KK

I'd just about given up hope of finding a half-decent South East Asian eatery in Auckland.

Thanks and praise then to the chefs and owners of KK restaurant in Epsom for preparing and serving delicious, affordable and 'real thing' Malaysian cuisine.

Like many of the best dining places in Asia, KK is an unpretentious gem where substance (well cooked and flavoured food) is more important than style (flashy decore, waiters with attitude and Buddha Bar soundtracks).

And as it's well established, KK has built a loyal customer base and is always full, or close to.

Tofu genius - crispy on the outside, like custard on the inside.

As the menu is sizeable, food selection was left to our Malaysian food expert who ordered a spicy stir fried eggplant dish, deep fried tofu drizzled with crunchy peanuts, a sweet chilli sauce and sliced cucumbers, chicken curry (the house speciality and worthy of its status) and mummy's ribs - spare ribs grilled with a sweet, sticky sauce and covered with sesame seeds.

Every plate was a tasty winner - why? Unlike many Asian eateries in Auckland, the KK food was well seasoned (not too sweet or salty) and bang on in terms of "true-to-Malaysia" flavours.

In addition to the top-notch cuisines, the night was extra enjoyable thanks to the company of old friends - we swapped work war stories including epic typos encountered in our respective careers such as eight cups of sugar cake recipes.

No ingredient fails at KK and for an intermittent spice junkie like me - it's one of the best places in Auckland for a decent hit of sambal and chilli padis.

KK address and contact information