Yen Sushi Noodle

I normally wouldn’t have made reviews whether I enjoy the food or not, but this place fills me with such unexpected joy that I *have* to leave one so everyone would know about it

TL;DR: Get the char kuey teow (beef or vegeterian), it tastes shockingly as authentic as back in Malaysia and is full of wok hei, and they also wash the wok (may still have allergen residues) and clean the utensils every time for those with seafood allergy concerns

So roughly three days ago and day two of me visiting Melbourne for the first time, I found myself craving for some ramen at around 9am, so I looked up on Google Maps, and this place is highly rated enough for me to check it out

I didn’t really know what to ordered so at first I asked for recommendations, which I was recommended stir-frys with noodles and meat my choice, I was still indecisive so I decided to just ask directly in Mandarin (assuming that they’re Malaysian based on the name of their business license thing, turns out they moved from China as it turns out), and she recognized my Malaysian accent instantly and recommended me char kuey teow, and they even said they’d take care of washing the wok and utensils for me (which they already do every time apparently) to accommodate my seafood allergies

When I first opened the Chinese takeaway box up, it looked good, but I honestly didn’t have any expectations at all when I first came in, so I took a bite.

Boy, I couldn’t have been more wrong and shocked.

It genuinely tastes like the char kuey teows I have had back home years ago but avoided because Malaysian stalls are not well known to actually take food allergies seriously (that ended up with me avoiding most of them for a decade at this point). You have NO IDEA HOW MUCH I MISSED THE WOK HEI, THEY EVEN PUT IN CHILI THE SAME WAY MALAYSIAN STALLS WOULD DO IT, OH MY GOD

I CANNOT BELIEVE I would have never discovered it if I wasn’t craving for ramen and this didn’t pop up on Google Maps. This is genuinely one of, if not the BEST char kuey teow I have ever had in my life. So much so I actually couldn’t resist going back there again a few hours ago to order a beef one for takeaway back to my hotel room on my last day in Melbourne.

If you’re asking me for recommendations, I’d suggest getting beef over the chicken (veggie-only options available), because the chicken tastes a bit too overcooked for me (likely breast meat), but the actual noodle itself is so good I’m willing to look past that entirely

To think that of all the places, a Japanese-themed hole-in-a-wall restaurant owned and run by two middle-aged mainland Chinese couples (I think?) made a food so good it’s one of the very few that takes me right back to home in Malaysia. Wow. Words cannot describe just how much immense joy I am feeling for discovering this place.

I decided to try this little place for Singapore Noodles. Haven’t had decent Singapore Noodles for over 12 months since my local place of choice closed. I nearly cried with joy, I have found my new Singapore Noodles haunt. They were delicious, made with the right kind of noodle (vermicelli) and just the right level of curry heat. The food was prepared in good time and there was plenty of it. I can’t wait to go back.

Such a lovely sushi and noodle restaurant as the name suggests.
Been eating from here frequently whenever I’m in the city since a young age and nothing has changed.

Nice and cozy atmosphere with great, friendly staff. Nice food with many choices for noodles, sauce and proteins, food always comes out super fast even when it’s busy.

Great asian wok food, good for takeaways and even better for airport food replacement!

Absolutely delicious sushi rolls and miso soup at this perfect little spot. Perched on stools and enjoying the laneway atmosphere. Food obviously produced with special care and attention. Wished we had the opportunity to return for noodles!

Amazing noodles,great for a quick lunch,very friendly owner,food always consistent and fresh, great value for money,fantastic location . I've been going there for over 13 years.

A hidden gem in the lane. I have been a regular customer for over 3 years and never disappointed. Good variety, generous portion, and great taste and value. Coming here for a quick noodle fix? You can never go wrong.

I've been having the noodles here for more than 20 years. Best in Melbourne. And after being closed for the last 10 months, it is now OPEN AGAIN. So happy!

Love this place. I've tried almost every combination of their noodles and have never been disappointed!

Regular customer for the noodles -- spicy thai 🤤. Large portions for a decent price. Avoid the satay though. Always a bit of line at lunch time, but it moves quickly. Accepts card.

Delicious sushi and tom yum noodles, feels very home made and freshly done. My go to lunch place !

I've been going here 5 years can't beat their chicken broth noodles. Everytime I go to Melbourne I make sure I go here. Affordable price and quality food

Tiny shop hide in Centre place. Love the brown&red rice sushi.

Such a great noodle place, so tasty, very consistent, and super friendly. Thank you

Really tasty fresh made noodles, sushi with brown rice, summer rolls... Etc. Delicious 👌

Great value food at a great price. Brown rice sushi or noodle boxes made to order. Delicious!

Excellent service with generous portions and good price

My go to noodle place in CBD.

Love it

Good vibe