Whenever I’m looking for something to eat, I almost always end up craving Malaysian food. This place popped up on my feed a few weeks ago in Wellington somehow, so I decided to give it a try while I was in Auckland.

I arrived just after 5:30 pm on a Sunday evening, just after opening for evening service. There were already a few tables occupied with diners waiting for their meals, and by the time I was halfway through mine, the restaurant had filled up.

I had a hard time deciding what to order because so many dishes caught my eye, like the typical laksa, mee goreng, or Hainanese chicken rice. In the end, I went with the Deep Fried Squid Tentacles and the Wat Tan Hor. Both dishes arrived quickly and were served piping hot, with the Wat Tan Hor accompanied by some fresh red chilli. The squid also came with what tasted very much like Kewpie mayonnaise—a definite win in my book.

The portions were generous, and the squid was excellent. It was lightly battered, well seasoned, and not overly oily. The crispy squid paired perfectly with the creamy Kewpie mayo. I also loved its rustic presentation and the use of that part of the squid.

The Wat Tan Hor was easily one of the best I’ve had. It came in a generous serving with a rich, silky sauce and was loaded with shredded chicken, fish cakes, bok choy, and prawns. The hor fun had great wok hei, and when combined with the creamy sauce and red chilli, it made for an incredibly satisfying dish with a massive punch.

Overall, I’ll definitely be back. The service was warm and friendly, and I especially appreciated the uncle who served my food. The restaurant seems to be a favourite with the locals, and I can’t wait to return and work my way through more of the menu.

Instagram Page: Sambal Station

Address: Level 2/317 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland 1052