From green tea tofu bao buns to ginger cocktails with coconut and coriander to lobster rolls with curry crisps…Experience the top Asian fusion in Melbourne.
What is Asian Fusion?
Well, let us enlighten you to your new favourite cuisine. Think of it as combining all the best bits of Asian food with Western elements, a modern twist on tradition that’ll leave you wanting more. Ever wondered how matcha would go in a burger bun? Well, now you can! It can also be a meal combination that takes features from various types of Asian cuisine, such as combining local street food from Bangkok with Vietnamese. Expect trendy interiors (as good as the city’s laneways), fun vibes and groundbreaking menus, as each venue gives off a hole-in-the-wall atmosphere despite usually having a mass following on Instagram.
Melbourne’s food scene is packed with new places to eat – here’s our top 4 Asian fusion eateries you need to try in Melbourne.
#1 Supernormal
Location: 180 Flinders Lane, 3000 Melbourne
Opening times: Monday to Sunday: 12pm – 10pm
Supernormal showcases exceptional execution; its sophisticated, yet unassuming interior, a visible kitchen, and that unique charm characteristic of chef-restaurateur Andrew McConnell’s establishments.
The menu reflects a strong Chinese influence, a nod to McConnell’s experiences in Shanghai and Hong Kong, featuring items like dumplings, bao, and Szechuan-spiced brisket. Korean and Japanese culinary elements are also prominent, with dishes such as Korean BBQ pork shoulder, skewered meats, kimchi, and ramen served during lunch. The dessert offerings are innovative and delightful. Fans of McConnell’s Golden Fields era will appreciate the inclusion of classics like lobster rolls and peanut butter parfait.
#2 Hochi Mama
Location: 11 – 15 Liverpool Street, Melbourne
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 10pm
Friday: 12pm – 3pm & 5pm – 10:30pm
Saturday: 5pm – 10:30pm
Sunday: 6pm – 10pm
90’s hip hop and Vietnamese fusion…we’ve bet we’ve sparked your interest with this one. With exposed brick walls with street art and neon lights, Hochi Mama offers a contemporary dining experience with a killer menu that reminds you of home. Think vegan Peking duk wraps, eggplant rice paper rolls, green tea tofu baos, Ho chi fried chicken…
Known best for their ‘Me Hungry Now’ deal, it’s $32.50 per person at lunch or $34.50 each for dinner. Between two you get 2 small dishes, two large, and one side dish. It’s super affordable for what you get, and if there’s more of you (at least 6) you can have a banquet feast of $49.50 each. Their menu is designed to share, but you’ll be wanting each meal all to yourself after just one spoonful. Not to mention their creative cocktails which a staff member can help pair with your meals. Try the Tokyo Drift or Lycheezy!
#3 Gingerboy
Location: 27 Crossley Street, Melbourne
When:
Monday to Saturday: 12pm – 2:30pm & 5:30pm – Late
Sunday: 12pm – 2:30pm
Fiery, edgy and sleek. Those are the words that come to mind when we hear the term Gingerboy. Inspired by the street food of hawker markets in places like Bangkok, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpar, the dining experience gives off that same energy and punch of flavour you’d expect to find at the real deal. Mixing red and black as their key colours with ambient lighting, Gingerboy successfully pulls off a nightclub vibe whilst remaining classy.
You have to try the son in law egg with chilli jam and Asian herbs, Thai red duck leg curry with hot and sour coconut salad as well as the warm ginger pudding with spiced rum caramel. Their cocktail list is derived off key street market flavours, we’re fans of the Thai Moon, a tequila cocktail with chilli-coconut shrub, palm sugar, coriander, citrus and ginger beer!
#4 Mrs Singh
Location: 88 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
When:
Monday to Wednesday: 11:30am – 2:30pm & 5pm – 11pm
Thursday to Saturday: 11:30am – 2:30pm & 5pm – 1am
Sunday: 4pm – 11pm
Prepare for your tastebuds to be exposed to a whole new world of flavours at Mrs Singh, an Indian joint that fuses with Australian, European and American influences. With subtle hanging plants, warm lighting and plush booths, Mrs Singh emulates class as it showcases its 220 wines. In fact, there’s a wine shop attached to buy a bottle yourself if you find a new favourite. Get lost in the extensive list or try their take in cocktails, the Shimala Cup is a mix of bourbon, chai masala syrup and bitters. Now for the food…Have a go at their lobster roll accompanied with curry crisps or their unauthentic butter chicken! We highly recommend having the thali at lunch. At just $25 you can try a range of dishes like slow cooked goat curry, black lentil dahl and punjabi kahdi. Or you can have the vego alternative!
