One of my regular lunch providers, I've been going to Zhen's Kitchen for donkeys years. Now I'm not sure how many human years that converts too, but it would probably be in the order of ~5 or so since it first opened doors. I like them because:

• the food isn't as oily as similar outlets (NB: not oil free)
• they have a kick ass interior that is reminiscent of a street hawker in a dodgy Hong Kong  back alley. Well I would reminisce if I had ever been there.
• they're a bit cheaper than the competition and
• they're close to my office (pretty important when you only have short lunch breaks - hope the boss is reading)

Usually I will get a take away from the bain marie but a photo of food crammed into a plastic container wouldn't do Zhen's Kitchen much justice, so I ordered  a chicken and vegetable char kway teow (stir fried flat rice noodles) from the à la carte menu and plonked myself down on one of the metal stools. They're pretty popular at lunch so if you're kind-of-smart like me you'll get in early so you don't have to wait too long for your food.

You'll find the usual Chinese suspects in the bain marie, but there are some more uncommon dishes like mapo tofu (a  personal favourite, try it if you think tofu sucks and you may be surprised) and a fried beef ball concoction. Everything is yummy, the only thing I don't like is the omelette which I only had once as it was burnt at the bottom and overcooked. And in a bizarre fusion  inclusion, they're the only Asian eat in town that I know of that does chips and gravy. The à la carte menu has noodle soups, fried stuff, chicken rice and other Chinese goodies. Perfect for the hungry lunch time CBD worker who wants to chillax before getting back to the office to send a million emails. Come and get a little zen at Zhen's Kitchen during your next lunch break.

Contact details

Address: Centrepoint Arcade/Building, Smith Street Mall, Darwin
Phone: 08 89420555
Opening  hours:  Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm, Weekends 9am to 3pm