day. We then picked the crispy sshhhhh chicken, chicken roti roll, beef rendang and the salted egg calamari to sample from the food menu .
The roti is a nice little dish with a difference and a must for any peanut butter lover. It’s satay chicken wrapped in a roti and topped with their secret peanut sauce. It’s a nice alternative to a typical satay chicken skewer and great as a snack for lunch or as a more unusual entree.
For the perfect appetiser, go with the crispy sshhh chicken. Fried chicken skin dusted with spices, it’s like a lighter version of pork crackling (and it doesn’t hurt your teeth). It’s got a bit of a spicy kick to it but the overall flavour is more warming. An ideal option if you’re not super hungry but just feel like something to snack on while waiting for a main dish.
The calamari is amazing. Now there is a story behind this though. In the U.K. I used to live off salt and pepper hot chips and since moving to Melbourne haven’t been able to find anywhere locally that makes it so I’m just slightly over the moon to be able to try this perfect chilli, onion and garlic combo again. I just love the sharp sourness and crisp spice against the light flavour of the calamari, it’s one of my favourite flavour combinations and I could eat it all day! I did get Lee’s opinion for a slightly more objective viewpoint and he agreed it was great calamari: fresh and well-cooked in a light crisp batter.
Finally, we ended with the subtle sweetness of the beef rendang. This dish has a just gentle spice that builds up on the corners of your mouth as you’re eating it. Curry puritans may be disappointed by the lack of spice, but dishes are freshly made so feel free to ask them to ramp it up a bit if you’re looking for a super chilli hit. Sticking close to Malaysian tradition, what it lacks in heat it makes up for with depth of flavour, blending a wide range of spices to create a complex, pleasant curry. The beef was soft and chunky and the portion wasn’t overwhelming. We’d definitely recommend a curry or two as a part of your order.
Everything else…
Website: https://www.passagethrumalaysia.com.au/home
Address: Shop 2/16-22 Main Street, Greensborough
Opening Times:
Mon Closed
Tue 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm
Wed 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm
Thu 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm
Fri 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm
Sat 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm
Sun 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm
Parking: There’s a convenient car park just around the corner, street parking along Main Street, or you can park at nearby Greensborough Plaza.
Getting here on PT: While it’s a far distance from the CBD, it’s less than a 10 minute walk from Greensborough train station so it’s easily accessible. It’s also well served by local bus routes.
Disclaimer: We dined as guests of Passage thru Malaysia, Greensborough. Reviews are honest and based on our own personal experiences. We cannot guarantee things at a cafe won’t change including, but not limited to, menu items and opening hours, so please confirm any details with the venue before visiting.