If you’re looking for a delicious meal with a theatrical twist and a restaurant with great vibes in Melbourne, look no further than CHA CHING.

A friend of mine from Melbourne was kind enough to recommend this to us, and it was an excellent way to start our short stay. After flying down early on Monday morning and spending the day at the MCG, we were ready for a big feed, and boy did we get it!

I booked a spot at the restaurant beforehand, and landed a spot at the bar. Thank goodness I did, because the place was packed! Sitting so close to all the action was a little intimidating at first, but we soon settled in and chatted with the bartender who was feverishly working on the epic drinks they serve.

Hungry and excited to be back in the big city, we decided on our order pretty quickly. We chose their ‘Feed Me Now’ combination for $54.90 per person, and got four starters, four mains, and three sides.

Our Order:

Drinks

• Bubblegum cocktail x2 ($21.00)
• Banoffee Brûlée ($23.00)
• Cha Ching Me On ($22.00)

Starters & Sides

• Wagyu cheeseburger spring rolls
• Cha Ching pork bao x2
• Pan seared scallops
• Jasmine rice and Roti
  

Mains

• Wok Tossed Winter Greens
• Drunken chicken
• Five Spice Crispy Pork belly
• Wagyu Beef Char Kway Teow

Service was very quick as the staff worked the busy restaurant, and got our drinks to us right away. Part of the appeal of such a gorgeous spot is not only the food itself but the overall dining experience, and they certainly gain some extra points for their theatrical approach to drinks.

Mum and my sister ordered the Bubblegum cocktail, which came with a fun bubble on top. My own cocktail had a delicious coconut foam, while my sister’s friend had a gorgeous blue orchid atop hers.

We weren’t waiting long for the food either, as the starters came out moments later. Mouthwatering, I barely remembered to take photos before we started eating!

The Pork belly and Winter Greens were definitely my favourites, with melt in your mouth meat and delicious greens. The sauce with the wok-tossed veggies was thick and flavourful, while the pork belly was served with a gorgeous glaze and spicy green apple slaw that complimented the meat perfectly.

My sister ordered the drunken chicken, and we loved the soft and succulent chicken served with a tasty sauce. This was a little plainer for my tastes, especially amidst the sea of flavour-filled treats, but still so good!

My Wagyu noodles were great, though I was getting seriously full by the time I got to eat it! The noodles are rolled up into chewy mouthfuls that hold the sauce so well, while the Wagyu was just delicious. We really are so spoiled for choice here!

The rice and roti were a welcome addition too, soaking up the delicious sauces and beefing out the meals. We probably could have gone without these in the end, as we filled up quickly, but I know my little brother would always eat way more, so it’s good to have as an option depending on what people need.

When I made the booking I also wrote that it was for my sister’s birthday, just to make sure I fulfilled my annoying elder sister duties.

When we first walked in and took our seat at the bar, the speakers began to blare with ‘Happy Birthday’ and the servers brought out a plate with a dessert for the lady nearby. Knowing this was coming for my sister too, I kept quiet until the end of our meal when it happened for us too. She was horribly embarrassed and could not believe I’d done it, but ultimately I think she was pleased with the funny encounter.

Dessert for her was a coconut panna cotta, which is not usually her cup of tea. She had a tiny bite but let the rest of us enjoy it while she ate the chocolate covered strawberries.

All in all, it was a great meal, and one that we worried we wouldn’t be able to top later on. With something for everyone, I cannot recommend this joint enough!

I will warn you to book in advance, as it was packed even on a Monday night. The restaurant isn’t very large either, so it’s unlikely you’ll be able to walk in and find a table.

For Melbourne, the prices were good and the food was amazing so I can guarantee you’ll leave the restaurant satisfied and more than pleased with your evening!

Cha Ching Rating – 10/10