With what he says is in his blood, nobody could stop Anand Kumar Ramakrishna’s (AK) love for hospitality. Following the closure of Canberra’s iconic Asian restaurant XO in 2023, which he co-owned, AK spent the past year reigniting his love for cooking and is now ready to serve it to Canberra.
Incoming AK’s Diner – an authentic Malaysian takeaway-style restaurant in NewActon that will serve simple, humble and affordable curries. Taking over from Fekerte’s Ethiopian in the Nishi Building, AK’s new venture will step away from the traditional restaurant scene, letting the food speak for itself.
“We used to jokingly say that XO was mama’s food on steroids, but AK’s will be stripping everything back to the raw version of the food that is served on the streets and in the hawker-style halls,” he says.
Predominately curries, the menu will rotate and change regularly, and include flavours like his signature ‘Mum’s Famous Chicken Curry’ (an XO favourite) and beef rendang, as well as two veggie options including one vegan.
Served with a range of different flavoured rice including turmeric, saffron and coconut, hungry lunch-goers can choose 1-2 curries and condiments including pickles and chillis, all at a $17-$20 price point.
With more expected to roll out in the coming months, including starters such as curry puffs and dumplings, there will be a nod to some of his dishes at XO.
“The famous XO dumplings might make its way to the menu,” he teases.
Working as a chef for over 27 years, starting in Malaysia, AK’s Diner is an embodiment of the man himself, with thoughtful, individualistic styling inside the restaurant and of course, through the cooking itself.
AK’s Diner will be open from Monday to Friday, 11:30am-2:30pm (to start) from Monday 28 October.
Visit AK’s socials to get the latest.
