Kantin - Carlton (HALAL Food)

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Restaurant - Indonesian food, Nusantara, Authentic, Original, Halal, Traditional

Updated On: Sat September 20, 2025 at 3PM

Kantin is the Indonesian word for canteen and it's reflective of the small, casual diner that Kantin is. What sets Kantin apart from other, similar Indonesian restaurants in town, is its focus on the Minahasan/Manadonese cuisine of North Sulawesi. Manadonese food is known for its generous use of rich spices, spicy condiments, a wide variety of proteins, and European-influenced baked treats. Signature dishes at Kantin include bakmi ayam rica (Manadonese spicy chicken, fried wontons, and bok choy, on a bowl of noodles), nasi iga sapi panggang (sticky, caramelised grilled beef ribs on rice with sambal manis pedas), and udang woku santan (prawns in Manadnoese spices with coconut gravy). Or try the nasi kuning Manado for more of a mixed plate. It's fragrant toasted coconut and turmeric rice served with a hard boiled egg, spicy caramelised anchovies and peanuts, garlic crackers, cucumber, sambal terasi, and your choice of protein.

Address

Kantin - 122 Lygon St Carlton 3053

Kantin - Carlton (HALAL Food)

Restaurant Overview

Opening Hours

Monday 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Tuesday 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Wednesday 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Thurday 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Friday 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Saturday 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Sunday 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

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Kantin - Carlton (HALAL Food)

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Kantin - Carlton (HALAL Food)

Testimonials

Travis Prothero

Sep 13, 2025 4:09 AM

Itโ€™s a small cozy place with an amazing atmosphere. The staff are greatโ€ฆ the food is absolutely amazing. It surpasses any Michelin star restaurants. I would come here again any day. The price is affordable.

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Bernie The hungry

Sep 07, 2025 12:54 AM

Loving this indo restaurant . The satays were so tender and yum โ€ฆ I truly enjoyed the beef ribs . So succulent and meats simply so tender it falls off the bone .. try their delicious drinks the chendol nice and so creamy the dessert was a great stand out too. Pandan kaya toast

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T LO

Jul 12, 2025 9:52 AM

Absolutely sensational! Kantin is a true hidden gem โ€” not your average chain, but a family/friends-owned Indonesian eatery where you can literally taste the love in every bite. The food? Out of this world. Rich, bold, and full of flavour. What really stood out to me was their five levels of spiciness โ€” from gentle heat to full-blown fire, itโ€™s a fun (and slightly addictive) way to enjoy your meal exactly the way you like it. Whether youโ€™re a spice rookie or a certified chilli warrior, theyโ€™ve got you covered. You can tell that this place is a passion project. Some ingredients are imported directly by the owners โ€” things you simply wonโ€™t find anywhere else in Australia โ€” and it makes all the difference. The dishes are deeply authentic and crafted with care, just like youโ€™d find in a local warung back in Indonesia. The menu is extensive with something for everyone, from comforting classics to adventurous delights. And the prices? Super reasonable, especially when you see the portion sizes and the quality of what youโ€™re getting. Itโ€™s clear that everything here is thoughtfully curated with the guest experience in mind. This place is the real deal โ€” full of heart, flavour, and soul. Will definitely be back (and climbing up the spicy ladder again!).

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Julie

Apr 16, 2025 10:02 AM

Very spacious and bright restaurant with cheerful yellow decor! The food portions were very generous and super flavourful, with a lot of variety and textures even without add-ons. Service was QR code/self-service and food came out a bit on the slower side, but we weren't in a rush so it wasn't a big deal. I also think the food was slower because they timed it so we all received our food at once, which was nice. :)

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Sammy Khu

Apr 25, 2025 3:09 AM

Had a great meal at Kantin in Carlton! The serving portions were generous and everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. We tried the Bakmi Ayam Jamur, Ayam Bakar, and Nasi Goreng โ€” each dish was packed with flavour and tasted authentic. Definitely a spot weโ€™ll be coming back to when we're craving great Indonesian food in the area. Highly recommend!

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mealbourne_

Aug 30, 2025 10:18 AM

Indonesian food only with rice? Letโ€™s flip the script. Instead of the usual rice, here in Kantin, get your Indonesian favourites with crispy golden chips ๐ŸŸโœจ Fall-off-the-bone Beef Ribs glazed to perfection, paired with spicy and zesty Ayam Sambal Matah that packs a fiery punch ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ And instead of rice? A mountain of crunchy chips that makes every bite a little extra Es Cendol ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿฅฅโ€” sweet, creamy, and refreshing Itโ€™s the best of both worlds: authentic Indonesian flavours with a cheeky twist youโ€™ll keep craving.

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Shai N

Feb 13, 2025 9:16 AM

I'm quite impressed by this one, too. I think the store was neat, but the tender,sweet beef ribs paired with spicy sauce just made my stomach happy. I feel like the portion is good enough for $28. The rib was so soft, and the sauce was the star. I am becoming a fan of Indonesian food. Also, it's halal, so good for all the Muslims. Hope to try more.

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Carissa Liem

Mar 09, 2025 3:14 AM

Great food at an affordable price! โญโญโญโญโญ This Kantin offers a variety of delicious Indonesian dishes. The portions are just right, and the prices are budget-friendly. The place is quite comfortable for lunch, though it can get crowded at times. The service is pretty fast, so you donโ€™t have to wait too long. Definitely recommended for a tasty and affordable meal!

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tasmania rahman

Sep 16, 2025 11:22 AM

really good food. We enjoyed a lot.love their food

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Samuel Tie

Jul 05, 2025 9:02 AM

Got Mi Goreng and spicy chicken satays. Both were flavour bombs. Great noodle texture.

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Eat Halal Aus

Sep 29, 2024 9:56 AM

Trying Kantin in Carlton was a unique and delightful experience for us, as many of the dishes were completely new and unlike anything weโ€™ve had before. The variety on their menu was exciting, and we couldnโ€™t wait to dive in. We started with drinksโ€”though they offer many, we tried two, both of which were refreshing and delicious. For starters, the banana chips were a standout. They were perfectly crunchy and paired with a hot, spicy sambal, which made for a truly memorable bite. The corn fritters were just as satisfying, with a great balance of flavor and texture. For the mains, we enjoyed their rice with fried chicken, which was a well-rounded dish that we thoroughly loved. But the highlight was the lamb dishโ€”an absolute winner. The portion was generous, and the lamb was cooked to perfection, with just the right seasoning that left us wanting more. To finish, we had dessert, which was equally tasty and satisfying. Although I canโ€™t recall all the specific dish names, I can confidently say that everything we tried was wonderful. With all meals being halal, Kantin is definitely a place worth trying if youโ€™re looking for authentic Indonesian cuisine. Weโ€™ll certainly be back to explore more of their menu!

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Lolo Lo

Mar 04, 2025 7:29 AM

I tried Indonesian food for the first time at Kantin, and I was really impressed! โ€ข Beef Ribs ($48): Definitely the star of the showโ€”flavorful and even though they couldโ€™ve been a bit more tender, the meat still fell off the bone nicely. โ€ข Chicken Skewers ($15.5): Super juicy and packed with flavor, and the peanut sauce was awesome. โ€ข Grilled Chicken: Cooked well and stayed juicy, but at $24 for half a small chicken with not much meat, it felt pricey. Overall, I had a great experience and would come back, especially for those beef ribs!

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่ฌๆ˜€็Š

Jul 12, 2025 8:32 AM

I highly recommend the Indonesian restaurant Kantin! The Sate Ayam Manis was amazing โ€” the chicken was super tender, and the peanut sauce was rich and flavorful. The Es Cendol had a strong coconut milk taste, and for me, the sweetness was just right โ€” not too sweet or heavy. The staff were really friendly, and I loved how clean and bright the whole place was!

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S U

May 04, 2025 11:41 AM

The grilled ribs and chicken were to die for, softest grilled chicken Iโ€™ve ever had with great sambal matah which is sometimes hard to get right. Loveeee โค๏ธ

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Narissara Kaewvilai

Apr 28, 2025 1:04 PM

Kantin Carlton serves the best Indonesian food in Melbourne. The flavors are authentic and delicious, and the grilled fish is a must-try. A fantastic spot for anyone craving real Indonesian cuisine. Highly recommended.

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Nugraha Saputera

Mar 30, 2025 10:17 AM

Kantinโ€™s grilled beef rib with sambal rica is among the best ribs available in Melbourne right now. It has a great atmosphere and excellent service; the owners are very friendly.

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Irem Cingoz

Mar 06, 2025 1:39 AM

We had amazing time in Kantin. Their food is beyond delicious! We started with fruit punch with some spice and es condel original. Both drinks were so yummy. Then we ordered satay chicken skewers and it was the highlight of the meal! For mains we had beef ribs and mi goreng noodles with prawns. Both were absolutely fantastic. The ribs were tender melting in your mouth. Dirty sponge cake was so fun! We will be back! Also the staff was so kind.

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S S

Dec 09, 2024 6:34 AM

๐Ÿฅฐ๐Ÿ”ฅ If youโ€™re looking for authentic Indonesian cuisine in a cozy and welcoming environment, Kantin Indonesian Eatery is the perfect spot! I had the pleasure of dining here recently and was completely blown away by the quality of the food, the portions, and the overall experience. ๐Ÿฅค๐Ÿ For my meal, I ordered a bowl of Bakmi Ayam Rica (Noodle with Spicy Indonesian Chicken, $17.50) and a glass of Es Coco Pandan (Coco Pandan Drink with Coconut Jelly and Basil Seed, $8.50) and both were absolutely fantastic. Hereโ€™s what made them stand out: โ€ข Bakmi Ayam Rica: This dish was nothing short of amazing! ๐Ÿœ The noodles (Singaporean) were perfectly cookedโ€”springy and lightโ€”and served with a generous portion of flavorful, spicy Indonesian chicken. ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐Ÿ— The chicken was tender and had a wonderful kick of heat that balanced beautifully with the noodles. The spice level was just right, enough to excite the taste buds without being overwhelming. On top of that, the portion size was very generous, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. โ€ข Es Coco Pandan: This refreshing juice was a delightful discovery! ๐Ÿฅฅ๐ŸงŠ The drink was cool, smooth, and bursting with unique flavors that were completely new to me. It wasnโ€™t overly sweet, which I appreciated, and the mix of ingredients made every sip exciting. It was the perfect companion to the spiciness of the noodles, offering a nice balance to the meal and leaving me with a refreshed feeling after every sip. ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ’ฏ Beyond the food, the atmosphere of Kantin Indonesian Eatery added to the overall experience. The restaurant has a cozy and relaxed vibe, making it a great spot to unwind and enjoy a meal. The staff were friendly, attentive, and clearly passionate about ensuring their customers have a great time. They were happy to answer my questions about the dishes and even made recommendations, which I really appreciated. If youโ€™re a fan of Indonesian cuisine or just curious to try something new, Kantin Indonesian Eatery should definitely be on your list. The Bakmi Ayam Rica is a must-try for noodle lovers who enjoy a bit of spice, and the Es Coco Pansan is a unique treat that you wonโ€™t want to miss. Iโ€™m already looking forward to coming back to explore more items from their menu. Whether youโ€™re dining alone, with friends, or even looking for a quick meal, this place delivers on all fronts. Highly recommend! ๐Ÿ˜‹๐Ÿฝ๏ธ

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Katie Goldberg

May 20, 2024 10:05 AM

I recently visited Kantin, an Indonesian restaurant in Carlton, and it was an absolutely delightful experience. Situated in a bright yellow building that's hard to miss, Kantin brings authentic Indonesian flavors right to the heart of Melbourne. From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the vibrant atmosphere, mirroring the boldness and spice of the dishes served. The menu offers a fantastic array of traditional Indonesian foods, each dish perfectly balanced to showcase both heat and flavor. I was particularly impressed with how the spices were used to enhance rather than overpower the dishes, making each bite a true delight. The pricing at Kantin is very reasonable, making it accessible for anyone looking to explore rich, flavorful meals without spending a fortune. The portion sizes are generous, providing great value for the money. One of the highlights of my visit was interacting with the owner, who was incredibly welcoming and passionate about his cuisine. His dedication to authentic Indonesian cooking and ensuring a great customer experience is evident in every aspect of Kantin. The service here matches the restaurant's lively exteriorโ€”attentive, quick, and always with a smile. It made the dining experience smooth and enjoyable from start to finish. For anyone in Melbourne craving authentic, spicy, and well-balanced Indonesian cuisine, Kantin is a must-visit. Itโ€™s perfect for a casual meal that promises a burst of delightful flavors and a warm atmosphere. Highly recommend!

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Sarah Melbs

Sep 10, 2024 10:50 AM

@kantin.au ๐Ÿ“This spot was one of the busiest restaurants along Lygon St! They serve modern Indonesian dishes and we had to try their signature instagram famous Pandan Sponge Cake ๐Ÿ˜†๐Ÿงฝ -was so gimmicky- but honestly the pandan toast was the top pick for me! ๐Ÿ˜‹. the venue was vibrant & bustling on the weekend for good reason- the food arrived quickly and was so so delish! ๐Ÿ‘ ๐Ÿ’– New Lamb with Yellow Rice โญ๏ธ ๐Ÿ’– Cold Tofu Noodles (sweet and spicy) ๐Ÿ’– Spicy Tuna Noodles Soup ๐Ÿ’– Pandan Toast ๐Ÿ˜‹โญ๏ธ ๐Ÿ’– Cocoffee ๐Ÿ’– Cendol with Jackfruit ๐ŸŒฝ Corn Fritters ๐Ÿงฝ Pandan Sponge Cake

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Ezzat Khalife

Jan 25, 2024 11:26 PM

The food here was like I went straight to Indonesia, it was lacy with so much flavour and there meats/ chicken are next level!! My favorite had to be their meat, The meat fell right off the bone and just melted in your mouth!! They also have the most delicious coconut pudding dessert which Iโ€™m definitely coming back for next time!! Portions of the food are huge!! And itโ€™s a very affordable restaurant

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Fooodiejoy

Feb 06, 2024 10:51 PM

We totally enjoyed ourselves here! The food were very authentic and some were spicy (in a very good delicious way) The meats are very tender esp the beef rib which literally falls off the bone. The satay was tender too and packed with flavours. The nasi kuning we absolutely cant get enough of ๐Ÿฅฐ๐Ÿฅฐ Staff were friendly here too and made some great recommendations

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valenzia novanda

Feb 18, 2025 7:55 AM

Menu is variate, there are fish, beef, lamb chicken and vegans, drink and dessert menu also provided. Staff are very polite, friendly, and fast. Atmosphere of the shop so good with yellow bright colour give appetite, there is a choice to be seated outside or inside. Suggestions need a aromatic to inside the shop to make it fragrant. There are also clean and fragrant toilets nice! Food taste need to be improved, the texture is so good but balancing needed, the beef ribs so soft but in my opinion need to be better marinated. Will comeback and try other menu when visit Melbourne:)

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Alditha Eat or Treat

Sep 14, 2024 12:01 PM

Delicious food, if youโ€™re craving for Indo food, definitely give this place a try! Nasi kuning Manado and Nasi Iga Panggang were so good! They also have a very unique dessert - Sponge Cake! And their bingsu cendol is also delicious

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Xinyu Wei

Aug 04, 2025 3:51 AM

Itโ€™s my first time to try Indonesian food and it was so good. โ€˜Spongeโ€™ cake looks amazing hahaha

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