Chin Chin, Melbourne CBD

Upon my recent spontaneous trip to Melbourne, I asked a mate of mine to take me to a trendy restaurant for dinner, where all the cool young people go to. Introducing Chin Chin.

Hidden down Flinders Lane near the heart of the CBD is Chin Chin, a funky Thai-fusion restaurant. I heard that it is extremely popular and busy so we went relatively early (5:15pm) to ensure a prime seat (there was a line by 6:15pm).

There is a great vibe to the restaurant; it plays retro music and has large wall windows filling the place with natural light. There are also many cool tiny details here and there – hanging lights, a bar, kitchen bench seating to view the chefs, wall hooks to hang your coat at the entrance, neon lights and mandarin smelling hand wash/lotion in the bathrooms. Overall a great dining atmosphere and chill out place for a group of friends.

Since there was only two of us, we settled on a main and two entrees. But first up, drinks! I ordered a Gypsy Pear Cider of which is apparently very common in Melbourne, something we don’t have in Sydney. It wasn’t as sweet as other pear ciders but overall satisfactory for a long day.


Omelette of Coffin Bay Oyster with Chilli and Garlic Sauce – $12

The first dish which came out was the omelette. Extremely soft and fluffy, this dish was beautifully crafted with oysters enveloped within. Served on top was bean sprouts, thin crisps and a sweet and spicy sauce. A winning combination of textures and flavours, absolutely delicious!


Stir Fried Wild Boar with Red Curry Paste, Snakebeans, Ginger & Basil – $24

Then came the boar. A boar is a wild pig so I expected a pork taste, but instead its texture was highly similar to tender steak. It consisted of thinly slice boar covered with a spicy basil and ginger sauce. This sauce in my opinion was much too salty and definitely needs a bowl of rice or a glass of water to help it go down, otherwise flavour overload!


“Son in Law” Eggs with Chilli Jam – $8

The last dish was the son in law eggs. This is a lightly fried whole egg, where the outside is crispy but the centre still contains a half gooey yolk. It is served with a sweet sauce (tasted like plum) and fried onions. Not as good as the ones I had at Red Spoon Thai last time but still a delicious dish!

Overall, Melbourne restaurants do not fail to impress. The food is good and the standard of retail fit-outs and design is very impressive. Good service, great vibe and atmosphere and somewhere I definitely recommend going to! But keep in mind, it is extremely busy so either go early or be prepared to wait it out.

Chin Chin
125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Ph: (03) 8663 2000
Open 7 days for lunch + dinner

Chin Chin on Urbanspoon

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