Swinging Bowl Satay is a small take away place on Stephens Place, which is on the eastern boundary of the Myer Centre. The place specialises in authentic Malay dishes, more so from the northern Malay region, based on the spiciness of the dishes. The decor here is pretty basic. The plastic seating, the fold out tables and the low ceilings in the dining area, made me feel like I was in cheap student accommodation. The tables are set pretty close together, but there is enough room for 50.

Today, I ordered the Beef Rendang. The food was just slopped onto a place, so the presentation wasn’t anything amazing. For the most part, the beef was lean and there was a satisfactory amount. The meat was also tender and well marinated. It also had plenty of bite as I felt like I was sitting in a sauna. The rice on the other hand was a soft and mushy. This happens when you add too much water into the rice cooker.

The atmosphere was relaxed and the service was fast and efficient. The pricing is cheap, particularly for the amount that you get. I can’t remember the last time I paid $7 for lunch. The food was fairly authentic and everybody was happy with what they got. Not a bad place to come for a cheap feed!

WHERE: 18 Stephens Place, Adelaide