New Kum Den

In Cantonese, the literal translation of the word ‘kum’ is ‘golden’, and the word ‘den’ is ‘three-legged cauldron’ – in other words, the golden cauldron.

Unfortunately yet humorously many don’t understand this, leading to New Kum Den’s older counterpart, Kum Den, being ranked highly on the world’s funniest but worst restaurant names. Our waiter Jan laughs off the joke. “Not the other meaning of the word.”

What’s in a name? asked Juliet. New Kum Den’s other qualities – Cantonese delicacies, attentive service and a slightly rowdy atmosphere are probably more than a name. Still, it is pretty funny. C’mon.

If you presumed all Cantonese food to be Lazy Susans, oily dishes and copious amounts of soy sauce, then think again. New Kum Den’s specialty is their homemade pork and prawn dumplings (six for $8), prepared with a splash of soup neatly sealed inside the dumpling that maximises juiciness. Be careful, these babies are squirters.

Amongst the hotpot and stir-fry options are old favourites like tender eye fillet pieces with black pepper sauce and snow peas ($21.80) and deep fried soft shell crab ($6 per baby crab). Whilst crispy enough, the crab was a little bland.

Rounding things off is the classic deep fried ice-cream with maple syrup ($5), while those without a second stomach might like the ‘lighter’ Japanese green tea ice-cream ($5). A friendly wine list and BYO don’t hurt either.

If the promise of plump dumpling and puns are too much to resist, you won’t regret coming into the New Kum Den. C’mon.

NEW KUM DEN
15 Heffernen Lane, Melbourne
03 9639 9857
Open seven days, 11am – 3pm & 5pm – 11pm
Yum Cha Saturday & Sunday 11am – 3pm
Newkumden.com.au