I have been to Kanama Kopi Kadai twice since it opened in late January. It is a new Malaysian eatery in Kilbirnie and as I like Malaysian food I thought I would give it a try. They have fitted this out well especially because it use to be a video shop. However, I do not think they really thought about the layout. The food has a “twist” to it and I thought I would try some Malaysian classics and see what they do with it.

My first time I visited I decided to try the Mamak Mee Goreng; Homemade Egg Noodles stir-fried with Tofu, Semolina Fritter, Prawn, Squid, Mung Beans. After an hours wait, I was treated to this really small dish of noodles. Apparently, the reason it took so long, was because they had run out of homemade noodles and either had to make or get some more. The serving was small, but it was packed with Prawns and squid. However, I did not get any semolina fritters. The dish had so much potential but the servings were just too small plus it was really underseasoned.

My second visit, I had the Beef Brisket Rendang; Poached Egg, Roasted Coconut Chips, Coconut Yoghurt, Pickled Red Onion on Roti. This was an interesting twist on the typical rendang. I liked how there was a roti instead of rice and I loved the roasted coconut chips. I thought the poached egg was over-cooked, the coconut yoghurt just made it bland and the beef brisket was really underseasoned. I also tried the garlic roti and that was so small and soggy.

Overall, this place has a lot of promise but just does not deliver. I really was rooting for them but just disappointing. Mainly the servings are small and the food is underseasoned.

Address: 1 Rongotai Road, Kilbirnie, Wellington 6022

Website: Kanama Kopi Kadai