D’Penyetz & D’Cendol Carlton (HALAL)

Skip the standard Lygon Street Italian. Tucked into Carlton is a bona fide Indonesian powerhouse serving up unapologetic, fully halal comfort food and dessert. Small space, massive flavors. Melbourne’s spice fiends make a beeline for their signature ayam penyet—smashed chicken smothered in a sambal that pulls no punches. Take note: even a level 3 on their 6-point heat scale delivers serious pedas thrills. Beyond the fiery chicken, savvy eaters pile in for generous plates of seafood fried rice, soul-warming soto ayam, and traditional chicken satay. Zero wait times. Lightning-fast service. And when the chili kicks in, the ice cendol durian is an absolute lifesaver. Factor in a kitchen that bends over backwards for allergy requests, and you’ve got an essential warung experience right in the city.