Chinta Kechil opens in Double Bay

Chinta Kechil opens in New South Head Road in Double Bay on June 10, the latest venture by the owner of Chinta Ria at Cockle Bay.

With just 16 seats, it lives up to its name (kechil is the old Malaysian word for small), but could soon outgrow the moniker.

''We're most likely doing a vintage jazz dining room in a neighbouring property that will open in three or four months,'' says owner Simon Goh.

With such limited seating, the restaurateur is banking on the takeaway market and Double Bay's rebirth as a food hub.

He is also keen to wind back the trend clock on some of the dishes.

''Laksa will be a specialty. We'll do a traditional laksa, as well as a tamarind fish laksa. I don't like laksa with too much coconut milk. Ours will be more robust.''