Chin Chin
Where? Chin Chin (Melbourne CBD, Melbourne, Australia) Map
When? Tuesday December 30, 2014
Who? Just Me
Food Style? Contemporary Hawker-Style Southeast Asian
One of Melbourne's finest eateries, Chin Chin is always busy and bustling, just like the streets of Southeast Asia when there's food around. Their hawker-style food is well-known in the Melburnian foodie circles, and I tried to go here twice with groups of friends before trekking here myself, at the late lunch time of 2pm. I figured with a place this popular, I should be at least be able to get a seat for one that late in the afternoon; also, this was on my "must try" places, so there was no way I was going to pass up this opportunity!
I was given a seat at the bar, right by the kitchen. My view overlooks the masses of condiments, herbs, spices and garnish at the preparation area, and I feel a sense of excitement - I'm hoping this is going to be everything and more. I'm watching the kitchen staff operate in extreme efficiency, preparing and plating their creations, the looks of concentration and dedication to their cause so evident on their faces, and it's truly magical to watch. I can't help but smile at all of this happening. Service here is exceptional, and despite it being almost packed, my food arrives in just under 10 minutes.
Frozen Coconut Crush
With orange and passionfruit
I'd been walking all day and this was just the right drink to quench my thirst; cooling and refreshing, and even better so with the spicy dish I'd ordered. The pandan leaf was a lovely touch.
Crying Tiger
Char-grilled sher wagyu, chilli tamarind dressing, ground roast rice, fried glass noodles and Thai basil
Fantastic wood and smokey flavours, the meat is exceptional in taste and texture. It's grilled to perfection - medium rare, naturally! The greens that accompany the dish are fresh and crunchy. This take on the traditional Thai beef salad has a vibrance and intensity about it that really hits home for me. The balance of flavours is perfect, with the lime providing that zest and sweetness to take the edge off the salt, garlic and onion. Ample amounts of rice helps to even out the dish too, and there is plenty of fresh chilli to keep me challenged!
I thought that while I was here, I should go all the way and splurge, so I ordered the wok-fried salt and pepper squid too, but unfortunately forgot to take a photo (very uncharacteristic of me). This dish comes with nuoc cham and Vietnamese mint, the squid is lightly battered and has plenty of great bite. The sauce is sweet and sour - a whole symphony of flavours is present and I'm having such a good time.
Palm Sugar Ice-Cream Sundae
With salted honeycomb and lime syrup
Absolutely fantastic. The first bite crunches into the honeycomb, a pairing of sweet and salty, with the gooeyness of the ice cream coming later, and finally a hint of tartness in the lime syrup and bitterness in the smokey caramel. Such an emotional dessert journey. The lime doesn't taste artificial at all, and has a subtle hint of zest as well. It's not overly sweet or sickly, and definitely made a lasting impression on me.
My three course meal with a drink cost me $73 AUD, which is slightly more than their $70 "Feed Me" option - a minimum of two people required for this, but essentially they feed you a selection of signature dishes until you're full. Totally sounds like my kind of thing! It's easy to see why Chin Chin is so popular and definitely hit the standard I was expecting. I am so coming back here. Well played, restaurant, well played.
Posted by Jeremy at 7:55am on Tuesday March 10, 2015 :: 0 comments :: 