Melbourne has one of Australia’s strongest Chinese dining scenes, from theatrical Sichuan hot pot and Lanzhou beef noodles to Cantonese yum cha, Shanghai-style dumplings, modern Chinese dining and polished Southbank restaurants built for special occasions. The best Chinese restaurants in Melbourne are not all trying to do the same thing. Some are perfect for big group dinners, others are better for quick noodles, dumplings, business lunches, date nights, banquet-style meals or classic neighbourhood Chinese dining.
This guide focuses on ten Chinese restaurants in Melbourne worth knowing: Panda Hot Pot, Happy Lamb Hotpot, Bowltiful Lanzhou Beef Noodle, Supernormal, Lagoon Dining, Secret Kitchen Chinatown, Juicy Bao, Oriental Teahouse, Spice Temple Melbourne and David’s. Together, they show the range of Chinese and Chinese-influenced dining across Carlton, Chinatown, the CBD, Southbank and Prahran.

1. Panda Hot Pot
Panda Hot Pot is one of Melbourne’s most memorable Chinese restaurants, not just because of the food but because of the scale and theatre of the room. Located on Victoria Street in Carlton, it is a large Sichuan-style hot pot restaurant with dramatic interiors, big tables and a dining experience built around sharing.
The main attraction is hot pot. Diners choose soup bases, meats, seafood, vegetables, noodles, tofu, mushrooms and dipping sauces, then cook everything at the table. It is interactive, generous and ideal for groups because the meal naturally becomes a shared experience rather than everyone ordering one plate each.
Panda Hot Pot is especially good for birthdays, group dinners, family meals, late dinners and anyone who wants Chinese food to feel like an event. The broth choices let diners control the heat level, while the large menu means the table can build a meal around both spicy and non-spicy options.
It is best for Sichuan hot pot, big groups, special occasions, shared meals, spicy soup bases and diners who want one of Melbourne’s most theatrical Chinese restaurant experiences.
Address: 100 Victoria Street, Carlton
Panda Hot Pot Menu
Hot Pot Smallware
Butane Stove
Gas
Two bottles.
Soup Base
One-Flavour Soup Base
One flavour, all in! Go all out with your favourite.
Two-Flavour Soup Base
Two distinct flavours, perfectly paired! Made for sharing.
Three-Flavour Soup Base
Triple the variety, triple the experience!
Sichuan Spicy Soup Base
A traditional Sichuan-style beef tallow broth, slowly simmered with dried chilies, Sichuan peppercorns, and aromatic spices. Rich, bold, and deeply savory, delivering layers of numbing heat and fragrance that define authentic Sichuan hot pot.
Spicy Vegetable Oil Soup Base
A classic Sichuan-style clear oil broth made with premium vegetable oil, dried chilies, Sichuan peppercorns, and fragrant spices. Bright, aromatic, and clean on the palate, it delivers layered heat and gentle numbing spice without the heaviness of beef tallow.
Fish Maw with Chicken
A comforting, slow-simmered broth with a rich, silky texture and gentle savoury depth. Smooth and nourishing, it offers a delicate balance of warmth and natural richness, delivering a refined, soothing flavour that feels wholesome and deeply satisfying.
Tomato Soup Base
A light and comforting tomato-based broth simmered with ripe tomatoes and gentle aromatics. Naturally sweet and mildly tangy, it offers a refreshing, well-balanced flavour that pairs beautifully with meats, seafood, and vegetables.
Pork Bone Soup Base
A slow-simmered pork bone broth cooked for hours to extract deep, natural richness. Smooth, comforting, and savoury, with a clean finish that highlights the true flavour of meats, vegetables, and noodles without overpowering the palate.
Mushroom Soup Base
A light, nourishing mushroom soup base gently simmered with a generous variety of fresh mushrooms. Clean and delicate on the palate, it offers natural umami and subtle earthiness, creating a soothing, well-balanced base that feels comforting yet refreshingly light.
Sichuan Green Peppercorns
A fragrant green peppercorn broth infused with fresh Sichuan peppercorns and gentle aromatics. Light yet flavourful, it delivers a refreshing numbing tingle with bright citrus notes, creating a clean, aromatic base that enhances ingredients without overwhelming their natural flavours.
Guizhou Red Sour Soup Base
A traditional Guizhou-style fermented sour broth made from naturally fermented tomatoes and chilli. Bright, tangy, and deeply aromatic, it delivers a refreshing sourness with gentle heat, creating a lively, appetite-opening base that pairs beautifully with meats and seafood.
Laksa Soup Base
A rich and aromatic laksa broth made with coconut milk, spices, and fragrant herbs. Creamy yet balanced, it delivers gentle heat, subtle sweetness, and layered Southeast Asian flavours, creating a comforting, full-bodied base that pairs beautifully with seafood, meats, and vegetables.
Tom Yum Soup Base
A bright and aromatic broth with a lively balance of tangy sourness and gentle heat. Refreshing and palate-awakening, it delivers layered sharpness and warmth with a clean finish, making it light, invigorating, and deeply satisfying.
Beef Bone Clear Soup
A clear, slow-simmered beef bone broth with a clean, delicate richness. Light yet deeply savory, it delivers gentle warmth and pure beef flavor, enhancing ingredients without overpowering their natural taste. Available exclusively as part of the three-flavour soup base selection.
Signature Dishes
Premium Combination
A generous selection of premium meats and seafood, bringing land and sea together.
Signature Combination
A signature combination featuring our most popular premium meats, rich in flavour and quality.
Pork Ribs with Spicy Sauce
Tender and juicy with bold spicy sauce, delivering deep savoury richness and gentle heat.
Wagyu Chuck Tender
Richly marbled, tender and juicy, with deep beef flavour, balanced chewing and a smooth finish.
Prawn Mash in Bamboo Fungus
Springy shrimp sweetness paired with bamboo fungus aroma and a clean finish.
Prawn Mash
Bouncy and tender, and highlighting pure shrimp flavour with a subtle chilli kick.
Fish Mash with Fish Roe
Bouncy and silky with bursts of roe, delivering a fresh, savoury seafood finish.
Ox Tongue with Rattan Pepper
Silky tender bite with mild numbing spice, fresh citrus notes, and savoury depth.
Homemade Tofu
Silky smooth with a light soybean aroma and clean, gentle finish.
Signature Beef Tripe
Freshly hand-torn premium beef tripe with a crisp, tender bite.
Slow Cooked Premium Tripe
Soft, delicate layers with a gentle chew and clean, savoury finish.
Prime Marinated Beef Slices
Tender and delicately marinated, delivering a rich, clean beef flavour.
Meat
Beef Tendons
Pork Trachea
Beef Trachea
Crab Sticks
Fish Ball
Quail Egg
Duck Blood
Luncheon Meat Slices
Boneless Duck Feet
Cheese Rice Cake
Crispy Sausage
Wagyu Set (Large)
Wagyu Set (Small)
M9+ Striploin
M7+ Striploin
M5+ Chuck Eye Roll
M5+ Bolar Blade
Wagyu Belly Slices
Beef Brisket Fat
Prime Beef Slices
Chicken Slices
Lamb Slices
Beef Chuck Tender Slices
Beef Shin Shank Slices
Wagyu Brisket Slices
Pork Belly Slices
Fried Tofu stuffed with Shrimp
Spiced Chicken Slices
Fish Skin Cuttlefish Dumpling
Pork Coriander Meatballs
Pork Mushroom Meatballs
Spicy Beef Slices
Spicy Beef Stripes
Pork Kidney
Duck Intestines
Presented in a chilled ice ball.
Fried Egg
Fish Cake
Meihao Sausage
Tianwei Sausage
Prime Pork Liver
Duck Gizzard
Pork Intestines
Seafood
Prawn
Scallop
Oyster
Abalone
Baby Cuttlefish
Squid
Snakehead Fish Slices
Basa Fish
Vegetable
Vegetable Platter
Fuzzy Melon
Baby Corn
Pea sprouts
Tong Ho
Gongcai
Bamboo
Tender Seaweed
Seaweed
Chinese Cabbage
Potato
Soybean
Silken Soy Milk Tofu
Fresh Tofu
Frozen Tofu
Chewing Bean Curd
Dried Bean Curd
Fried Bean Curd
Mushroom
Fungus Platter
Flower Mushroom
Shimeji Mushroom
Enoki Mushroom
Shiitake Mushroom
Noodles
Yam Noodles
Wide Potato Noodles
Sweet Potato Noodles
Sweet Potato Vermicelli
Thin Noodles
Rice Vermicelli
Dipping Sauces
Sichuan Chilli Oil Dip
Perfect for Spicy Soup Bases Garlic Paste *2 spoons Green Onion *2 spoons Coriander *2 spoons Minced Chilli *1 spoon Oyster Sauce *1 spoon Sesame Oil *1 bottle
Garlic Sesame Oil Dip
Best Paired with Spicy Sichuan-Style Broths Garlic Paste *3 spoons Sesame Oil *1 bottle
Classic Sesame Paste Dip
Perfect for Clear Broths and Meats Garlic Paste *1 spoon Green Onion *1 spoon Sesame Paste *2 spoons Crushed Peanuts *1 spoon Fermented Tofu Sauce * a dash
Savoury Seafood Dip
Perfect for Seafood and Vegetable Dishes Garlic Paste *1 spoon Oyster Sauce *1 spoon Green Onion *1 spoon Soy Sauce *3 spoons Sesame * a dash Minced Chilli * 1 spoon
Sichuan Chilli Dry Dip
Best for Meats Green Onion *1 spoon Coriander *1 spoon Crushed Peanuts *1 spoon Chilli Powder *2 spoons Fried Peas *1 spoon
Spicy Beef Sauce
Perfect for Meats, Noodles, and Bold Flavours Beef Sauce *2 spoons Chilli Sauce *1 spoon Garlic Paste *2 spoons Green Onion *1 spoon
Snacks
Sausage & Mushroom Braised Rice
Fragrant rice slow-cooked with mushrooms and Chinese sausage.
Fried Pork Slices
Freshly fried, delivering a crisp bite, and aromatic and juicy pork richness.
Fried Sticky Rice Cake
Crispy outside, soft and chewy inside, coated in rich brown sugar.
Braised Pork Ear Slices
Sliced pork ear tossed in a savoury dressing, crunchy, and flavourful.
Braised Beef Tripe
Slowly braised in a rich savory sauce, aromatic and flavourful.
Steamed and Fried Bun
Steamed and fried buns offering soft fluffiness and golden crispness.
Osmanthus Cake
Delicately soft with mild sweetness, finished with a fragrant osmanthus note.
Fried Chicken Feet
Marinated and fried, blistered skin, tender texture, and rich flavour.
Spring Roll (Vegetable)
Light and crisp, filled with fresh vegetables and gentle savoury notes.
Rice
Perfectly steamed rice with soft, fluffy grains and a clean, comforting finish.
Signature Cocktails
Evan's Nightfall
Vibrant citrus-forward cocktail with gentle tartness and a smooth finish.
Swordsman
Balancing citrus brightness, gentle sweetness, and a clean, refreshing finish.
Rose' Cockatiel
Lightly sweet and aromatic, balancing passionfruit richness with fresh citrus bitterness.
Coconut Cloud
Smooth, creamy, and indulgent, blending coconut richness with bright pineapple notes.
Ruby Vodka / Gin Martini
Light, blending watermelon sweetness, and cranberry tartness.
Peach Blossom
Light and refreshing with gentle sweetness, floral notes, and a clean, crisp finish.
Southern Fairy
Light and refreshing with delicate lychee sweetness, gentle citrus, and a clean finish.
Moscow Mule
Clean and crisp with lively lime acidity and a soft ginger warmth.
Yuzumosa
Clean and lively with zesty Yuzu citrus and a softly bitter finish.
Mojito
Crisp and cooling with bright lime, soft sweetness, and fresh mint notes.
Panda Gin & Tonic
Light, clean, and refreshing, lifted by fresh lime and gentle bitterness.
Homemade
Green Grape and Lychee Iced Pudding
Light and refreshing, blending green grape with gentle lychee sweetness.
Green Grape Jasmine Coco
Light and aromatic, blending jasmine floral notes with crisp green grape and coconut.
Pop Lemon Tea with Green Grape
Bright and fizzy, balancing zesty lemon tea with juicy green grape notes.
Pop Lemon Tea with Passionfruit
Light and fizzy, blending zesty lemon tea with tropical passionfruit tartness.
Pop Lemon Tea with Pineapple
Light and fizzy, balancing zesty lemon tea with tropical pineapple notes.
Pop Coconut Milk with Mango
Lightly sparkling with creamy coconut richness and mango sweetness.
Fruity Yakult
Light and refreshing with creamy yogurt tang and bright, fruity sweetness.
Lemon Tea with Green Grape
Crisp and fruity with fresh lemon tea and subtle green grape sweetness.
Watermelon Juice
Light and refreshing, highlighting pure watermelon sweetness and crisp freshness.
Plum Juice
Bright and refreshing with balanced sweet-tart plum flavour and a clean finish.
Mocktails
Lychee Tingle
Fresh and lively, blending lychee sweetness with citrus brightness and a playful tingle.
Homemade Yuzu Lemonade
Crisp and uplifting, balancing tart Yuzu citrus with light sweetness.
Lemon Lime Bitters
Light and zesty, balancing lemon-lime freshness with subtle bittersweet notes.

2. Happy Lamb Hotpot
Happy Lamb Hotpot is a strong CBD hot pot option on Exhibition Street. It has a more straightforward, comfort-focused hot pot style than some of Melbourne’s more theatrical venues, making it a good choice when the main priority is a warm, generous meal built around broth, lamb, beef, seafood, vegetables and noodles.
The restaurant works especially well for colder Melbourne nights, casual group dinners and long meals where everyone can cook and share at the table. Hot pot is naturally social: the table chooses a broth, orders ingredients and eats slowly as the meal builds.
Happy Lamb is useful because of its central location. Exhibition Street is easy for city workers, students, visitors and groups meeting in the CBD. It suits people who want a filling Chinese meal without needing a formal fine-dining setting.
Happy Lamb Hotpot is best for lamb hot pot, warming broths, casual CBD dinners, group meals, late meals and anyone looking for a reliable Chinese hot pot restaurant in central Melbourne.
Address: 173–175 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Happy Lamb Hotpot Menu
Recommended
Traditional Bone Broth
Beef bone and chicken cooked 6 hours with Chinese herbs.
Spicy Soup Base
Beef bone and chicken cooked 6 hours with Chinese herbs and hot chili.
Tomato Flavor Broth
Sour Spicy Broth
Soup Base
Double Flavor Soup Base
Triple Flavor Soup Base
Traditional Bone Broth (Single Small)
Small Spicy Soup Base
Tomato Flavor Broth (Single Small)
Sour Spicy Broth (Single Small)
Cold Dish
Cucumber Salad
Vinger Peanut
Spicy Beef Tendon Slices
Lamb Trips with Homemade Chili Sauce
Happy Lamb Special Beef Slice
Happy Lamb
Beef & Lamb Party Tray
100% Positive
Lamb Filet Slices
100% Positive
Supreme Lamb Shoulder Slices
Fresh Sliced Lamb
Premium Fresh Shreded Lamb Shanks
Garlic Chicken
Beef
Premium Wagyu Beef
No.1 Beef Slices
Angus Beef Slices
Homemade Garlic Beef
Seafood
Seafood Party Tray
Basa Fish
Scallops
Banana Prawn
Mussels
Handmade Seafood Paste
Golden Fish Cheese Roll
Fresh Handmade Lamb Meatballs
Fresh Handmade Prawn Balls
Fish Ball with Crab Roe Eggs
Fresh Vegetable
Crown Daisy
Sweet Potato
Chinese Cabbage
Potato Slices
Seaweed
Sweet Corn
Spanish
Konjac Noodles
White Radish
Fresh Tofu
Bean Curd Sticks
Fresh Tofu
Fried Tofu Skin Rolls
Iced Tofu
Chiba Tofu
Mushroom
Black Fungus
Enoki Mushroom
Oyster Mushroom
King Oyster Mushroom
Fans Spaicy Besties
Fish Tofu
Fresh Beef Tripes
Quail Eggs
Duck Blood Jelly
Crab Meat Rolls
Lamb Trips
Grilled Lamb
Grilled Lamb Ribs
Grilled Lamb Skewer
Min. order of 4 | 100% Positive
Cripy Grilled Lamb Shank
Staple Food
Fresh Noodles
Handmade Brown Sugar Rice Cake
Rice
Instant Noodles
Vegetable Dumplings
Sliced Noodles
Pumpkin Cake
Vegetable Spring Roll
Golden Bun
Soft Drinks
Rock Sugar Pear Tea
Sparkling Water
Sweet Herbal Tea
Coke Cola
Contains Alcohol.
Brown Sugar Jelly
Ice Green Tea
Soya Milk
Sprite
Coke Zero
Coconut Milk
Orange Soda
0 Sugar Sparkling Water Peach
Sauce
Dip Sauce

3. Bowltiful Lanzhou Beef Noodle
Bowltiful Lanzhou Beef Noodle is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Melbourne when the craving is specific: hand-pulled noodles in a warming beef broth. Located on Elizabeth Street, it specialises in Lanzhou-style beef noodles, a dish built around broth clarity, noodle texture, sliced beef, herbs and chilli oil.
This is a different kind of Chinese restaurant from a hot pot venue or yum cha hall. Bowltiful is more focused, quicker and especially useful for lunch, solo dining, casual dinners and late meals. The appeal is watching a simple dish become satisfying through technique: springy noodles, aromatic broth and enough chilli to wake everything up.
It is also a useful option for diners who want Chinese food that feels filling without needing a large group. A bowl of Lanzhou beef noodles can be a complete meal on its own, which makes Bowltiful one of the most practical Chinese restaurants in the CBD.
Bowltiful Lanzhou Beef Noodle is best for hand-pulled noodles, beef noodle soup, quick city meals, solo dining, casual lunches and anyone looking for a focused Chinese noodle house in Melbourne.
Address: 382–384 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne
Bowltiful Lanzhou Beef Noodle Menu
Featured items
BOWLTIFUL Authentic Lanzhou Beef Noodle Soup
Braised Beef Shank Noodle Soup ️
Dry Noodle with Braised Beef Shank ️
Hot & Spicy Beef Noodle Soup ️️️
Special Stir-fried Noodle
Dry Noodle with Braised Lamb Flap ️
Braised Lamb Flap Noodle Soup ️
Lanzhou Beef Noodle Soup with Homemade Pickles️
Spicy Lamb Burger ️️️
Beef & Onion Steamed Buns
Braised Beef & Green Pepper Burger️
Stewed Beef Shank
Spicy Honeycomb Tripe Salad ️
Beef & Carrot Steamed Buns
Vegetarian Special Stir-fried Noodle (V)
Shredded Potato Salad
Hot New Item
Stewed Beef Rib Noodle Soup
Tender, succulent beef rib stewed to perfection. Served over hand-pulled noodles in a rich, aromatic broth, it's a NEW and bold twist on a comforting classic!
Stewed Beef Rib
Tender beef ribs slow-cooked in a rich flavourful stew.
Chicken & Mushroom Steamed Buns
2 steamed buns per serve.
Tomato Braised Beef Shank Noodle Soup
Tender, slow-braised beef shank simmered in a rich, tangy tomato broth, served with chewy noodles and topped with fresh herbs. A hearty, comforting bowl packed with deep savoury flavour and a refreshing hint of tomato sweetness.
Dry Noodle with Tomato and Braised Beef Shank
Chewy noodles tossed with tender, slow-braised beef shank and chunky tomato sauce, topped with fresh herbs for a vibrant finish. Rich, savoury, and slightly tangy, this comforting bowl is packed with bold flavour in every bite.
Stir-Fried Beef and Potato Dry Noodle ️
Tender sliced beef and golden potato chunks stir-fried with onions and green chilli, served over chewy noodles. Savoury, slightly spicy, and packed with wok-fried aroma for a satisfying, hearty bite.
Soup Noodles
Braised Beef Shank Noodle Soup ️
Juicy beef shank chunks that have been braised for hours. Melts in your mouth with every bite. One of our most favoured dishes! Standard noodle size: Thick *As all noodles are hand-pulled, takeaway noodles must be rinsed under cold water and coated with oil to prevent them from clumping together. Please reheat before eating. **Allergens: Soy, Traces of Other Nuts
BOWLTIFUL Authentic Lanzhou Beef Noodle Soup
Yi Qing, Er Bai, San Hong, Si Lv, Wu Huang, a true taste of Lanzhou. Sliced beef that has been stewed for hours, beef broth with various herbs and spices, hand-pulled noodles and fresh garnishes to top it off! Standard noodle size: Thin *As all noodles are hand-pulled, takeaway noodles must be rinsed under cold water and coated with oil to prevent them from clumping together. Please reheat before eating. **Allergens: Soy, Traces of Other Nuts
Braised Lamb Flap Noodle Soup ️
Succulent lamb flap chunks that have been braised for hours until tender and fragrant. A great non-beef option with the same hearty flavours. Standard noodle size: Thick *As all noodles are hand-pulled, takeaway noodles must be rinsed under cold water and coated with oil to prevent them from clumping together. Please reheat before eating. **Allergens: Soy, Traces of Other Nuts
Hot & Spicy Beef Noodle Soup ️️️
Our signature Lanzhou Beef Noodle Soup with an extra kick of Mala chilli oil to turn up the spice. Perfect for those spicy food lovers! Standard noodle size: Thin *As all noodles are hand-pulled, takeaway noodles must be rinsed under cold water and coated with oil to prevent them from clumping together. Please reheat before eating. **Allergens: Soy, Traces of Other Nuts
Lanzhou Beef Noodle Soup with Homemade Pickles️
Our signature Lanzhou Beef Noodle Soup with the addition of our homemade pickles, taking the original dish to another level. Standard noodle size: Thin *As all noodles are hand-pulled, takeaway noodles must be rinsed under cold water and coated with oil to prevent them from clumping together. Please reheat before eating. **Allergens: Soy, Traces of Other Nuts
Stewed Beef Rib Noodle Soup
Tender, succulent beef rib stewed to perfection. Served over hand-pulled noodles in a rich, aromatic broth, it's a NEW and bold twist on a comforting classic!
Tomato Braised Beef Shank Noodle Soup
Tender, slow-braised beef shank simmered in a rich, tangy tomato broth, served with chewy noodles and topped with fresh herbs. A hearty, comforting bowl packed with deep savoury flavour and a refreshing hint of tomato sweetness.
Dry Noodles
Dry Noodle with Braised Beef Shank ️
One of our best picks as it's packed with flavours. Every slurp of noodles is coated with the delicious sauce and the tender beef shank bursts with flavour upon every bite. Standard noodle size: Thick *As all noodles are hand-pulled, takeaway noodles must be rinsed under cold water and coated with oil to prevent them from clumping together. Please reheat before eating. **Allergens: Soy, Traces of Other Nuts
Special Stir-fried Noodle
One of our most popular dry noodle dishes with a powerful kick, bursting with an abundance of rich flavours. Tender beef and mixed vegetables stir-fried together with our chewy hand-pulled noodles. Fixed noodle size: Thicker (Not customisable) **Allergens: Eggs, Soy, Traces of Other Nuts
Dry Noodle with Soybean Paste and Minced Beef
A savoury and peppery soybean sauce with minced beef and tofu bits mixed in, delicious taste with a thick and saucy texture. Standard noodle size: Thick, As shown in image: Super Wide *As all noodles are hand-pulled, takeaway noodles must be rinsed under cold water and coated with oil to prevent them from clumping together. Please reheat before eating. **Allergens: Soy
Dry Noodle with Braised Lamb Flap ️
Bouncy hand-pulled noodles topped with mouth-watering lamb flap chunks, stewed in a rich sauce with a deep, savoury flavour. Always a great choice for a comforting and satisfying meal. Standard noodle size: Thick *As all noodles are hand-pulled, takeaway noodles must be rinsed under cold water and coated with oil to prevent them from clumping together. Please reheat before eating. **Allergens: Soy, Traces of Other Nuts
Dry Noodle with Tomato and Braised Beef Shank
Chewy noodles tossed with tender, slow-braised beef shank and chunky tomato sauce, topped with fresh herbs for a vibrant finish. Rich, savoury, and slightly tangy, this comforting bowl is packed with bold flavour in every bite.
Stir-Fried Beef and Potato Dry Noodle ️
Tender sliced beef and golden potato chunks stir-fried with onions and green chilli, served over chewy noodles. Savoury, slightly spicy, and packed with wok-fried aroma for a satisfying, hearty bite.
Vegetarian Noodles
Dry Noodle with Stir-Fried Mixed Vegetables (V)
A vegetarian dish with full-bodied flavours and fresh veggies stir-fried on the flaming wok! Mix well before you dig in to make sure the sauce coats every strand of noodles. Standard noodle size: Thick *Allergens: Soy, Traces of Other Nuts
Side Dishes
Shredded Potato Salad
Shredded potatoes, seasoned for a refreshing and light side dish. *Allergens: Sesame Spicy

4. Supernormal
Supernormal is not a traditional Chinese restaurant, but Chinese and broader East Asian influences are central to its identity. Located on Flinders Lane, it draws inspiration from cities such as Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Seoul, creating a polished modern Asian restaurant that works for many of Melbourne’s most useful dining occasions.
The menu is built for sharing, with dumplings, seafood, noodles, vegetables, meats and signature dishes designed to sit in the middle of the table. This makes Supernormal a strong choice for groups, date nights, business lunches, visitors to Melbourne and diners who want Chinese-influenced food in a more contemporary setting.
Supernormal’s strength is consistency and energy. The room feels polished without being stiff, the menu has enough range for different tastes, and the Flinders Lane address makes it easy before or after galleries, theatre, shopping, hotels or city drinks.
Supernormal is best for modern Asian dining, Chinese-influenced share plates, dumplings, seafood, date nights, business lunches, visitors and polished CBD dinners.
Address: 180 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Supernormal Menu
MENU
House made kimchi, garlic chive
Szechuan pickled vegetables
Korean rice cakes, sesame, sweet chilli
Whitebait & ginger prawn toast, yuzu
Shark Bay scallop roasted in kelp butter
Rock oyster, Merimbula, NSW
Raw snapper & scallop, lemon ponzu, fennel
Yellowfin tuna, pickled wakame, white soy
Raw beef, yuzu kosho, black sesame & tofu cracker
Selection of seafood on ice
New England lobster roll
Szechuan white cut chicken, shredded potatoes, sesame & spinach
Organic heirloom cucumbers, green kosho, mint
Mala eggplant, silken tofu, aged soy
Smoked tuna & mussels, cos heart, watercress & bonito
Short rib bun, aged vinegar & fermented chilli
Chinese cabbage & vegetable dumplings, shiitake mushroom XO
Prawn & chicken dumplings, chilli & vinegar 6pc
Chicken & leek dumplings, charred ginger scallion 6pc
Pot sticker dumplings 6pc
Duck bao – twice cooked duck leg, black vinegar & plum sauce
Koshihikari rice claypot, marinated shiitake & oyster mushrooms
Steamed blue eye, ginger shallot, nori & aromatic soy
Roasted five spice chicken, pickled cabbage, chilli ginger, lime
Gippsland striploin, sancho pepper, wild cress, yuzu mustard
Slow-cooked Szechuan lamb shoulder, pickled cucumber, coriander & sesame flatbread
Wok fried greens, sugar snap peas & broccolini, yuzu kosho
Cos heart, perilla vinaigrette
Steamed Japanese short grain rice
Crème caramel kakigori
Peanut butter parfait, salted caramel & soft chocolate
Jersey milk soft serve, fig & cardamom syrup
Chocolate, miso, blackberry & crème Chantilly
BANQUET
90pp
House made kimchi, garlic chive Korean rice cakes, sesame, sweet chilli Nori cracker, tuna, bonito mayonnaise Cucumber & radish salad, green kosho, mint Prawn & chicken dumplings, chilli & vinegar Slow-cooked Szechuan lamb shoulder, pickled cucumber & coriander Sesame flatbread Steamed Japanese short grain rice Peanut butter parfait, salted caramel, soft chocolate
130pp
House made kimchi, garlic chive Selection of raw & marinated seafood New England lobster roll Chilled Szechuan noodles, pickled cucumbers, spinach, sesame dressing Pork & chive dumplings, charred ginger scallion vinegar Nori mustard Grilled signature O'Connor boneless ribeye Yakiniku Nori mustard Wok fried greens, sugar snap peas, broccolini, yuzu kosho Steamed Japanese short grain rice Peanut butter parfait, salted caramel, soft chocolate

5. Lagoon Dining
Lagoon Dining brings a contemporary Chinese and Asian dining style to Lygon Street in Carlton. It is a different experience from the traditional restaurants usually associated with the area, offering a more modern, wine-friendly and share-focused approach to Chinese-influenced food.
The food is built around bold flavour, texture and balance. Rather than sticking to old-school formats, Lagoon Dining uses Chinese and Asian ideas in a more flexible Melbourne restaurant style. That makes it appealing for diners who want spice, acidity, savoury depth and creativity in a smaller, more intimate dining room.
Lagoon is especially good for date nights, small group dinners, wine-led meals and people who want something more interesting than a standard banquet. It has enough polish for a special occasion, but it still feels relaxed and neighbourhood-driven.
Lagoon Dining is best for contemporary Chinese food, modern Asian flavours, date nights, wine, small groups, Carlton dinners and diners looking for a more creative Chinese-influenced restaurant.
Address: 263 Lygon Street, Carlton
Lagoon Dining Menu
Featured Items
Jasmine Tea Pudding, Orange and Fig Caramel, Toasted Walnut
Salted Cucumbers, Shiitake Mushroom, Toasted Sesame, Sansho Pepper Vinaigrette
Salted Fish Fried Rice, Morning Glory, Scud Chilli, Fried Anchovies
Soya Braised Spatchcock, Spiced Jus
Wok Tossed Broccolini, Sugar Snaps, Sweet Soy Bean
Chrysanthemum, Tofu, Sesame Oil, Pine Nut
Mains
Smashed Cucumber, Black Fungus, Sesame Oil and Garlic(V)
Hot and Sour Shredded Potato, Chinkiang Vinegar and Pickled Enoki(V)
Popcorn Chicken, Curry Leaf and White Pepper Togarashi
Snake Beans, Pancetta, Dried Prawn and Tofu
Rolled Rice Noodles, Xo, Lap Yuk and Toasted Sesame
Cabbage, Fermented Chilli Butter and Crispy White Bait
Pak Choi, Shaoxing and Young Ginger Dressing
Charcoal Roasted Char Siu, Spring Onion Relish and Tare
Japanese Steamed Rice
Salted Fish Fried Rice, Chives and Bottarga

6. Secret Kitchen Chinatown
Secret Kitchen Chinatown is one of Melbourne’s key Cantonese dining rooms, especially for yum cha, dim sum and seafood-led Chinese meals. Located on Exhibition Street, it works for both daytime yum cha and more substantial dinner bookings.
The appeal here is classic Cantonese variety. Yum cha gives diners dumplings, buns, rice rolls, fried snacks, steamed dishes and sweets, while dinner can move into seafood, roast meats, vegetables, rice and banquet-style dishes. It is one of the easiest Chinese formats for groups because everyone can try a little bit of everything.
Secret Kitchen is especially useful for family meals, birthdays, weekend lunches, group dinners and visitors who want a Chinatown Chinese restaurant with a broad menu. It has the scale and range to handle both casual visits and more organised occasions.
Secret Kitchen Chinatown is best for yum cha, Cantonese food, dim sum, seafood, family meals, group bookings, Chinatown lunches and traditional Chinese banquet-style dining.
Address: 222 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Secret Kitchen Chinatown Menu
Yum Cha Menu - POPULAR DIM SUM
Signature Dim Sum Platter
Crispy Garlic Prawn Spring Roll
Steamed Red Rice Crispy Prawn Rice Roll
Steamed Rice Roll with Scallop & Black Truffle
Stir-Fried White Radish Cake in XO Sauce
Assorted Seafood Dumpling Soup
Scallop, Prawn, Sea Cucumber, Shark Fin, Abalone, Bamboo Pith
Steamed Custard Bun
Steamed Golden Cheese Lava Bun
Yum Cha Menu - Steamed Dim Sum
Assorted Seafood Dumpling Soup
(Scallop, Prawn, Sea Cucumber, Shark Fin, Abalone, Bamboo Pith)
SK King Prawn Dumplings
Black Truffle Prawn Dumplings
Black Truffle Siu Mai
Steamed Scallop Dumplings
Prawns & Chives Dumplings
Spinach & Prawn Dumplings
Vegetarian Dumplings
Steamed Shark Fin Dumplings
Steamed Prawns with Ginger & Shallot Dumplings
Abalone Siu Mai
Scallop Siu Mai (
Steamed Siu Mai with Tobiko
Hot & Spicy Siu Mai
Chicken Siu Mai
Steamed Shanghai Pork Dumplings
Steamed Chicken Feet with Black Bean Sauce
Steamed Pork Ribs with Black Bean Sauce
Steamed Baby Beef Ribs with Black Pepper Sauce
Beancurd Rolls with Oyster Sauce
Steamed Beef Balls
Steamed Beef Tendon
Steamed Bible Tripe with Ginger & Scallion
Steamed Honeycomb Tripe with Satay Sauce
Steamed Savoury Glutinous Rice with Chicken
Honey BBQ Pork Bun
Steamed Custard Bun
Salted Egg Yolk Custard Bun
Steamed Golden Cheese Lava Bun
Steamed Cantonese Sponge Cake
Yum Cha Menu - Steamed Rice Roll
Steamed Plain Rice Roll
Steamed Rice Roll with BBQ Pork
Steamed Rice with Beef & Coriander
Steamed Rice Roll with Fresh Prawn
Steamed Rice Roll with Chinese Donut
Steamed Red Rice Crispy Prawn Rice Roll
Steamed Rice Roll with Scallop & Black Truffle
Yum Cha Menu - Dessert
Sweet Bean Curd
Mini Egg Tart
Mango Pudding
Green Tea with Osmanthus Cake
Steamed Honey-Combed Sponge Cake
Durian Pudding
Durian Puff
Yum Cha Menu - Weekend Special
Suckling Pig
BBQ Duck Korean Style
Macau Style Roasted Pork
Mango Mochi
Yum Cha Menu - Other Specialties
Fried Pork Dumpling
Pan-fried Radish Cake
Crispy Honey-Comb Taro Crescents
BBQ Roast Pork Puff
Baked BBQ Pork Bun
Pan-fried Pork Dumplings
Crispy Taro Julienne Spring Roll
XO Sauce Fried Radish Cake
Crispy Garlic Prawn Spring Roll
Fried Beancurd Roll with Prawn
Beef Offals & Radish
Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce
Deep Fried Calamari Tentacle
Deep Fried White Bait
Supreme Soy Sauce Fried Noodles
Pork & Century Egg Congee
Dinner Menu - ENTRÉE
SK King Prawn Dumpling
Steamed Pork & Prawn Dumpling
Steamed Shanghai Pork Dumpling
Assorted Steamed Dim Sim
SK Seafood Dumpling Trio
Pan-fried Pork Dumpling
Crispy Garlic Prawn Spring Roll
Crispy Taro Julienne Spring Roll
Traditional Peking Duck
(2 pcs)
Seafood San Choi Bao
(Lettuce Cup) (gfo)
Minced Chicken San Choi Bao
(Lettuce Cup) (gfo)
Dinner Menu - SOUP
Pork Broth with Dried Scallop & Cordysep Flowers
gf (serve)
Pork Broth with Himematsutake Mushroom & Truffle
gf (serve)
Ginseng & Quail Soup
gf (serve)
Pork Broth with Conch, Chinese Yam & Goji Berries
gf (serve)
Seafood Hot & Sour Soup with Mung Bean Noodles
gf (serve)
Dried Scallop & Seafood Tofu Soup
gf (serve)
Crab Meat & Sweet Corn Soup
gf (serve)
Chicken & Sweet Corn Soup
gf (serve)
Seaweed & Tofu Soup
gf (serve)
Dinner Menu - RICE & NOODLES
Secret Kitchen Fried Rice
(Diced scallop, tomato & Egg) (gfo)
Special Fried Rice
(BBQ Pork & Prawn)
Fresh Mushroom Vegetarian Fried Rice
(v, gfo)
Dried Scallops & Egg White Fried Rice
(gfo)
Seafood Fried Rice with Black Truffle Paste
(gfo)
Foie Gras Fried Rice with Diced Chicken
Steamed Jasmine Rice
(gf) bowl
Fried E-Fu Noodles
Stir Fried Noodles with Salted Chinese Ham & Greens

7. Juicy Bao
Juicy Bao is a Chinatown favourite for dumplings, bao and casual Chinese comfort food. Located on Little Bourke Street, it is the kind of restaurant that works when you want something fast, filling and shareable without making the meal too formal.
The draw is in the name. Bao and dumplings are the reason to come here, especially if you like the satisfaction of soup dumplings, pan-fried dumplings, steamed buns, noodles and simple Chinese dishes that can be shared across the table. It is casual, busy and suited to quick decisions.
Juicy Bao works especially well for casual lunches, student meals, group catch-ups, Chinatown dinners and anyone who wants dumplings before or after other CBD plans. It is also useful for mixed groups because a dumpling-focused meal can be as light or as filling as the table wants.
Juicy Bao is best for dumplings, bao, casual Chinatown dining, quick lunches, group meals, noodles and affordable Chinese comfort food in the CBD.
Address: Shop 2, 178–190 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Juicy Bao Menu
Most Popular
Pork Xiao Long Bao
Signature steamed juicy bao. 8 pieces.
Stir-Fried String Bean with Minced Pork
Steamed Pork, Wombok & Chive Dumplings
15 pieces.
Special Fried Rice
Beef Entrees
Stir-Fried Beef with Capsicum & Onions in Black Pepper Sauce
Mild spice.
Stir-Fried Beef with Spring Onions & Ginger
Stir-Fried Beef with Capsicum & Onions in Mongolian Sauce
Mild spice.
Stir-Fried Beef with Chinese Broccoli
Pork Entrees
Spare Ribs in Shanghai Style Sweet & Vinegar Sauce
Deep-Fried Spare Ribs with Garlic & Spring Onion
Twice Cooked & Sliced Pork Belly
Szechuan chilli style. Medium spice.
Sliced Pork Belly with Capsicum & Black Bean
Mild spice.
Seafood Entrees
Kung Pao Prawn with Cashew Nuts & Chilli Sauce
Medium spicy.
Sweet & Sour Prawn with Capsicum & Pineapple
Stir-Fried Prawn with Seasonal Vegetables
Prawn Coated with Salted Duck Egg Yolk
Stir-Fried Scallop with Seasonal Vegetables
Vegetable Entrees
Stir-Fried Eggplant with Minced Pork
Served in Szechuan chilli sauce. Mild spice.
Stir-Fried String Bean with Minced Pork
Mapo Tofu
Tofu with pork minced in Szechuan chilli sauce. Spicy.
Stir-Fried Chinese Bok Choy
Stir-Fried Chinese Broccoli
Poultry
Kung Pao Chicken with Peanut & Chilli Sauce
Medium spice.
Stir-Fried Diced Chicken with Cashew Nuts
Stir-Fried Battered Chicken with Capsicum
Served with pineapple in sweet & sour sauce.
Honey Coated Battered Chicken
Lemon Crispy Chicken
Rice & Noodles
Stir-Fried Noodle in Seafood in XO Sauce
Shanghai Stir-Fried Noodle with Shredded Pork
Vegetarian Stir-Fried Noodle
Shanghai Noodle in Spring Onion Oil with Minced Pork
Zhajiangmian
Noodle with minced pork in soy sauce.
Stir-Fried Thick Rice Noodle with Beef
Special Fried Rice
Fried Rice with Salted Fish & Diced Chicken
Vegetarian Fried Rice
Steamed Rice Bowl
Dim Sum
Pork Xiao Long Bao
Signature steamed juicy bao. 8 pieces.
Chicken & Prawn Xiao Long Bao
Traditional steamed juicy bao. 8 pieces.
Crab & Pork Xiao Long Bao
Signature steamed juicy bao. 8 pieces.
Pork Shanghai Pan-Fried Juicy Bao
6 pieces.
Beef Shanghai Pan-Fried Juicy Bao
6 pieces.
Steamed Pork, Wombok & Chive Dumplings
15 pieces.
Steamed Chicken & Prawn Dumplings
10 pieces.
Pan-Fried Pork, Wombok & Chive Dumplings
15 pieces.
Pan-Fried Chicken & Prawn Dumplings
10 pieces.
Pork & Prawn Wonton with chilli sauce
Served with peanuts, chilli & spice sauce. Mild spice. 15 pieces.
Steamed Vegetable & Chinese Mushroom Bao
4 pieces.
Appetizers, Soups & Cold Dishes
Vegetarian Spring Rolls
2 pieces.
Salt & Pepper Squid
Salt & Pepper Whitebait
Hot & Sour Soup
Mild spice.
Chicken Sweet Corn Soup
Black Fungus with Spice & Vinegar Dressing
Mild spice.
Beverages
Canned Soft Drink-coke /sprite/ Fanta
Choose from a variety of flavours.
Jia Duo Bao
Chinese herbal drink.
Juice- apple/orange
Choose from a variety of flavours.
Ginger Beer
Lemon Lime Bitters

8. Oriental Teahouse
Oriental Teahouse is one of Melbourne CBD’s best-known dumpling and yum cha restaurants. Located on Little Collins Street, it blends Chinese teahouse traditions with a modern Melbourne dining style, making it useful for lunch, dinner, group meals and casual celebrations.
The menu is built around dumplings, buns, yum cha favourites, tea and drinks. That makes it a strong choice when the table wants to share several small dishes rather than commit to one main each. It also works well for groups because dumplings are easy to order in rounds, and the meal can stay relaxed and social.
Oriental Teahouse is especially good for CBD lunches, dumpling nights, casual dates, office catch-ups and groups who want Chinese food in a polished but approachable setting. The tea element gives it a different identity from a standard dumpling house, while the Little Collins Street location keeps it central and convenient.
Oriental Teahouse is best for dumplings, yum cha, Chinese tea, casual group dinners, CBD lunches, birthdays and diners looking for a lively Chinese restaurant in central Melbourne.
Address: 378 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Oriental Teahouse Menu
TO START
Chicken sweet corn soup
5-spice edamame
steamed edamame with 5 spice seasoning
Chicken San Choi Bao
lettuce cup with bamboo, onion, shiitake mushroom, carrot & spring onion (LGO)
Veggie San Choi Bao
lettuce cup with bamboo, shiitake mushroom, carrot, dry beancurd & spring onion (VGO)(LGO)
Rice Paper Prawn & Seaweed Rolls (3)
with a side of Japanese mayo (LG)
Chilli Salt & Pepper Octopus
with a side of Japanese mayo
CHICKEN FEET (3) (South Yarra Only)
a yum cha delicacy steamed with black bean sauce
DIY Peking Duck Pancake (4/6/12)
served with cucumber, spring onion & our homemade plum sauce (LGO)
Classic Dumplings
Authentic Prawn Dumplings (3)(LG)
Lucky Prawn & Chive Dumplings (3)(LG)
Ginger Prawn Dumplings (3)
Pork & Prawn Shu Mai (3)
open-faced dumplings with juicy pork, prawn & shiitake
Steamed Chicken Dumplings (3)
*ask to add our ‘magic chilli oil’
Pan Fried Pork & Chive Dumplings (6/15)
Xiao Long Bao (3)
traditional juicy steamed pork dumplings
BBQ Pork Buns (2)
Buddha’s BBQ Buns (2)(VG)
a vegetarian play on BBQ Pork Buns
Mushroom Dumplings (3)
steamed parcels with three types of mushrooms, carrot & water chestnut (VG) (LG)
Veggie Buns (2)
steamed bun filled with shiitake & bok choy (VG)
TEAHOUSE Dumplings
Chilli Wagyu Beef Dumplings (4)
wagyu beef marinated in kaffir lime with our ‘magic’ chilli oil (N)
Roast Duck Dumplings (3)(LGO)
with hoison sauce *most loved*
XO Scallop & Prawn Dumplings (3)(N)(LGO)
steamed & topped with a morish XO sauce *staff pick*
Crispy Prawn Wontons (3)
with a side of Japanese mayo
Prawn Shallot Wontons (5)
with prawns, wood ear mushrooms & bamboo with a spring onion dressing
Flame Thrower Pulled Pork Dumplings
with slices of Pork Belly (3)(N)
Satay Chicken Dumplings (5)(N)
with satay sauce, crushed peanuts & asian herbs
Veggie gyoza with spicy chimichurri (4)
tofu, bok choy & mushroom pan-fried gyozas with spring onion, garlic, chilli & coriander sauce (VG,N)
Football Dumplings (3)
crispy, fried football shaped dumplings filled with shiitake, pork, dried shrimp & sesame
Steamed Pork Dumplings (5)
with a garlic & sweet vinegar soy topped with sesame
SEA
Steamed Fish with ginger & chilli (LG)
Salt & Pepper Calamari
dusted in garlic salt & served with wonton crisps
Black Bean Barramundi Fillet
Garlic butter prawns
crispy prawns & shimeji mushrooms tossed in garlic butter
POULTRY
Fried Chicken Ribs (4/6)
tossed in pepper, garlic salt & chilli with Chinese pickles
Crispy Skin Roast Duck Leg
served with a floral sweet plum sauce
Tea smoked Crispy roast chicken
smoked & roasted chicken with purple cabbage slaw (LG)
Szechuan Pepper Chicken
pepper chicken, spicy latiao, flash fried kale & Szechuan chilli *most loved*
PORK
Caramelised Mandarin Pork
wok tossed with a caramelised glaze and coriander *staff pick*
Crackling Roast Pork Belly
with cucumber, pickled veggies & plum sauce, topped with prawn crackers (LGO)
Sticky BBQ char siu (N)
SUNDAY ROAST PLATTER
Sticky BBQ char siu, crispy roast duck leg, pickled carrots & radish served with plum sauce
BEEF
SWEET Shredded Steak
tossed in a sticky sweet chilli sauce with string beans & sesame
Honey Pepper Eye-Fillet Steak
served with broccolini & honey pepper sauce
Braised Beef & roast Potatoes
beef brisket & roasted potatoes served in black bean sauce
PLANT-BASED
ask for our full plant based menu
Salt & Pepper Tofu (VG)(LGO)
Silky Egg Tofu (V)
with mixed mushrooms & Szechuan chilli
Sweet & spicy chunky Eggplant
with eggplant, oyster mushroom & string beans (VG)
Stir Fried Chicken +6
Mixed Stir-fried Veggies
broccoli, bok choy, snowpeas, carrot, baby corn & wood ear mushroom, topped with goji berry (VG)(LGO)
SIDES & GREENS
Crispy Kung Pao Cauliflower (N)(Vg)
Chinese Broccoli (VG)(LGO)
Oyster or Garlic sauce
Sesame Prawn Toast (2)
with house made sweet chilli sauce
Pork Spring Rolls (3)
Veggie Spring Rolls (3)
Peking Duck Spring Rolls (3)
Spring Onion Pancake (VG)
Rice & Noodles
Legit Special Fried Rice
packed with chicken, shiitake, Chinese sausage, BBQ roast pork, egg & spring onion topped with sesame
Veggie Fried Rice
with string beans, bok choy, shiitake, button mushroom, carrot, egg & spring onion topped with sesame (VGO)(LGO)
BBQ Pork Sticky Rice
with chinese sausage, BBQ roasted pork, shiitake mushroom & shrimp served with XO Sauce (N)
Stir Fried Chicken Noodles
with egg noodles, bean sprouts & snow peas
Stir Fried Egg +2
Stir Fried Veggie Noodles
with egg noodles, bean sprouts & snow peas (V)
Stir Fried Egg +2
TEAHOUSE MI GORENG
bean sprouts, cucumber, chilli & coriander (VGO)
Fried Egg +2
gINGER sCALLION RICE
Plain Jane Steamed Rice
Sweets
White Chocolate Dumplings (3)
warm dumplings with a sweet white chocolate centre, topped with coconut and a nutty praline crunch (N)(LG)
Chinese Wonka Dumplings (3)
sesame & sticky rice dumpling filled with melted milk chocolate & served with ice cream (LGO)
Apple of my eye Wontons (4)
caramelised cinnamon apple filled wontons, served with Biscoff crumble & icecream
Classic Coconut Jelly (3)(LG,VG)

9. Spice Temple Melbourne
Spice Temple Melbourne is the most polished special-occasion Chinese restaurant on this list. Located at Crown Melbourne in Southbank, it focuses on regional Chinese flavours, spice, banquet-style dining and a darker, more dramatic restaurant setting.
This is the place to choose when you want Chinese food with a premium feel. The menu is designed for sharing, with dishes that lean into chilli, aromatics, seafood, meat, noodles, vegetables and layered sauces. It is Chinese dining with a strong restaurant-bar atmosphere rather than a quick Chinatown meal.
Spice Temple works especially well for date nights, birthdays, business dinners, Crown visitors, celebrations and group meals where the setting matters. The Southbank location makes it easy to pair with a show, hotel stay, drinks or a bigger night out around Crown and the river.
Spice Temple Melbourne is best for modern Chinese dining, regional Chinese flavours, spicy dishes, banquets, cocktails, date nights, business dinners and special occasions in Southbank.
Address: Crown Melbourne, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
Spice Temple Melbourne Menu
Vegetables And Rice
Stir Fried Asian Greens With Garlic
Small 14 / Large 23
Steamed Chinese Broccoli Oyster Sauce And Fried Garlic
Small 14 / Large 23
House Fried Rice Egg, Bacon, Peas
Small 16 / Large 23
Yunnan Fried Rice Mixed Mushroom, Egg, Chilli
Small 15 / Large 23
Steamed Rice
7 pp
Desserts
Mango Pudding With Condensed Milk Chantilly
Coconut Tapioca With Kumquat And Pineapple
Caramel, Chocolate And Peanut Parfait
Three Milk Cake With Meringue And Dried Raspberries
The Golden Banquet
$139pp (Minimum 2 guest)
Pickled Cucumbers, Smashed Garlic And Ginger
Pickled Cabbage And Radish
Bang Bang Chicken With Strange Flavour Dressing*
Hiramasa Kingfish
Pickled Green Chilli, Black Sesame And Shallot Oil
Prawn Wontons
Aged Black Vinegar Dressing*
Steamed Market Fish Hunan Style
Salted Chilli And Black Bean*
Chinese Broccoli
Oyster Sauce And Fried Garlic
Stir Fired Grass Fed Beef Fillet with Black Bean And Bullhorn Peppers
Grilled Char Siu Pork Belly, Garlic Chive Pesto, Shaoxing Glaze*
Caramel Chocolate Peanut Parfait
Zodiac Cocktails
Rat Havana Años 3 Rum, Suze, Lillet Blanc, Lemon, Juice, Sugar Syrup, Orange Bitters, Bianca Vigna Prosecco
Ox Wild Turkey Bourbon, Agave syrup, Housemade Coriander syrup
Tiger Patron Reposado Tequila, House Made Pinecello, Vida Mezcal, Agave Nectar
Rabbit Vodka, Strawberry, St Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Yellow Chartreuse, Lime Juice, Almond Orgeat, Fever Tree Soda
Dragon House Infused Chilli Espolon Blanco, Cointreau, Blood Orange, Lime, Agave Nectar
Snake House Infused Pear Vodka, Cointreau, Yuzu, Agave Nectar, Ginger Beer
Horse Disaronno, Licor 43, Cherry Heering, Apricot, Lemon, Egg White
Sheep Vodka, Pineapple juice, Passionfruit juice, Vanilla Syrup, Lemon Juice
Monkey Skyy Vodka, Lychee, Du Kuyper Peach Liqueur, Lillet Blanc, St Germain Elderflower Liqueur
Rooster House Made Limoncello, Aperol, Passionfruit pulp
Dog Amaro Montenegro, Cointreau, Fernet Branca, Fever Tree Tonic
Pig Sailor Jerry's Spiced Rum, Gosling's Dark Rum, Coco Lopez Coconut Cream, Pineapple, Passionfruit, Lime, Vanilla
Provincial Classics
Sichuan Negroni Sichuan pepper, spiced campari, Tanquery Gin, Vermouth
Non-Alcoholic
Virgin Cucumber Mojito Lime, Sugar, Cucumber, Mint
Spice Temple Classic Apple, Mint, Passionfruit
Beer
Tsingtao
Qiandao, China, 330ml, 4.5% alc./vol.
4 Pines Pale Ale
Manly, NSW, 330ml, 5.1% alc./vol.
Crown Lager
Abbotsford, Victoria, 375ml, 4.9% alc./vol.
White Rabbit Dark Ale
Healesville, Victoria, 330ml, 4.9% alc./vol
Pickles
To awaken the palate and to cool the fire
Cabbage and radish
Cucumbers Smashed Garlic And Ginger
Salads & Cold Cuts
Freshly Shucked Oyster Chinese Style Mignonette
Hiramasa Kingfish Pickled Green Chilli, Black Sesame And Shallot Oil
Liang Fen*Mung Bean Noodles Served With Spicy Sesame Peanut Dressing
Bang Bang Chicken*With Strange Flavour Dressing
Hot Entree
Roasted Queensland Scallop With Salted Chilli Butter
Fried Silken Tofu*Sichuan Salt And Pepper Flour, Coriander And Chilli
Crispy Eggplant Fish Fragrant Dressing
Spring Onion Pancake
Fried Calamari ‘Typhoon Shelter Style’*
Fried Chicken Wings*Heaven Facing Chillies And Sichuan Pepper
Hot and Numbing Dried Wagyu Beef*
Dumplings And Things
Pan Fried Wagyu Bao(4pcs)
Golden Fried Pork And Leek Bao(4pcs)
Lobster And Prawn Dumpling(4pcs)
Lamb Dumplings With Chilli*(6pcs)
Prawn Wontons*Aged Black Vinegar Dressing
4pcs 29 / 8pcs 39
Crystal Veggie Dumplings(4pcs)
Prawn And Scallop Spring Rolls With Plum Sauce (4pcs)
Noodles
Braised Glass Noodles Chinese Mushroom And Salted Chilli
Stir-Fried Egg Noodles*With Bacon And XO Sauce
Seafood
Stir Fried Praws Jiangxi Style*With King Brown Mushrooms
Steamed Market Fish With Ginger And Shallot Dressing
Steamed Market Fish Hunan Style*Salted Chilli And Black Bean
Fish Drowned*In Heaven Facing Chillies And Sichuan Peppers
Live Tasmanian Lobster With A Selection Of One Of The Following Sauces: XO or Ginger and Shallot
Market Price
Live Queensland Mud Crab With A Selection Of One Of The Following Sauces: XO* or Black Bean Chillies* or Ginger and Shallot
Poultry And Pork
Kung Pao Chicken*Sichuan Peppercorns, Heaven Facing Chillies, Cashwes
Grilled Char Siu Pork Belly Garlic Chive Pesto, Shaoxing Glaze
Spicy Numbing Sweet And Sour Pork*Pork Scotch, Black Vinegar, Chilli Oil
Nanjing Style Braised Pork Hock
Beef And Lamb
Stir Fried Grass Fed Beef Fillet Salted Black Bean Beef and Bullhorn Peppers
Sichuan Fire Water Beef*With Chilli Broth And Sichuan Pepper
Charcoal Grilled Lamb Backstrap* With Green Chilli Relish

10. David’s
David’s brings the list into Prahran with a long-running Chinese restaurant known for Shanghai-style food, dumplings, yum cha and relaxed group dining. Tucked away on Cecil Place just off Chapel Street, it has the feel of a neighbourhood institution rather than a flashy CBD dining room.
The restaurant works especially well for diners who want Chinese food that feels generous, social and easy to share. Dumplings, vegetables, seafood, rice dishes, noodles and banquet-style options make it useful for groups, families, birthdays, weekend lunches and casual dinners.
David’s is also a strong option when you want a Chinese restaurant outside the CBD. Prahran gives it a different rhythm from Chinatown and Flinders Lane: still busy and social, but with more of a local Chapel Street feel. It suits both planned meals and relaxed catch-ups where the food needs to be comforting, varied and table-friendly.
David’s is best for Shanghai-style Chinese food, dumplings, yum cha, group dining, family meals, Prahran dinners and anyone looking for a trusted Chinese restaurant near Chapel Street.
Address: 4 Cecil Place, Prahran
Davids Menu
To Start
紅腐乳香滷毛豆 Spicy Edamame
edamame tossed with warm crispy garlic chilli oil
蒜蓉蒸扇贝 Steamed Scallops (2)
with vermicelli, crispy garlic and shallot oil
脆皮烧肉生菜包 Crackling Pork San Choi Bao
crackling pork with pickled mustard greens, carrot and onion
素生菜包 David's Veggie San Choi Bao (Vg)
with pickled mustard greens, carrot and onion
虾仁春卷 Crispy Prawn Spring Roll Cigars (3)
椒盐尤鱼 Salt & Pepper Calamari
香煎XO酱虎虾 XO Tiger Prawns (2)
panfried butterflied prawns with XO sauce
天妇罗花菜 Tempura Fioretto Cauliflower
with plum sauce (v)
梅⾹爆⿂ Crispy Fried Fish with Spiced Plum Glaze
北京烤鸭盘 Peking Duck (6pc/ 12pc)
served with wraps & fresh cucumber, leek & plum sauce
Dimsum
萝卜丝韭菜馅饼 Radish & Chive Pancake (2) (vg)
海鲜四宝 Mixed Dumplings Basket (4)
Authentic Prawn, Classic Shu Mai, Xiao Long Bao, Vegetarian Dumplings
虾饺 Authentic Prawn Dumplings (3)
烧卖 Classic Shu Mai (3)
Pork & Prawn steamed Shu Mai
上海小笼包 Shanghai Xiao Long Bao (3)
素饺 Vegetarian Dumplings (3)(vg)
steamed parcels with three types of mushroom, carrot & water chestnut
盐水鸭饺 Ginger Duck Dumplings (3)
鸡肉云吞 Chicken Wontons (4)
with sesame dressing and chilli oil (n)
麻婆豆腐饺 Mapo Tofu Dumplings (3) (n,vg)
steamed tofu & mushroom dumplings
叉燒煎包 Panfried BBQ Pork Buns (2)
素斋叉烧包 BBQ Buddha Buns (2)(vg)
香煎牛肉饺 Panfried Beef Dumplings (4)
素锅贴 Panfried Veggie Dumplings (4) (vg)
Something to Share
苏州酱汁肉 Sticky Braised Pork Belly
黑蜜椒牛排骨 Honey Pepper Beef Ribs
with homemade flat bread & shredded cabbage salad
铁板 蒙古牛肉 Sizzling Mongolian Beef
with capsicum, cabbage & leek (n)
焖煮羊肉 Slow-Braised Lamb Shoulder
slow-cooked lamb with green chilli & fresh coriander
豆瓣蜜汁鸡 David’s Chilli Honey Chicken
crispy honey chicken with spring onion, red & green capsicum, fried garlic (n)
爆炒蛤蜊油条 Stirfried Pipis with Chinese donuts
in a Ginger shallot shao shing rice wine | XO +2
姜葱醉鸡 Drunken Chicken
marinated in Shaoxing wine, served with spring onion oil
姜酱蒸鱼 Steamed Fish Fillet with Ginger Soy
aromatic fish steamed with ginger, chilli, zucchini, carrot, coriander & ginseng-infused soy
秘汁炸盲鰽 Fried Barramundi Fillet
in sweet spicy bbq sauce
糖醋蒜香茄子 Sweet Chunky Eggplant (vg)
wok-tossed with capsicum in a sweet vinegar, soy & garlic
菌菇豆腐煲 Silken Tofu & Mushroom (vg)
pearl, shimeji, shiitake, button mushrooms and silken tofu slow-cooked in a claypot (n)
Grains & Greens
炙烤茄子 Grilled Eggplant with Mushroom XO
charred eggplant topped with house-made mushroom XO and finished with toasted pine nuts.
上海粗炒面 Thick Shanghai-Style Noodles (vg)
stir-fried with shiitake mushrooms and greens
沙茶牛肉炒面 Stir-fried Hokkien Beef Noodles
with shacha sauce
烧肉炒饭 Crackling Pork Fried Rice
青菜炒饭 Bok Choy Ginger Fried Rice (v)(vgo*)
蠔油芥兰 Chinese Broccoli
with Oyster (v) | or Garlic Sauce (vg)
爆炒空心菜 Stir-fried Morning Glory (vg)
with Garlic Sauce
海带金针花色拉 Shredded Kelp & Lily Salad (vg)
tossed in black vinegar, soy, sichuan pepper and chilli dust
包菜色拉 Shredded Cabbage Salad (v)
with roasted sesame dressing and roasted pepitas
白饭 Steamed Rice (vg)
Dessert
焦糖布丁 Mandarin Crème Bruleé (2) (V)
炸蕉串 Biscoff Crumble Banana Fritter (2)(vgo*)
served with brown sugar syrup & icecream
糯米白朱 White Chocolate Dumplings (4) (v,n)
With coconut, peanut & cashew praline
Cocktails
Four Pillars Yuzu & Peach Gin Spritz
Strawberry Blossom
Four Pillars Gin, Lime, Yuzu & Strawberry
Hello Vera
Four Pillars Gin, Peach Schnapps, Aloe Vera, Lime, Mint & Soda
Uisuki Sour
Four Roses Bourbon, Amaretto, Umeshu & Lemon
The Pink Panther
Vanishing Point Vodka, Lychee, Lemon & Aperol
Lychee Grapefruit Margarita
Orendain Tequila, Lychee, Grapefruit, Lime & Agave
Baked Apple Sencha Old Fashioned
Four Roses Bourbon, Apple Sencha Tea & Bitters
Yuzu Negroni
Four Pillars Yuzu Gin, Campari, Sweet Vermouth & Yuzu
Beers & Cider
ON TAP: Sapporo Premium 5% Japan
2 Brothers ‘Kung Fu’ Rice Lager (375ml) 5% VIC
Moon Dog ‘Old Mate’ Pale Ale (330ml) 5% VIC
Coopers Pale Ale (330ml) 5% SA
Stomping Ground Hop Stomper IPA (355ml) 6% VIC
Tsing Tao (330ml) 5% China
Kirin Ichiban Lager (330ml) 5% Japan
Yebisu Lager (330ml) 5% Japan
Hitachino Nest White Ale (334ml) Japan
Sapporo Black (660ml) 5% Japan
Asahi 3.5, Mid Strength (330ml) Japan
Heaps Normal Quiet XPA 0.5% (NSW) (375ml)
Kaiju! Golden Axe Apple Cider (345ml) 5% VIC
Sake
Fukuju Junmai Ginjo
Hyogo, Japan (150ml/300ml)
Houraisen Beshi Tokubetsu Junmai, (150ml/300ml)
Yamagata, Japan
House Blended Herbal Tea
Relaxing | Uplifting | Calming | Balancing Per Serve / Per pot (min 2 – 4 people to share a pot)
Relaxing Tea
Relaxing, beautifying, balances the body. Subtle and delicate in taste.
Happy Tea
Rooty and earthy flavour. Prevents tiredness, lethargy and promotes happiness.
Refreshing Tea
Calming relieves short tempers. Looks and tastes beautiful. Health giving.
Calm & Concentration Tea
Delicious and sweet. Helps memory and concentration.
Ginger Barley Tea
Spicy in taste. Helps circulation, digestion. A natural spirit enhancer.
Lemongrass Ginger Tea
Ginger and Lemongrass, gentle and refreshing.
Premium Green Tea
Refreshing | Cleaning | Antioxidant | Aids Digestion Per Serve / Per pot (min 2 – 4 people to share a pot)
Long Jing Tea
A clear, yellow-green tea with very fresh and lingering flavour. Good as a digestive after a heavy meal.
Bi Lou Chun Tea
A rare, very famous aromatic light green tea with clear flavour. It has a very distinguished quality, is high in antioxidants and effective in weight reduction.
Japan Genmaicha
A blend of Bacha and roasted brown rice.
Jasmine Green Tea
A long-time favourite tea. Beautifully sweet-smelling Jasmine flowers has both soothing and warming qualities.
Jasmine Pearl Tea
An excellent quality tea with a wonderful fine flavour. Goes well with savoury foods or can be enjoyed as a soothing digestive.
Jasmine Lychee Tea
A large, beautifully made, very fine ball with a rich Jasmine and Lychee aroma.
Silver Needles
This white tea is extremely fragrant. The upward pointing buds float upright in the water resembling the emerging bamboo shoots. Only the plump, tender and white-hair buds are used. Add roses for a deliciously sweet and frangrant tea.
Iron Buddha Oolong Tea
One of the most sought after teas and the most famous of all Oolong Teas. The tightly twisted, shiny dark green leaves produce an aromatic brownish-orange colour.
Pu Er Black Tea
Mild, mellow and earthy taste. Often taken to relieve indigestion and reduce cholesterol. A famous medicinal tea.
English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Chai Tea,
Banquet Menus
David's Selection Menu
Minimum 2 people | 70pp. Includes: 紅腐乳香滷毛豆 Spicy Edamame; 素生菜包 David’s Vegetarian San Choi Bao; 海鲜四宝 Mixed Dumplings Basket; 蘇州醬汁肉 Sticky Braised Pork Belly; Select 1 main: 豆瓣蜜汁鸡 David’s Chilli Honey Chicken (n) / 蘇州醬汁肉 Sticky Braised Pork Belly / 姜酱蒸鱼 Steamed Fish Fillet with Ginger Soy; 蠔油芥兰 Chinese Broccoli; 白饭 Steamed Rice; 糯米白朱 White Chocolate Dumplings (v,n)
David's Favourites Menu
Minimum 4 people | 82pp. Includes: 紅腐乳香滷毛豆 Spicy Edamame; 蒜蓉蒸扇貝 Steamed Scallops; 素生菜包 David’s Vegetarian San Choi Bao; 海鲜四宝 Mixed Dumplings Basket; 北京烤鸭 Peking Duck (2pc pp); Mains: 豆瓣蜜汁鸡 David’s Chilli Honey Chicken (n); 焖煮羊肉 Slow-Braised Lamb Shoulder; 炙烤茄子 Grilled Eggplant with Mushroom XO; 姜酱蒸鱼 Steamed Fish Fillet with Ginger Soy; 蠔油芥兰 Chinese Broccoli; 白饭 Steamed Rice; 糯米白朱 White Chocolate Dumplings (v,n)
Vegetarian Menu
素⽣菜包 David's Vegetarian San Choi Bao
萝⼘丝⾲菜馅饼 Radish & Chive Pancakes
pan-fried pancakes filled with radish and chive
⿇婆⾖腐饺 Mapo Tofu Dumplings (n)
steamed tofu & mushroom dumplings
天妇罗花菜 Tempura Fioretto Cauliflower
with plum sauce
菌菇⾖腐煲 Silken Tofu & Mushroom
pearl, shimeji, shiitake, button mushrooms and silken tofu slow-cooked in a claypot
糖醋蒜⾹茄⼦ Sweet Chunky Eggplant
braised eggplant with sweet vinegar, soy & garlic
包菜⾊拉 Shredded Cabbage Salad
with roasted sesame dressing and roasted pepitas
⽩饭 Steamed Rice
炸蕉串 Biscoff Crumble Banana Fritter (2)
served with brown sugar syrup & icecream
Low Gluten Menu
素⽣菜包 David's Vegetarian San Choi Bao (vg)
虾饺 Authentic Prawn Dumplings (3)
素饺 Vegetarian Dumplings (3)
steamed parcels with three types of mushroom, carrot & water chestnut
姜葱醉鸡 Drunken Chicken
marinated in Shaoxing wine, served with spring onion oil
姜酱蒸⻥ Steamed Fish Fillet
aromatic fish steamed with ginger, chilli, zucchini, carrot, coriander
爆炒蛤蜊 Stirfried Pipis
in a Ginger shallot shao shing rice wine
⽩饭 Steamed Rice (vg)
爆炒空⼼菜 Stir-fried Morning Glory
with garlic sauce
糯⽶⽩朱 White Chocolate Dumplings
with coconut, peanut & cashew praline (4) (v)(n)
Final word
The best Chinese restaurants in Melbourne cover a wide range of occasions. Panda Hot Pot is the Carlton choice for theatrical Sichuan hot pot. Happy Lamb Hotpot is the CBD option for warming broths and lamb hot pot. Bowltiful Lanzhou Beef Noodle is the Elizabeth Street stop for hand-pulled beef noodles. Supernormal brings Chinese-influenced modern Asian dining to Flinders Lane. Lagoon Dining adds contemporary Chinese and Asian cooking to Carlton. Secret Kitchen Chinatown is the Cantonese yum cha and dim sum favourite. Juicy Bao is the casual Chinatown dumpling stop. Oriental Teahouse is the Little Collins Street choice for dumplings, tea and yum cha. Spice Temple Melbourne is the Southbank pick for premium modern Chinese dining. David’s is the Prahran favourite for Shanghai-style food, dumplings and relaxed group meals.
Together, they show why Melbourne is such a strong city for Chinese food: traditional when you want dumplings or yum cha, warming when hot pot is the answer, fast when noodles are enough, local when you want a neighbourhood Chinese restaurant, and polished when the occasion calls for something more refined.