Melbourne is blessed with a kaleidoscopic array of stunning Asian fusion dining spots. From Vietnamese ingredients cooked using Japanese techniques to Korean pickles paired with Chinese flavours, this vibrant foodie city has it all.
And whilst many of Melbourne’s top eateries may lean more towards one part of Asia than another, it’s not unusual to find an unexpected influence from a neighbouring culture cropping up on the plate.
This magpie approach to combining produce, flavours and methods often goes hand-in-hand with cutting edge interior design and hip pop-culture references. What’s more, the service tends to be chilled and confident and the staff – from chefs to servers to mixologists – cool, but welcoming.
Ultimately, Asian fusion food is in for all the right reasons. So if you’re not across it already, it’s time to start experimenting.
With this in mind, here are our top Asian fusion restaurants in Melbourne.
Much imitated but arguably never bettered, for many, Chin Chin is the trail-blazer when it comes to Asian fusion restaurants in Melbourne.
Since it first threw open its door 13 years ago, Chin Chin’s infectious blend of music and art, bustle and crackling energy, delicious drinks and daring food has made it a firm favourite for a night out in the CBD.
Our advice is to get a group of mates together and settle in for one of the excellent Set Menus. Depending on how hungry you are, Executive Chef Ben Cooper and this talented team will lead you from Thailand to Vietnam with a side trip to India, and back again.
Amongst our favourite dishes are DIY fun of the Chin Chin Pork “Roll Ups” – Slow Cooked Pulled Pork Pancakes with Slaw & Asian Herbs and the Lime Chilli, Coconut & Thai Basil-spiked Kingfish Sashimi. For Mains, we love the Choo Chee Curry of Chicken, Pumpkin, Coriander & Kaffir Lime and the Braised Wagyu Beef Pad Seuw, Gai Laan, Rice Noodles & Crispy Shallots.
And did we mention the truly outstanding Cocktails? Both Chin Chin and it’s buzzing little sister – GoGo Bar – down in the basement, mix up awesome Asian inflected tipples. Our current favourite is the gorgeously dramatic Lychee Violet Daiquiri ($23) which tastes as good as it is eye-catching. If you fancy trying one yourself, don’t hang about – the list waits for no man (or woman!).
Yes, we know it’s probably not the ideal choice for a quiet, intimate date. In fact, the noise levels can be one of the few minuses at this thriving eatery. But despite that, Chin Chin still attracts queues of the hip and fashionable outside its doors, to wow them with brash, bold flavours once inside.
Although not in Melbourne, this is definitely worth a mention.
The Lucas Group have extended the multiple charms of Chin Chin by opening up a sister venue – Club Chin Chin – over in Geelong. Currently with a 12 month residency at the GMHBA Stadium, the menu is a mix of firm favourites and Club Chin Chin exclusive dishes. Amongst the Geelong-only plates, the Panang Curry of Twice-Cooked Lamb, Pea Eggplant & Peanuts ($37.50) sounds divine.
One of the joys of a city like Melbourne is that there’s always a great new restaurant getting rave reviews that we have to try. Such is the case with JUNI Melbourne.
This latest South-East Asian dining gem comes with a strong pedigree. You see, the kitchen is helmed by Michael Lambie – ex of the Stokehouse, Taxi and Lucy Liu (red lighting, anyone?), a man who definitely knows his way around a spice box.
Whilst we love Kingfish, it’s nice to see both Salmon and Tuna make an appearance on the ‘Raw’ section of the menu. The latter given zing and texture from Puffed Rice, Fresh Apple, Chilli Rice Paper & Citrus Ponzu ($28). If you’re a fan of Dumplings, the House Made Crayfish ones with Ginger & Green Onion Dressing & Fresh Coriander ($25) are superb.
With so many outstanding dishes to choose from, it’s a relief to know that the kitchen offer a Lucky Dip where the Chefs will decide your meal. Also bear in mind that this is the kind of dining that lends itself to gathering a bunch of mates the all tucking in. As the blurb at the bottom of the menu eloquently says: ‘Our menu is made for sharing with friends, lovers and enemies’.
And the same is true of the Drinks List. As well as Beers, Wines, Spirits and a curated array of Sake, the Cocktails are filled with intrigue. Having sampled a couple, we recommend the In The Mood For Love ($23) – if you don’t know the film, look it up and thank us afterwards! A refreshing blend of Lemongrass Grey Goose Vodka, Lime, Mandarin Liqueur, Cranberry Juice & Yuzu Bitters, it’s the ideal foil for spicy Asian cuisine.
Yet another reason why this relative newcomer makes the grade for our best Asian fusion restaurants in Melbourne.
But despite all these successful eateries, one of the most popular is his Asian fusion gem – Supernormal.
Whilst a first glance at the menu shows a strong Japanese influence, further investigation reveals a peppering of Chinese and Korean cuisine. So you can graze your way from Kingfish, Pickled Fennel & Yuzukosho ($26) to Spiced Wagyu Intercostal, Smoked & Pickled Turkish Snake Chilli & Shiso ($34). Along the way, why not try the Sticky Rice Cakes, Lap Cheong & Sweet Soy ($12) and the Spencer Gulf King Prawns, Fermented Chilli & Saltbush ($29)?
One of the staples of Asian kitchens from Japan to India to Indonesia is rice. And to cook perfect rice – time after time – you need a Rice Cooker. After all, no Asian home is complete without one! For more information and prices, see here.
However, the real star of the show is the now legendary New England Lobster Roll ($23). Undoubtedly, it is a deceptively simply thing – soft, fragrant brioche, buttery poached Lobster and tangy dressing. It really shouldn’t be so damn addictive. But irresistible is is. The fact that so many copy-cat versions dot menus across Melbourne is testament to the stellar quality of this one classic dish.
And confession time. During Lockdown, the impossible luxury of sitting in the clean, chic Supernormal dining room, watching the chefs toil in the open kitchen, whilst devouring one of those luscious lobster rolls was a recurring food fantasy!
With its signature bright pink livery and fresh, zingy food, this Asian restaurant in thriving in both its homes.
Whilst Vietnam is the main influence, the menu pinches the best bits and pieces from other cuisines as well for a vibrant mix of dishes.
So there’s Vietnamese inspired Banh Mi Sliders ($16 for 2) with Prawn Patty, Sriracha Mayo, Pickled Carrot, Mushroom Pate & Chilli. But there’s also Japanese Salmon Sashimi ($20) complete with Kewpie Mayo and Mama’s Secret Spicy Sauce. Thailand gets a look in with Mama’s Pad Thai ($26) whilst it’s not hard to work out the origins of the Traditional Chinese Broccoli ($24) with Pork Belly or Tofu.
Best of all, Hochi Mama does a great value Feed Me Now menu – $42.50 for lunch & $44.50 for Dinner. It’s based on diners choosing dishes to share in pairs. And having done it a couple of times, we can confirm that the portions are generous.
The Cocktail List is similarly diverse. Tokyo Drift ($20) combines St Germain, Midori, Sake, Rhubarb Bitters, Cucumber & Lemon in a fruity, boozy winner. In contrast, the Vietnamese Espresso Martini is a luscious spin of a well-known classic.
And the vibe? Fun and cool. This is very much a spot for the young and hip. The Staff are relaxed and helpful, the mood is chilled and bubbly. What’s more, the 90s R’n’B thumping in the background works surprisingly well.
It’s a crying shame (in our opinion) that Melbourne has so few Indonesian restaurants. Especially when they are as good as YOI Indonesian Fusion.
This lively family-run inner city restaurant serves traditional favourites with a modern twist in a relaxed, cafe-like space.
The menu is big and extensive. But then that leaves a curious diner plenty of reasons to make repeated visits.
Salted Egg features heavily, and if you’re not familiar with this staple we urge you to try it. The Mie Goreng Salted Egg Chicken ($23) is a great place to start, as is the delicious Salted Egg Chicken on Rice ($19.50). Another winner is the backpackers go-to Gado Gado ($16).
And if you wish to wander on the fusion side of things, the Yoi Curry Katsu Curry ($22) eats really well, whilst the Salted Egg Fries ($13) are a revelation.
Finally, we have to mention the innovative drinks list which delights in unique non-alcoholic creations. Lotus Biscoff Coffee ($8) is a double-whammy caffeine and sugar hit. Meanwhile, the Ice Bandung ($7.50) is a fragrant glass of Rose Cordial with Grass Jelly – very refreshing on a summer’s day.
They call it Neo-Vietnamese. We call it delicious.
This sophisticated bar and eatery from the Commune Group (Firebird, Tokyo Tina, Hanoi Hannah, Moonhouse & Tokyo Private) pairs sleek good-looks with cleverly tweaked Asian favourites. Yes, the lively citrus and heat balance of Vietnamese fare is clearly front and centre, but there are playful twists from other cultures too.
So the French classic – Beef Tartare ($26) is shoved towards Ho Chi Minh City with the introduction of Pho Jelly and Anchovy Tapioca Crisps. Meanwhile the Taro Toast ($8) comes with Burnt Chilli and Japanese Shiso. And if you don’t fancy the sound of Duck Floss Egg Noodles ($28), may we encourage you to think again? This dish is a revelation – with the delicate strands of crispy Duck dissolving into the warm embrace of the glossy, salty, umami-rich sauce.
If you want to nip in for a quick 333 Rice Lager (from Vietnam), the bar area is moodily inviting. Personally, we recommend the Finger Lime Collins ($18) where the native bush food really raises the Cocktail up a notch.
All in all, New Quarter is a great addition to the Richmond restaurant scene.
Update: For a while now, New Quarter has been running Lunch menus from Friday to Sunday. The current is their High Tide offering for $76pp (incl selected drinks) and is – as the name indicates – fish and seafood focused.
Everything about Lucy Liu Melbourne is cool. From the oh-so-hip laneway location to the scarlet signage that indicates the entrance to the moody industrial chic interior.
So it’s a relief to learn that the food (and drinks) more than match the glamour of the aesthetics. Descend the stairs into the always busy dining room and you’ll find the open kitchen knocking out dish after dish of thrilling pan-Asian food.
Amongst the must-trys include Lucy Liu’s Fried Chicken Ribs, Sour Plum, Lemon & Kewpie ($20). We bet you can’t stop at one! Then there’s the excellent Barramundi & Scampi Wontons with Spring Onion Ginger Dressing ($16) and the Crispy Pork Bun, House Made Kimchi & Sriracha Mayo ($9 ea). Throw yourself into the Mains with the punchy Cape Grim Shortrib Rendang, Turmeric Pickles & Jasmine Rice ($48). Or take a tour to China via the Chilli & Black Pepper Spiced Duck, Plum & Ginger, Lettuce & Pickles ($42).
If you’re confused as to which path to plot around Asia, Lucy Liu offer 3 Banquet Menus – one of which is Vegan.
Lastly, Eatability has been known to nip into Lucy’s simply to people watch from her Cocktail Bar with a drink in hand. The Tokyo Drift ($22.5) – Lucy Liu Arancia Rossa Liqueur, Frapin Cognac, Yuzu-shu, Fresh Lemon & Lime Juice – is a particularly refreshing tipple.
But don’t take our word for it. Book a table and see why Lucy Liu Kitchen & Bar is one of the best Asian fusion restaurants in Melbourne.
For fabulously authentic Bangkok street food in a car park (!), see our review of Soi 38 Melbourne – Editor’s Update: After many years of Car park-dwelling, Soi 38 has moved to more salubrious accommodation. And the excellent menu has expanded.
If you don’t know Bang Bang in Elsternwick, then tracking down the details for this effortlessly cool Asian fusion eatery can be a little confusing.
Firstly, there are the multiple names – Bang Bang, Bang Bang RC and Bang Bang at the Rifle Club (as the building was home to the Caulfield Rifle Club many moons ago). Then there’s the fact that there’s another Bang Bang whipping up Hawker-style street fare just down the road in Mordialloc – as well as Hampton, and now St Kilda.
But for now, we’re focusing on the French-Indochine food served up in a gorgeously landscaped space on Glen Huntly Road.
Whether you lean towards stir-fries or South East Asian curries, cooking authentic Pan-Asian fare is easier in a Wok. Trust us. Wok-tossed noodles are so much better than those made in a frying pan. For more information and prices, click here.
Whether you decide to eat at the bar inside or out in the sun on the shaded terrace, the plates emerging from the kitchen are a treat. We’re talking big hitting flavours from Vietnam, Thailand and beyond. Dishes like Chicken Drumettes ($18) with Fish Sauce Caramel & Smoked Chilli Mayo. Or Banh Xeo ($26) – Crispy Turmeric Pancake, Pork Belly, Ginger Nuoc Cham & Peanut – which is a vibrant as you’d imagine. A pleasing colour contrast comes from the fabulous Sri Lankan Beetroot Curry ($32) of Poached Heirloom Beetroot & Crispy Kale.
Of course, when a venue is hip and the clientele are beautiful, there’s always a bar to prop up. Drop by for a cold Beer on a hot day, or maybe a Cocktail. The Phrik ($23) – Saffron & Chilli Infused Olmaca Altos Plata Tequilla, Cointreau, Mango & Lime is sure to put a pep in your strut!
Another effortlessly cool dinner and cocktails joint from The Commune Group (see New Quarter above) is Firebird.
Here, the Asian fusion tweak is applied to Vietnamese cuisine. But that’s not all. As the name suggests, fire is a key ingredient in this particular open kitchen, with many dishes either coming from the wood-fired oven, or kissed by the charcoal grill.
And the result? Smoky culinary magic, where a zingy Nuoc Mam gets an extra level of flavour from Burnt Chilli and black-edged Wood-Roasted Cabbage is a revelation.
Start with the Flat Pressed Baguette, Black Garlic Relish & Tofu ($10). Dip into the sepia delights of the Grilled Squid Ink Noodles with Caramelised Nuoc Cham, Witlof & Papaya ($24). Slurp your way through a fragrant plate of Canh Chua Pipis, Tamarind, Charred Pineapple & Sawtooth Coriander ($39) and mop up the juices with a Woodfired Chinese Doughnut ($6).
And if you arrive a tad early, no worries. Grab a stool at the funky bar and admire the shabby/cool warehouse conversion that houses this fashionably distressed dining spot, whilst sipping a cold Beer. Or maybe the aptly-named Tropical Cocktail sounds more to you taste? This is a refreshing mix of Rum, Green Chartreuse, Kiwi, Rambutan, Orgeat & Citrus ($23) – its South East Asian sunshine in liquid form.
Yes, as one of the finest Asian fusion restaurants in Melbourne, Firebird is another superb addition to the Prahran dining scene.
For many Melburnians, Lygon Street is synonymous with Italian cuisine. However, slotted in amongst the pasta bars and pizza joints sits the distinctive modern Chinese fare of Lagoon Dining.
Whilst many of the restaurant’s Mediterranean neighbours favour packed raucous dining rooms, spilling out onto the street come summer, Lagoon Dining is intimate and moody. Here, white-washed bricks and a dark ceiling throw the dimmed lighting back on customers hugging the walls on banquettes or hovering at the striking black granite bar. The space is chic and dramatic – as is the food.
As with all the best Asian fusion food, dishes at Lagoon start familiar and then verve into the unusual – without destroying the integrity of the original.
So Lightly Cured Kingfish ($27) – surely one of the most popular entrees in town – gets a blast of perfumed heat from a Sichuan Vinaigrette. Meanwhile, Sticky Lamb Ribs ($19) are given an Anglo-twist with Marmite Glaze. Over on the Protein section, Steamed Humpty Doo Barramundi ($48) visits China via France with a Doubanjiang Bisque & Sorrel. Even the Char Siu ($42) gets a revamp being Charcoal Roasted and served with Spring Onion Relish & Japanese-inspired Tare.
If a dynamic menu such as this appeals, you can eat either A La Carte or try the Feed Me for $80 pp. Also, the kitchen is currently running Sunday Lunch for $75pp. Check the website for details, but last time we looked the offerings included Cheesy Sardine Jaffle and Lagoon Luncheon Meat. Now if that doesn’t sound intriguing, we don’t know what does!
For cleverly balanced food in a hip spot, Lagoon Dining is one of the top Asian fusion restaurants in Melbourne.
For many contented diners, Coda is opening of Coda more than 13 years ago was their first experience of how delicious Asian fusion cooking can be. And although there are dozens of eateries balancing Thai with Chinese ingredients or Japanese techniques with a Korean pantry, few do French-Vietnamese with the sophistication of this restaurant.
From the effortlessly cool basement setting to the Asian-tinged Cocktails and the mouth-watering menu – all is a notch above at Coda Melbourne.
Why not open with the Shucked Oyster ($7ea)? Plump and ocean-licked it arrives with sweet Spanner Crab and a feisty Nam Jim Dressing. Eatability can never forego a Steak Tartare ($32) and the one at Coda is excellent, served with Quail Egg, Mustard Cress & Caper Melba Toasts. Looking to share something bigger? Well, the Javanese Curry with Warrigal Greens, Choko, Tempeh & Macadamia Rempeyek ($38) is a vegan’s dream of deeply flavoured sauce and textural exciting vegetables.
If you find choosing individual dishes a bind, the kitchen has both a Lunch and Dinner Set Menu, encompassing many of their best-loved plates, at $100 pp.
Whether you nip in during the day, or in the evening, you’re sure to agree that Coda is one of the finest Asian fusion restaurants in Melbourne.
Location: University of Melbourne, Southbank Campus, 140 Southbank Blvd, Southbank, VIC 3006 Ph: (03) 7009 5377
Right next door to the Southbank Theatre, Miss Pearl Bar + Dining sits in the old Script Bar + Bistro site. However, unlike its Italian-leaning predecessor, Miss Pearl takes inspiration from the peppy flavours of Asia.
Start in China with Crispy Eggplant Lao Gan Ma Chilli, Chives ($7). A delicious dish of carmelised, sticky deliciousness, it’s also 100% vegan friendly. From there, travel to Japan via the Wagyu Tataki, Smoked Ponzu Sauce, Radish ($25). Another plate which packs a huge amount of salty, citrusy flavour. And for a Main, the BBQ Pork Neck, Roasted Broken Rice, Pork Fat Shallot Relish & Onion Slaw ($39.5) is a real showstopper.
For those who like to leave it to the experts, the kitchen offers a number of Banquet Menus. In addition, there is Miss Pearl Express – an outdoor dining terrace where customers can nibble on share plates and enjoy a glass of wine or 2.
And have we mentioned the cocktails? This is, after all Miss Pearl Bar + Dining. Our go-to tipple is the Yuzume ($21). Featuring Vodka, Yuzu Syrup, Ginger, Lemongrass, topped up with Pinot Grigio, it slips down very easily with a Lemongrass Duck Bun ($7.5).
Update: With Winter well and truly upon us, Miss Pearl has turned on the outdoor heaters and is handing out blankets for those who wish to sip and sup on their al fresco deck.
Location: In Richard Allen & Son Pty Ltd, Basement/164 Flinders Ln, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 9070 4939
Duck through the discreet door in the building that houses sleek and modern Hazel Restaurant, head down to the basement, and you’ll find yourself in a cosy Wine Bar with a difference. What is it that sets Dessous Melbourne apart, I hear you ask? Well, a great Wine List – of course – and a really rather yummy Asian Fusion dining menu.
Why not start with a Spanner Crab Donut, Sriracha & Salmon Caviar ($19)? Light in texture, but big on flavour, it’s an addictive opener to any meal. Another wonderful option is the Potato Rosti with Larb Spiced Tuna Tartare ($11). From the bigger plates, we love the bold combination of Dry Aged Duck, Butternut Pumpkin & Dill Curry ($42). When eaten with a bowl of Sticky Rice ($5), it’s a delight.
The team at Dessous offer something a tad unusual – the moody surrounds of a basement speak easy with superb Asian-influenced food.
Location: The Georges Building, 162-168 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 9663 7226
Melbourne foodies love a celebrity chef. Especially when that chef is a master of contemporary Asian flavours. Enter Khanh Ong of Australian Masterchef fame, who is a business partner at the dynamic George on Collins.
Happily, at this cavernous establishment, there’s something for everyone amongst the array of fragrant, colourful dishes.
Dive straight into your Asian fusion odyssey with the Burrata ($23). Here, creamy Italian cheese spills its luscious insides onto a bed of Tomatoes and Capsicum Chilli Jam. Rest assured, nothing goes to waste, as there’s a light Chinese Donut to mop it all up. From the Medium Plates selection, it’s hard to go past the Sticky Mekhong Lamb Ribs ($28). Rich, aromatic meat comes sticky with an addictive Thai Whisky marinade. Wonderful.
Go Large with the sweet, delicate Barramundi ($34). This most Aussie of fish is beautifully enhanced by Lemongrass, Lime, Banana Chilli and Banana Leaf. For the vegetarians, we recommend the Yellow Tofu Curry ($34). Heady and warming, the egg yolk-hued sauce is studded with Tofu, Sweet Potato, Eggplant, Taro Crisps and Pickled Onion.
Incidentally, our fabulous waitress informed us that The George on Collins is open late on Friday and Saturday nights. Apparently, the bar staff mix cocktails late into the night and a tables on the main floor make way for a dance floor.
It’s just another shining facet of The George on Collins. One of the top Asian fusion restaurants in Melbourne.
The core of One-Hat Melbourne stunner, ARU Restaurant, is a clever marriage of Asian and Australian influences. But then what else do you expect from a sister establishment of Sunda Dining?
Honestly, is there any better smell when you enter an eatery than a wood-fired hearth? Well, at ARU you get that, plus a kitchen crew skilled in smoking, preserving and fermenting, as well as knowing which native ingredients will make their dishes sing.
So the Spanner Crab Toast, Black Cabbage, Pickled Fennel, Wasabi ($19) is a great combination of both flavours and textures. And we’d happily tuck in to the Pate En Croute & Flavours of Banh Mi ($34) any day of the week. For the pescatarians (and anyone else who loves fish), we heartily recommend the Kingfish Collar, Dry Native Curry, Orange Kosho & Lime ($24/48).
Throw in a cool, almost brutalist dining room design, excellent service and a hip vibe and this is a must-try venue for dinner and more.
Location: Capitol Grand South Yarra, Shop 10/605 Chapel St, South Yarra, VIC 3141 Ph: (03) 7000 3232
Although there is a very strong Japanese feel to the menu at Yugen Dining, the clever little tweaks along the way has us popping it into our Asian Fusion list.
But one thing we know for sure. Even if this spot didn’t make our take on the best Asian fusion restaurants in Melbourne, if would definitely make our most beautiful rundown. It’s got to be the most stunning ‘basement’ restaurant in town. With chandelier cascading crystals from the cathedral-high ceiling, a striking feature bar and everything suffused in the warmth of intimate, golden lighting, it’s quite breath-taking.
And it’s not just one dining room. Whilst the Main Dining Room at Yugen Dining is dramatic, there’s also Mezzanine Dining – where you can scan the diners below as you eat – a Omakase Bar which seats an exclusive 6, and the intriguingly-named Golden Orb. The latter is a burnished gold cage, suspended over the Main Dining Room with a capacity of 8.
Of course, with all these seating options, there are a number of menus – including an Omakase, full Vegetarian & Vegan menus, Late Night Supper for those who merely with to people watch at the bar, and a refined Chef’s Experience ($180pp).
So what to eat? The Smoked Eel Chawanmushi ($28) with Brown Butter & Crispy Chicken Skin is both a texture and flavour sensation. The silky, savoury custard against the shards of tan Chicken Skin is divine. Another inspired combo is the Kingfish Sashimi ($26). Here, the slices of pearly Kingfish are matched with an Onion Ponzu, Kimchi Sesame & Charred Spring Onion. And if you want to go red meat, the David Blackmore Wagyu Brisket ($42) with Rice Cakes, Mustard Leaf & Lasa is meltingly good.
Yes, Yugen Dining is a very pretty face. Fortunately, it has the culinary chops to pair with the design glamour.
The menu bounces from Japan to Thailand and then ricochets off into China. So you can open with Chawamushi Scallops (2 for $24) doused in a Homemade X.O. Sauce, Avruga Caviar & Wonton Crisp. Then devour a satiny, rich Thai Coconut Red Curry with Roasted Duck ($39), followed by one of the finest plates of Drunken Chicken ($34) we’ve tried in a while.
Everything tastes great. The service is super-efficient and charming. The Cocktails are fun and just theatrical enough to raise the bar. But. Whatever you do – order the Truffle Pork and Prawn Shiu Mai ($4 for $24). Four days later, we are all still texting one another about them!
If you are looking for an ace menu and a belting atmosphere crammed into a dinky spot, book at CHA CHING. It’s without doubt one of the top Asian fusion restaurants in Melbourne.
Here at Eatability, we love it when a post-work drink with friends turns into a globe-trotting culinary adventure. And such is the case with HER Melbourne.
At ground level, HER Bar is very Euro-centric. And that’s fine with us. But as you move through the building, the vibe and the food morph. So, on Level One, you’ll find The Music Room with it’s ‘curated vinyl’ selection. V. cool Japan. And whilst we love this space, keep going and you’ll ultimately end up on the HER Rooftop where a thrilling Asian fusion world awaits you.
Up under the stars, the food is curated by BKK – the big hint being that BKK is the international flight abbreviation for Bangkok. So yes. Thai culinary expertise dominates, but there are a number of dishes that would be very familiar to residents of Malaysia and further afield.
Open with the Prawn Betel Leaf, Candied Gapi & Finger Lime ($7), then move on to the Crispy Pork Belly paired with a wonderfully tart Tamarind Dipping Sauce ($18). There are few things as refreshing as a well-balanced Thai salad, and at HER they have some belters. Our go-to is the Som Tum – a mouth-watering mix of Green Papaya, Carrot, Chilli, Peanuts & Dried Shrimp ($18).
And the list goes on.
As you can probably guess, the food a HER Rooftop is ideal for sharing. But the Cocktails? Well, we reckon you’ll want to keep those all to yourself! Add this thriving spot to your list of the top Asian fusion restaurants in Melbourne.
Kiss & Tell Melbourne is a chic addition to the CBD’s booming Asian fusion dining options.
With a striking central bar, soft lighting and comfy, velvet, olive green banquettes lining one wall, the feel is more late night New York jazz club than the kind of place where you’d find Salt ‘N’ Pepper Squid. But it’s there on the menu. And very good it is too, arriving in a Tempura-light Batter accompanied by a Chilli Caramelised Sauce.
And the hits keep coming. The Peking Duck Baos with Hoisin and Sriracha are addictive, the Pork & Prawn Dumplings more-ish and the Vietnamese Braised Pork with Caramelised Oyster Sauce is a triumph. Even the not particularly exciting sounding Snake Beans, Tom Yum and Toasted Coconut exceed our expectations with all of us fighting over them.
Aside from the lovely room, superb service and great food, Kiss & Tell also serves a mean cocktail – as you might hope from a venue with such a nice bar. The Great Gatsby – Grey Goose Vodka, Housemade Lychee Syrup & Basil Oil is a delight.
Whether you’re up for a drink in sophisticated surrounds or a dinner date, Kiss & Tell has you covered.
Editor’s Update: We are shocked to learn that Kekou and its sophisticated sibling Klae (see below) have both closed.
Full details are yet to emerge, but it seems that both the landlord’s triggered a ‘lock-out’ at both premises due to non-payment of rent.
Whatever else has ensued, the closure of these 2 dynamic venues is a huge loss for the Melbourne dining scene – and for Richmond in particular.
Brilliant Asian fusion dishes, craft beer, extremely cool industrial chic decor and a belting a cocktail list? There are so many reasons to love Richmond’s Kekou.
Bangkok born Oak Kunnalok pilfers heavily from his Thai heritage, but doesn’t stop just there. The menu showcases confident, exciting pan-Asian food, sprinkled with Aussie touches.
The Lobster Betel Leaf, Kerisik, Finger Lime & Miang Kum ($9) is as explosive a mouthful as you’ll ever try. In contrast, the Smoked Balloon Bread & Lemon Myrtle Butter & Caramelized Onion Miso ($11) never fails to impress as it floats to the table.
Moving on, the menu reads like an Asian fusion wish list. There’s crunchy, sweet Twice Cooked Pork Belly, Chilli Palm Caramel & Pomelo Mint Salad ($40) which sings on the palate. The normally humble noodle dish – Char Kway Teow ($43) – is transformed into a sumptuous treat with juicy, umami Wagyu Flank, Baby Tiger Prawn & Lup Chong. Even the Baby Cos Lettuce Salad ($12) gets a make-over with the addition of Coconut Mint & Cashew Sambal.
And if you find yourself on Bridge Road but aren’t hungry (seriously – what’s wrong with you?!), you could do far worse than nipping into Kekou for a drink.
The bar is suitably dark and moody and makes a great place to hang. Even better, it has a large selection of Craft Beers and a heat and spice-friendly Cocktail List. If we had to recommend a drink, we’d suggest the kicking Anti Hero ($22) – Tequila Correlejo Blanco, Lime, Wasabi & Tamarind Infused Agave. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but then neither is the food at Kekou.
Editor’s Update: As with sister restaurant Kekou (see above), Klae has suddenly closed and we are gutted.
Whilst info is sketchy, it seems that both premises have been repossessed by their landlord due to non-payment of rent.
Whatever the reason, the closure of 2 such original dining spaces is terrible news for Melbourne foodies.
Klae is a sibling establishment to Kekou and also has Chef Oak Kunnalok overseeing the kitchen. So it’s no surprise that the food is a riot of punchy flavours and thrilling textures.
The menu magpies its way around South East Asia, picking a dish from here and an ingredient from there.
A plump, creamy Fresh Oyster ($6a) is dressed with a vibrant Bloody Mary Granita, Finger Lime & Shiso. Whilst the Lobster Mantou ($10ea) comes thick with a fiery XO Mayo, Tobiko & Chive. The latter presents like an Asian take on an Italian Bruschetta, with the Mantou, a crisped layer piled with the luscious topping. Even the simple sounding Fried Eggplant ($26) with Sweet-Sour Sauce & Herb Salad is a texture and taste sensation.
It takes a huge amount of skill and a razor sharp palate to make dish after dish of this complexity.
What’s more, the drama on the plate is mirrored by the moody ambience of Klae restaurant itself. It’s a dining room made for secrets, whispers and seriously good eating. And like Kekou over on Bridge Road, Klae also has a fully stocked bar and a staff of charming mixologists, eager to blend you up a Cocktail.
Our advice? Trust the masterminds behind the pass and choose the Chef’s Selection. It’ll be the best $95pp you’ll spend in ages.
