Despite the horror that was lunch last weekend, Adam and I returned to Chillipadi for the second time in a week, this time at Melbourne Central. There was a list of ‘student specials’ on the blackboard outside which had meals for no more than $10. I took advantage of this by ordering a seafood laksa ($9.90) and a side of eggplant chips ($4.90).

Eggplant chips = great if you like eggplants (I do now!) but not so great if you detest them. They were simply eggplant fingers, crumbed in panko breadcrumbs and then fried and served with a Japanese mayo and sweet chilli dip. Very crunchy, very nice.

Seafood laksa = not bad for a franchise – it was way better than I thought. I did feel that they were stingy with the seafood (I counted one prawn, a small handful of calamari and two or three small mussels). Laksa King (Flemington) for the win though.

In short, I’d come back here for basterdised Malaysian food if I’m at Melbourne Central.