I have family that lives just around the corner from Chinta and every time we drive past it is packed to the brim! So when my Aunty’s birthday rolled around we finally decided to check it out.
The location of Chinta, a renovated petrol station / workshop, is really quite charming. They’ve kept the original exposed hardwood beams, rusted corrugated iron roofing and a mix of old and new brick, however the interior decoration is reminiscent of a relaxing Bali resort; filled with a collection of different chairs and tables, exotic umbrellas, cute trinkets, trickling water features and live plants. I can see why people love coming here, it’s relaxing and interesting and a lovely spot to unwind with a delicious meal.
Chinta interior and Iced Coffee
As we waited for everyone to arrive we had a look through the little shop section and admired the assorted sweets and cakes on display. Loved the cheeky gnome on the glass counter (;
The menu is made up of typical breakfast fare with a spattering of traditional Asian dishes like Nasi Goreng and Gado Gado.
I couldn’t say no to ordering the slow-cooked pork belly (I pretty much can never go past pork belly if it’s on the menu). While we waited I enjoyed a black coffee and my brother had the iced coffee, filled with both ice-cream and cream, whole coffee beans and a strawberry – needless to say he was pretty happy with his start to breakfast!
Food didn’t take too long to start arriving and I was super happy with my giant portion of pork belly! I was excited to try the crispy lotus flower chips – they were awesome! Where do I get more of those? You could tell the pork had been properly slow cooked – the fat was rendered nicely, the meat was tender and juicy and it was topped with a lovely layer of salty crackle that you didn’t have to fight to get through. Pork always goes tremendously with apple puree but the side of beans didn’t seem to quite match the dish. I would have loved a bit more chilli or spice in them to tie in the Asian influence of the café, but they were certainly nice and filling for a breakfast dish.
Slow Cooked Pork Belly with Lotus Root Crisps and Apple Puree
Consensus all round was that the crispy beer battered chips were super tasty and both brothers wolfed down their fish and wagyu beef burger respectively. For my Aunty and Dad who ordered the classic bacon and eggs on toast, the eggs were perfectly poached and the bacon was nicely caramelised all over.
Crispy Fish and Beer Battered chips
Chinta was a lovely spot for my Aunty’s birthday. Everyone left full and satisfied and you really did feel like you had gotten away to a hidden tropical oasis if only for a few hours. I’m looking forward to heading back for a lazy Sunday coffee (or turmeric latte) and some delicious gluten-free treat from the cake display.
Chinta Cafe
29 Scarborough Beach Rd, North Perth WA
https://www.facebook.com/Chinta-Cafe-882248568533686/
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