Chin Chin

Asian taste sensations in a funky space, but bring ear plugs

9/10

125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

www.chinchinrestaurant.com.au

Only opening in May this year, Chin Chin has forged itself big reputation. Like Mamasita (which really could be viewed as Chin Chin’s Mexican sibling) the place is full on a week night by 6.30 pm. And this is another Melbourne restaurant adopting the no bookings policy, which can create some stress around dining at Chin Chin.

Luckily we arrived at 6 pm and were seated within 5 minutes, although 5 minutes waiting on a freezing cold evening on Flinders lane can seem like a long time. Another note is that with the layout of the tables at Chin Chin, a group larger than four people would probably struggle to get a table without a long wait, so I advise visiting in groups of four or smaller.

The space itself it very “cool” – it has funky wallpaper and clean shiny surfaces. It feels a little upmarket without being stuffy. The place buzzes with people at the bar waiting for a table, waiters rushing around and diners chatting. In fact, combined with the music (which on my visit weirdly included music from that glorious 90s band All Saints) and the constantly ringing phone at the front desk, you almost need a paper and pen to write down what you are trying to say to your dining companion. But with atmosphere this good (and I haven’t even started on the food yet) it doesn’t really matter. I just wouldn’t recommend taking your parents/grandmother/the hearing impaired here, as they would hate it.

The wine list is ok – not a great selection by the glass, but I really liked the house wine options of a pinot gris or a pinto noir. At either $6.50 a glass or around $20 for a small carafe, they were both good quality drops at pretty reasonable prices. They also serve ice cold Beer Lao, possible the best beer in the world (in my opinion anyway). But the food really is the reason why people shiver outside on Flinders Lane waiting for a table. The entrees average around the $8 - $12 mark and the mains around the $22 - $30 mark. Sharing is encouraged, and why wouldn’t you to ensure a maximum array of amazing flavours. The spun egg rolls with crab and coconut were indescribably good. The twice cooked beef short ribs were fall-apart-tender on your fork. If anyone knows how to make meat this amazingly tender, please tell me and I will worship you. The crispy barramundi with pork was another highlight, although I must admit the pork was a little fatty. The beef salad with cherry tomatoes and PLENTY of chilli was eye wateringly hot, but loving spicy food I was happy. Oh, and even the rice is exceptionally good at Chin Chin. I have no idea what they do with it, but wow, it was delicious. My dining companions and I didn’t talk much as we all fell in love with what we were eating. And when we don’t talk, something must be up.

The service at Chin Chin was also spot on. The waiter was a little over familiar at times, but I couldn’t fault the pacing of the food or the drinks service. I even liked the little touches, such as the wine waiter wearing an apron that said “wine guy” or not being made to feel guilty about wanting tap water instead of paying through the nose for bottled.

So, with good reason, Chin Chin takes its place as one of the cities most popular restaurants. Per person our lovely meal (plus two glasses of wine each) came to around $45. For the quality of the food and service, plus the location and atmosphere, I think that is bang for your buck. The Melbourne CBD needs more restaurants like Chin Chin, that feel a bit special, have amazing food, but don’t leave you weeping at the sight of the bill. Chin Chin,I promise I will return.