Reviewed: Bakmi Lim Noodle Project
Bakmi is the Indonesian word for noodles, so it’s no surprise that they take up the lion’s share of the menu at this choose-your-own adventure diner that lets you pick your style of noodle, your protein and your sides.
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The quote on the back wall says it all: “Yesterday I was so sure that today I’d hit the gym but damn it’s hard to ignore another bowl of Bakmi Lim.”
Lucky for me I had already suffered through 60 minutes of cardio that morning, so I was more than entitled to a bowl of carbolicious noodles.
Nestled in what feels like a chaotic block of shops, the deceptively long venue offers plenty of seating and also houses Chico Tea Boba Project (bubble and fruity iced teas).
Bakmi is the Indonesian word for noodles, so it’s no surprise that they take up the lion’s share of the menu. It’s a choose-your-own adventure type situation – pick your style of noodle, your protein and some sides to go with – or to start as entrees.
Fluffy bao buns are filled with the same choice of toppings as the noodles. We opt for the crispy karaage chicken, which is drizzled with a spicy sauce, while the tofu is sprinkled with peanuts for crunch (two for $10).Both also have pickled carrot, cucumber for freshness and a sweet hoisin sauce.
Bite-sized wontons (two for $3) are acceptable, but could use more of the chicken and prawn filling, and a dipping sauce for extra flavour.
But, back to the noodles. There are two options, both handmade from scratch every day at the restaurant with four simple ingredients: flour, eggs, water and oil.
Stick with the traditional or opt for the spinach-infused, if you feel like eating green (there’s not much difference in taste). Similar in thickness to, say, Hokkien noodles, they’ve got a satisfying chew.
But the gluten-intolerant are catered for, too, with a couple of rice noodles, and there’s also a chicken rice.
Toppings on offer include three different styles of pork – roast, BBQ and braised, the latter so soft it practically melts the moment you close your mouth ($14). A chicken and mushroom option boasts juicy pieces of chicken and a satisfying soy marinade, while vegetarians can stick with tofu.
Each bowl is served with bok choy, spring onion, fried shallots and chilli sauce – mix it all around to create well-balanced bites of texture and flavour.
Go easy on the chilli, though. It’s punchy and had my friend blowing her nose right to the very end.
The Unley shop is one of four Bakmi Lims, with others at Norwood and the city’s Waymouth St and Rundle Place. It’s good value, quick and filling, and the kind of adventure you’ll want to go on, again.
BAKMI LIM NOODLE PROJECT
Where: Shop 1/259-269 Unley Rd, Malvern
Food: Noodles
Price: $3-$16.50
Drinks: Softies and bubble tea from Chico Tea Boba Project
Open: 11am-8.30pm daily
Vibe:More of a hum than a buzz
Tip: Beware the chilli
SCORE: 7.5/10