What you need to know about the Surry Hills location of Melbourne's famed restaurant
Anyone who's ever walked down Flinders Lane in Melbourne from 5pm would have spotted a snaking queue of people waiting for a seat at Chin Chin restaurant.
The restaurant, renowned for its modern Asian food and awesome cocktails is housed in the heritage listed 100-year-old Griffiths Teas Building in Surry Hills, not far from staples like Tio's and Hotel Hollywood.
The Venue
Designer George Livissianis has kept the heritage and character of the old Griffiths Teas Building but brought it to life with stylish new elements. The back of house, kitchen and bathrooms are designed to be dark and moody with marble, charcoal and steel. Meanwhile the restaurant utilises the original façade and large open windows with a lot of blonde wood and natural light. The trademark Chin Chin neon rabbit ears make an appearance as does work by digital artist Jason Ebeyer.
The Food
Like the original in Melbourne, Chin Chin Sydney features the same flavours with one big difference. They've installed a custom built charcoal pit and rotisserie to bring us dishes like the rotisserie pork belly with fennel plum pickle and scud chilli death sauce. Sydney Executive Chef Graeme Hunt and Head Chef Ben Torrens will be running the kitchen with the menu staying true to Chin Chin Executive Chef Benjamin Cooper's philosophy.
The Chin Chin Sydney menu is divided into Little Something, Stirfrys, Rice & Noodle, Barbecue, Curries, Salads & A Bit More and On the Side.
The Drinks
NSW wines are a major focus at Chin Chin Sydney with a list 130 strong. Five tap wines featured including Brokenwood, Yabby Lake and Jim Barry. Bartender of the Year (2016), Michael Chiem, has designed the cocktail which plays with ingredients such as coriander, chipotle and watermelon jam. They already have 450 different spirits on the back bar. The Lucas Group's (Chin Chin, Hawker Hall, Kong) own Shiki Lager, and many other 500ml bottles are available along with a special 4 Pines beer collaboration.
The Booking Policy
Mon-Fri lunch: bookings accepted for groups of all sizes
Sat-Sun lunch: bookings accepted for groups of 6 or more guests, subject to availability
Seven days dinner: bookings accepted for groups of 6 or more guests, subject to availability
All bookings for 6 or more guests must select from the Chin Chin Feed Me menus
Larger group bookings: Chef’s Table 12-16 guests, Corner Table 10-12 guests
Chin Chin Sydney
69 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills NSW
Open 7 days, 12pm - late
