Honki Tonki

Opening up a second restaurant made sense for the owners of successful Vietnamese eatery Sit Lo. But having that second restaurant share a back entrance? That’s just unnecessary competition. Luckily Honki Tonki only shares Sit Lo’s sense of style (and some braised pork belly).

Where Sit Lo mastered modern Vietnamese street food, Honki Tonki takes aim at the quick noodle and dumpling spot. It’s a sit-down experience where you can still be in and out in 15 minutes.

Sesame prawn toasts with sweet-chilli mayo and pork and chive dumplings with soy and black vinegar caramel are served on colourful, patterned crockery. The plates are a good match for the Studio Alumni-designed interior, inspired by Japanese manga (comics) and watching too much Kung Fu Panda.

Hong Kong-style egg waffles are a point of pride for Honki Tonki. They’re prepared in the shopfront and topped with popping candy, Oreos and seasonal fruit to bring a sense of fun to Hindley Street’s daytime slump, especially when paired with a Hong Kong milk tea (served hot or cold).