Hingstons, located at the Anula shops, has garnered a cult following over the years. It's out in the middle of nowhere, so only those in the know are aware of what a little gem it is – crappy looking joint but great food at a reasonable price. I've been here many times over the years and have never been disappointed.

You can dine in, but don't expect anything fancy. Typically of most Asian eats in the suburbs, initial impressions convey budget and dodgy. There's a couple of tables, some trashy mags and a big pot of lucky bamboo to keep you company. But stick around and you'll be pleasantly surprised. Or you can order takeaway at reduced prices like a lot of people seem to prefer.

The food is Chinese/Hong Kong style, which means the menu is just about the same as every restaurant of its kind in Darwin. Although if you're after something particular and ask nicely, chef Hing, will probably cook it for you. What makes this place better than say Noodle House, is that it's a little bit cheaper, you can walk in dressed however you want, you don't have to compete with a million other diners and it's just a short trip home afterwards. No fuss, no worries and just my cup of tea.

We had steamed dim sims ($6) and san choy bow (minced pork in a lettuce cup, $12 for 2), both of which were excellent. The former being tender and tasty. The latter being very generous and filling, so much so that I was stuffed afterwards. I was ready to go home and have a nap. But with mains already on the way, I soldiered on. There's always space for more good food.

For my main, I got the chicken and salty fish fried rice. I rarely buy fried rice when eating out but I love this particular version and at only $11 for a huge plate it was well worth it. I only got a third of the way through as I was already full. The bits of salty fish along with the chicken and well seasoned rice kept telling me to have another mouthful, but my tummy was about to pop so I called it quits. It was just as good for lunch the next day though and I also got to enjoy it two days in a row.

My chicky babe got the chicken hor fun with egg aka "wat tan hor fun / egg gravy noodles" ($17). One of my all time favourite noodle dishes, this was slurpingly melt in your mouth orgasmic, but I felt the egg should have been cooked a bit more. In hind sight it may have had a bit of salmonella written on it but we're both still alive and kicking though so all is well. The chicken itself was full of velvety softness that only the Chinese seem to know how to do well, not sure I want to know either.

So there you have it. Same food as the more expensive and fancy places in the CBD but with added accessibility. Rubber stamp of approval from Darwin Foodies.