Review: Cheeky Chewies Cafe

Laverton may not be the most inviting suburb within the Western Suburbs, but the relatively new Cheeky Chewies Cafe, conveniently located just off the Princess Freeway, is set to change that.  The shopfront certainly sticks out from the regular crowd: a vibrant, welcoming yellow, with a sleek, modern interior. Whether you’re looking for brunch with a friend, or a nice place to relax with the kids (complete with a funky children’s menu and play area), Cheeky Chewies is the place to be.

The menu is littered with an array of beautifully-presented comfort food with a distinct Asian influence. We went with the aptly named: Cheeky Went to Japan, Lost In Bangkok and the Laksa In A Hurry.

Cheeky Went To Japan: Three Japanese style pancakes stacked high and filled with cabbage, carrot, bacon, spring onion.  Topped with bonito flakes, mayo, special Japanese sauce and an egg poached to perfection ($16.90). All I can say is: WOW. Never have I ever seen okonomiyaki presented so beautifully. The Japanese pancakes were cooked to perfection and bursting with flavour, especially those mouth-watering fried bacon bits.  I loved how each layer was dripping with the Mayo and the sweetness of the Japanese sauce. The poached egg was just like the perfect little cherry on top.  

Lost In Bangkok: Delicious stir-fried mince pork, basil, onions, long bean, carrot garlic and chilli all wrapped within a Thai-style omelette ($15.90).  From the outside, this looks like your plain ol' everyday omelette. Then you cut that baby open and BEHOLD! The inside is filled with a hearty savoury mince, taking it from 0 to 100 real quick. The nice garnish on the side breaks up the heaviness of the meal and adds a touch of freshness. I'll be coming back for this one.

Laksa In A Hurry: Homemade curry laksa with a choice of chicken or seafood- we went with seafood ($16.90/$18.90). I'd just like to start with how cool the presentation of this dish is. The laksa soup itself is brought out in a cute little teapot, maintaining heat from a cute little candle beneath. When you're ready to tuck in, pour the steaming laksa into the beautifully arranged assortment of seafood and vegetables. It makes for a refreshingly interactive dining experience (rather than your laksa just messily being slopped in a bowl). The broth is extremely tasty, very fragrant. I could especially taste the mint which was a little different from my usual experience with laksa.  It's a great portion size and definitely worth the price- you certainly won't leave hungry.

Oh, and the other good news? They also have warming matcha lattes and super funky milkshakes to accompany your meal.

Would I return again? My only critique was that the menu was dominated by savoury and could have done with an added sweet dish. Considering how close this is to my hood, I will definitely be returning to chow down again on such wholesome meals.