The lunch crowd here only seem to be interested in one dish. Their Hainanese Chicken rice. And it’s very very very good. Chicken was smooth and rice was aromatic. Had dinner here a few times and their coconut prawns was good.
Definitely the Best hainan chicken rice i have had in melbourne 🍚 ❤️❤️ the staff are always so friendly and food is always hot, fast and fresh. Their lunch specials are affordable too!
Loved the Prawn Sambal, Satay Beef, Chicken Curry, Nasi Lemak and Coconut Prawns. The food lives up to the restaurant's name ..really Tasty food and the servings are huge!
Quality and quantity.
There is also a great choice for afternoon takeaway lunch.
Will definitely be going back.
Michelle Andrea Leang
+3.5
Craving for Malaysian food and the only place that has good ratings around here is Tasty Dining. Being the poor students we are, we’ve ordered only Spinach Sambal and Nyonya Chicken to share. The food is like the restaurant’s name - tasty, but the portion, not up to satisfaction. We expected cutlets of chicken with Nyonya sauce but it turned out to be thin slices of chicken. Absolutely understand the fact that different restaurants have different way of cooking but well, students being students, we just want to have our money’s worth. However, the Spinach Sambal completely reminds me of home (I’m from Malaysia). It is quite difficult to find a Malaysian restaurant that serves authentic (& delicious) Malaysian food. So the Spinach Sambal was really like rain in the desert to us. That dish is officially my favourite Malaysian dish in Melbourne. Although it is a bit pricey for us but we will definitely want to go back and try some new dishes. Maybe lunch is better as they have a different menu.
we always feel satisfy whenever we go to Tasty Dining, even back then when they were still as Kotaraya. lastnight we have birthday dinner for my husband,and the staff generously gave us compementary ice cream as desert,simple gesture from staff greet him a happy birthday and we were really appriciated it. the King Prawn in coconut butter always wins our heart! never been dissapointed since first time we ordered. tofu and vegetables cooked perfectly well,still crunchy and very tasty. altough the curry little bit out of tuned,but over all Tasty Dining have their best foods so far. my advice for the one who never visit this place, is dont listen to the negatives comment,just try it,experience yourself,and enjoy the foods. they are good!! 👍🏾👌🏽
Unforgettable birthday party in Tasty Dining!
We booked reservation for 16 people on 7pm Saturday evening. I wish to have one table to fit in. But the gentleman told it will be to squeeze fit 16p in one and the table maximum only for 15p on the phone. Finally i still chose one table. When we got there by 6.45pm, it only have three big tables left near the bar. Then we find out couldn't fit 16 adult in one. But one of the staff gentleman told us they can set up the two big table straight the way(8+8). But at the end we still on time to had dinner.
We preorder the Hainanese Chicken on that night and order many different food from the new menu. The food was absolutely beautiful . All the staff service was nice and friendly. We are so sorry to bother when the restaurant totally full. At the end i put down $50 for the tips as well. We are every enjoy and happy on that night and we will come back.
Read some of the not-so-positive comments and was left scratching my head - our experience here has always been great. We have been coming for a while now, normally with a large party of adults and kids. For us it's been great - the steam chicken, the ginger rice, fish, prawns, sizzling tofu - good portions, and reasonably good service. Most importantly, the food tastes good!
Came here with 20 class mates.. Amazing food. Good service.. had that green curry chicken ..chicken was very tender and cooked to perfection.. highly recommend..
We have been going here since it was Kotaraya. Were a bit sceptical after it changed hands and became 'Tasty Dining'. However we have been very pleased with the quality and service. We never tried dinner here but always come for their lunch special during the weekends whenever we are at this side of town. Highly recommend their Char Kway Teow and Char Ho Fun.
This was our first meal in Melbourne when we flew there last month. We arrived in the wee hours of the morning after a long overnight flight from Hong Kong (with three kids!) - and we just wanted an early dinner and crash early for the night. My younger sister, with whom we were staying in Melbourne, suggested Tasty Dining (though she referred to it by its former name, Kotaraya), as it was open for dinner at 5:30pm, and it was conveniently located nearby. One of the advantages of arriving so early for dinner at a restaurant is that it is still empty so that the kids can be rowdy without causing too much parental embarrassment. Service was average, with some room for improvement. One of the waitstaff got one of our dishes wrong, but there was no fuss made when we pointed it out, and the correct one was replaced in good time. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. Tasty Dining is a good option if you're in the area.
Best Hainanese chicken rice in SE suburbs. Authentic and delicious! I've been a customer since your first restaurant in Clayton.. Used to be a daily eater while I was at uni.. Flavours are consistently the same great quality.. Nostalgic!
The food was good, great service. Really loved the fried rice, roti and curry chicken but it was a bit oily. Lacks quality but for that price you can't expect much too.
Will definitely be going back
I took away a Me goreng. The quantity was sufficient. Quantity of chicken was a bit less but ok. Taste was great. Would want to try more things on the menu.
DO: The king prawns, pork plum sauce, Mongolian Beef, coconut butter chicken together with coconut rice and beef char kueh teow.
DON'T: Know what to order? Ask the waitress for the most popular items. Remember, they're all sharing plates.
TIP: Come at lunch for the lunch time specials. Afterwards when you're full of MSG, head down to Eaton Mall for a coffee to wake back up.
Quick service. Delicious, hot, fresh, tasty food - particularly Kong po prawns. Cheap, although entrees a little on the small side. Conveniently BYO.
Language barrier can sometimes be difficult. Apparently, there is also a special non-English menu with additional items on it?!
Most tables at lunch are all filled with the same dish - Hainanese chicken rice. I think that says plenty and at $10.90 you can't really go wrong. The meat is tender, the rice is extremely fragrant, and the soup maintains the balance in the dish as a whole. Will continue to come back for more!
I have mixed feelings about the food here. I ordered duck vermicelli for myself and did not like it - the vermicelli was too sweet and soggy. However, the nasi goreng and char kuay teow that the boys ordered were quite good. I wish I had ordered that instead. Dishes at neighbouring tables look appetizing enough that I'm going to give this place another go.
The ambiance here is of a typical Malaysian restaurant - threadbare decor, bustling with an element of efficiency in the service and delivery. Reminded me of home!
Having just come back from weeks in KL, I can't believe I loved this Malaysia restaurant so much that I'm rating it a 5! But just so good. Hainanese chicken is perfectly cooked, and even the rice tastes so authentic. Highlight was the coconut butter prawns - massive juicy fresh prawns lightly fried and topped with beautiful coconut crumbs.
Cheeseburger Anyone? "Where's The Sauce"?
+4
Not being a big fan of this type of cuisine changes here. Sambal fish is amazing. Beautiful soft melting fish served with yummy green beans! Nice spicy flavours. Chicken curry with roti cooked fresh , nice spicy flavours and crunchy fluffy roti! Vegeterian rice also full off fresh delish flavours. Yum! Not a big fan of the chicken black bean, but i dont order that anyway. Service is nice too. We usualy come here for family dinners as its pretty local and everyone enjoys it.
Had lunch at KotaRaya on Sunday. Their Hainanese Chicken Rice with chili sauce is very nice. Been coming here for the last 5 years. Despite changing owners they maintained the food quality.
We ordered sweet sour pork, 3 type vegetables with Sambal, char kuey Teow and roasted chicken rice. All were authentic. Definitely coming back again soon.
Been there many times. They are famous for their Hainanese Chicken Rice and special chilli sauce. They only serve them on the weekend so have to get in early. Another 拿手菜 is Yam ring, only few restaurant do this in Melbourne and it's one of the best here.
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Came here for the Hainanese chicken rice, as it is supposed to be very good. Apparently in recent months they have moved from their Clayton location out to Oakleigh and also changed owners. My partner's family had been going there regularly since they came from Singapore 12 years ago, so we tried it out for the first time since the changes. The HCR was a bit bland, not so tasty and with barely any dark sauce to marinate in on the plate or to dab on. The chicken was pretty bouncy and slightly dry, not the more authentic silky and moist quality; nothing to dislike but still pretty underwhelming. The rice itself was pretty good; moist and fragrant. The other dishes however, were very nice. Nyonya chicken was crispy and succulent, recommend trying it with the plum sauce. The Tofu with chicken mince is also very good, and the coconut batter prawns are the trademark dish for good reason. I was still happy with the meal as a whole, but certainly would not go all that way for the chicken rice again. The service was fine, not super attentive, but they are evidently working on it.
It was weird when i found out there is a lot of review saying change of ownership.
Me and my family have been in Kotaraya since Clayton branch and the head chef (owner) stays the same and the Hainanese chicken still the best in town.
We went for an birthday party of a friend of us from church yesterday, it was real impressive!
they did Lobster Salad, Abalone etc which can be specially order for occasion as well as their signature Twin Tower standing fish too. and their decoration on the plate was stunning! Really appreciated how the chefs prepared all that!
This places doesn’t seem like anything speical however its not the decor you should be concened with. Inside you find friendly staff and a warm owner greeting you at the door. I have only been here for lunch a few times however I was a bit confused with some of the Urbanspoon reviews..in fact this is contray to my experience which has always been good. But service is not what you come here for (although its good) its the Hainanese Chicken Rice. Although they say there is a fried and steamed the real chicken rice is steamed – the fried version is nice but steamed is better, much better. You will find the chicken is succulent and tender and the serving large. You will also find a freshly cooked sambol spinach to go with your chicken rice – highly recommended Although some reviewers seem at odds with the lack of other sauces the chilli sauce provided is really all you need. The dish is about $10 and overall I feel a great customer experience. There is nothing flash here you go there just
Whilst it was family style dining, the service staff were responsive and with a large table, we weren't made to feel like a hindrance, like in some family restaurants. The cuisine has a more Malaysian and Nonya style influence which makes for a nice change from the usual Chinese restaurant offerings. Just to switch it up a bit, kiddo and some of her cousins wanted their opinions on the dishes represented in this post, so I did a Vox Pop of the children's opinions. After all, being a family restaurant, whether the whole family enjoyed dining there or not is an important factor.
The rebranded Kotaraya (Tasty Dining) finally brought back the chicken soup that is traditionally served with Chicken Rice. I've been back several times for this weekend only dish and it never fails to satisfy. Lately the CKT has been too spicy for my liking, but they do a decent Singapore Noodle. Overall, this is a great place for a Malaysian foodie fix in the area.
This place is a regular spot for us in the weekends. We come for the hainanese chicken rice (available Fri-Sun) and also their char kuew teow, mee goreng, lorbak and sambal kang kong. Lunch specials are great value at $10.50 and serving sizes are good.
First visit to this restaurant and greatly impressed. Had dinner with special friends on Thursday evening and loved the food and the service.
Extremely pleasant atmosphere, great service and the food was great.
Plan to visit again soon.
Great Food - Great Service. The food is absolutely delicious and authentic. Service is great no complaints at all on that front.
I have been there now several times, taken friends and family and they all love it. A real hidden jewel.
Amazing every time thank u !!
Great food Sensational Service. From making my phone booking, receiving a confirmation call to check if we had any special needs/requests & table service our experience was exceptionally friendly and professional.
The food was delicious we had a several main dishes some off menu selected by our waiter, Honey Pepper Beef, Coconut Prawns, House Made Tofu, Roast Duck it was all sensational.
Will return!
Go for the Hainanese Chicken.. We have been here a few times and we only get the Hainanese Chicken. I have had only good experiences here and I have only been for lunch.
We also found they make a fresh sambol spinach which is amaze.
The chicken is well portoned and simple. Although this is a Malaysian themed place the serving reminds me of my days in Bangkok getting chicken rice off the street. No distractions just chicken rice and the chicken with sauce.
The chilli sauce is tastly. spicy perhaps too much for the typical aussie but I found it really nice - I ordered two!
The chicken itself is very juicy and there is a lot of it IMO.
The Service has always been good and very friendly. The owner in particular is very friendly and makes you want to go back.
Overall a good lunch spot for some street inspired Hainanese Chicken..
I will be back.
Fantastic Asian cuisine on your doorstep. Firstly if anyone says that the customer service is bad at this restaurant they are Liars! The ratio of waiter to customer is incredible. So friendly and attentive you feel like you are a celeb.
I ordered the banquet menu as I am very sheltered when it comes to trying something new, and typically order the same thing "to be safe." The Tom Yum soup was to die for, it had so much flavour that I thought I died and went to heaven and although I love "The river Kwai" (restaurant on centre rd) they give you nowhere near as much soup and charge you a fortune!! The entree was delicious, but then when the main came out it was on, Prawns, Beef curry, Hin Apan chicken, each dish cooked to perfection and the flavours all complimented each other like fireworks in you mouth!! To end the night lychees with ice cream.
For $60 for a couple and drinks at a standard price I highly recommend this Gem of a restaurant. :)
Excellent customer service very attentive and cheerful.. Food was really really great worth the high price you pay it was delish and fresh.. Though a little reno/refurbishing would be highly revommended but who cares good service with good food .. Great night. Thanks guys :)
Yam basket and chicken rice. This is the only place In Melbourne that I know of that serves authentic Yam Basket. The Yam Basket with garlic pork or Kung po chicken is mandatory when dining here. We had the Yam basket with pork and also ordered their famous and delicious chicken rice which is only available during the weekends. The chicken is boneless too! Service is efficient and friendly.
Good food and even better service. The host and all staff are awesome and very hospitable. Strongly recommended!!!
'oh halllow' Easy local. .... 'oh halllow'
Easy local.
Family friendly so if you don't like kids steer away.
The host is devine and tables are generous in size (shame it's not a breakfast place!)
What a pleasure. Every time we have eaten in this restaurant ,we know it is going to be enjoyable.The service is fantastic ,and the food is always a taste sensation.Have taken friends and recommended people,to dine there knowing there will be something on menu to please everyone.
Great local Asian drop in. One of Melbourne's best laksas. Simple and new fit out. Service always friendly especially guy with extremely short hair, probably owner/ manager.
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Secret Affair. I've been to this branch of the Kotaraya restaurant countless time since they first opened in Clayton (more than 3 years ago at least) and till they move to Oakleigh. What I loved about this restaurant is the service and of course their food. I would be ordering for lunch usually their Hainanese Chicken Rice (Friday and weekends only). The Chicken spare rib on rice is also great for some simplicity and its tasty. The Indian Mee Goreng is also one of my favorites there. Now to dinner menu, I would order the Nyonya Chicken (A must, signature dish of this restaurant), Coconut Butter Prawn, Malay Kangkung, Kungpao Pork ribs, and the Twin Tower fried whole fish. The host Alan is a friendly guy who makes you feel like you're the only customer. I remember he always let me in to have lunch even though I was coming in so late at 3pm to have my lunch. That's special service you cant expect every restaurant to do for you.. The most important thing about the restaurant that stood out is great service, speed of delivery, consistency in quality and taste of food.
Wonderful Malayasian. This is a great place for dining with a group of friends or just a table for two. We went there on the hottest night ( 36C) with a group to celebrate a birthday. The restaurant air conditioning was perfect and the water was constantly topped up.
The staff are really friendly, they didnt rush us but were so attentative. Seven of us had variety of entrees, love the seafood , the satay sticks and sauce is fantastic. We all loved the beef rendang and roti which is so fresh. The staff let me take a ice cream cake in earlier to store in their coolroom and came out with the cake with candles singing. We all had a wonderful night only cost us $32 a head.
One of the best Malaysian restaurants so far for its Assam fish, Sambal dishes and award winning coconut prawns. Despite great customer service, one downer is that none of the waiters are allowed to take orders; only the boss or one other person is allowed. So when it gets busy, you really have to wonder why they don't train the other waiters
Cassandra Vyravipillai
+4.5
Delish food. Went here for Father's Day dinner on Saturday night from a friend's recommendation - full crowd, lively/loud atmosphere, exceptional menu choices, great value for money. Definitely will go again. Make sure you book.
Spacious, good food, friendly service. Chicken rice is good.
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Friendly service and good food. First time came to this restaurant was about 10 years ago when their shop is still at blackburn road, fast forward since I work nearby the area this has been my favourite place to grab a quick tasty lunch as well as nice family friendly dinner. One of the person who works there even know me by name since he knew I came quite often and plus I have been bringing my family and in law to visit this restaurant, they are both very impressed with the level of customer service and food.
Their special is their hainanese chicken which only served on Friday and Saturday I believe, oh also try their "roasted hainanese chicken". I love their nasi goreng which I always tell them to make my version veryy Spicy and they never dissapoint. Another which I love is their Sambal Combination vegetable which has egg plant, green beans and okra which is tasty and healthy. Their Laksa also not too bad as well as their char hor fun mmm Yumm!
All in all I understand they may not have much option in their menu, but if you willing to ask I believe they do always have their "specials" which is not on the menu.
Absolutely fantastic! Friendly service and amazing food. Pre-order the "Twin tower" for something sensational.
The Hungry Excavator
+4.5
First, let me start off by saying I was completely impressed by the look of the HCR as soon as it hit the table... WOW. Just from the looks of it I could tell it was going to be good. And good, it was. Was my friend right when he said it was silky? YES, HE WAS. The poached chicken had that silky, smooth gelatinous skin with a slightly firm and chewy texture to the meat and the delectable sauce at the bottom to go with it.
Came here for dinner with family. Had a scrumptious meal. Service was good, food came quickly. Prices were reasonable. Dishes were very authentic - Cantonese / Malaysian style cooking. Enjoyed the food very much. Would recommend to friends and family for sure.
This is my girlfriend’s family restaurant, as everyone says the chicken rice is delicious! Also enjoyed the sizzling tofu, lobster noodles - might not be available to the public. Also, steam fish was 10/10! Try it, so soft and moist!
Silky smooth chicken skin, succulent meat, fluffy flavorful rice. Chili was also a well balanced mix of spicy, sweet and sour. Just a little strange for me that it was served with lettuce instead of cucumbers but it worked.
First time visiting tasty dining, food came out surprisingly quickly.. I ordered the lunchtime special beef rendang curry for $12 very affordable and tasted it out of this world. Great portions and love the fact that I can grab my own drink. Customer service was amazing they even brought my finances handbag halfway down the street that we accidentally left behind.
Tasty Dining has the best Hainanese chicken rice which I highly recommend. The food is great value for money and is also a great place to have gatherings with friends and family. Tom and his family also provide exceptional service in addition to the food being delicious as always.
Been coming to this restaurant for more than 10 years, (even before the name change) and it has been so unbelievably consistent! The food always tastes the same and the hospitality is great. Tom is a fantastic host and I could not recommend their food more!
Best chicken rice in Melbourne! 90 chicken rice for church day!
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