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Silkspoon

Shop 6/500 Bourke St

Melbourne 

This is not Victor Liong’s first foray into food, in fact, you might recognize him from the beloved Lee Ho Fook, a name that has quickly become synonymous with modern Australian-Chinese fusion cuisine.

Silkspoon, his latest venture, offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience that’s perfect for a long lunch with colleagues or a casual evening out.

The venue, a balance of indoor and outdoor seating, welcomes the last rays of summer with its sun-drenched ambiance, making it THE choice as the season winds down.

Nestled above Movida Aqui and Rosa’s Canteen, Silkspoon is a hidden gem in Melbourne’s bustling CBD.

With a laid-back but markedly stylish atmosphere, this relaxed eatery is the perfect spot for city workers looking to grab a quick bite, enjoy a leisurely lunch, or unwind with a drink and a snack after a busy day. The venue’s covered outdoor space has a European café vibe.

The restaurant’s name, Silkspoon, is a nod to the ancient trade route of the Silk Road, and its menu reflects the eclectic mix of flavors that traveled along this route.

Drawing inspiration from the diverse culinary traditions of East, Central, South, and Western Asia, as well as the Middle East, the menu offers a unique fusion of tastes that are both vibrant and accessible.

While the dishes are diverse, they all share a focus on being fresh, healthy, and reasonably priced. With most dishes priced under $22.50, Silkspoon aims to deliver quality food that doesn’t break the bank.

We started with two sort-of salads; first a classic, in Bang Bang Chicken with its tender poached chicken, dressed in a rich and spicy peanut sauce that had just the right amount of kick.

The sauce, creamy and fragrant, was complemented perfectly by a scattering of crushed peanuts and fresh herbs, creating a moreish balance of textures.

Then we tried a controversial salad with fruit in it, not for everyone but definitely for me. The duck and watermelon salad had slices of crispy skin but succulent slices of duck breast placed over a bed of vibrant watermelon cubes.

The refreshing fruit provided a light contrast to the rich, smoky duck, while a sprinkling of herbs and a tangy dressing brought everything together. To start, they were a reminder of Victor Liong’s ability to bring out the best of simple ingredients with a modern twist.

This was an unexpected star of the meal. The curry pot pie came with a domed top almost the same size as the dish it sat upon. A warm, golden-brown pastry shell encased a rich and flavorful curry filling.

The curry itself was well-spiced with hints of turmeric and cumin, but not overpowering. It was hearty, like a hug in pie form, and the flaky pastry was the perfect counterpart to the rich filling, it was almost like a roti when you pulled it apart and could.

Coated in a fragrant cumin and chili rub, the lamb was tender and juicy, with just enough spice to make your taste buds wake up.

The smoky cumin flavor was prominent without overwhelming the natural richness of the lamb, while the ribs were expertly pan-fried to achieve a crispy exterior and a juicy, pink interior.

Sat on a bed of a more mediterranean ancient grain salad, chickpea salad and garlic yoghurt. The only thing was that I could’ve annihilated more of that lamb.

We also tried the Dan Dan noodles and the pan fried dumplings which were, by no means bad but compared to the top tier were very good.

The dumplings with the heritage pork added a savory depth of flavor that paired beautifully with the slight bitterness of the Chinese cabbage. The dumpling wrappers were soft, not too thick, and each bite offered a satisfying mix of textures. 

The noodles were silky strands of noodles enveloped in a spicy, garlicky sauce that carried just the right amount of heat.

The addition of minced pork added depth and heartiness, while the signature Sichuan peppercorns tingled pleasantly on the tongue, adding that unmistakable numbing spice.

CBD workers and even those looking for a rooftop vibe on a budget, listen up. Silkspoon ticks so many boxes with 5-7pm happy hour Wednesday – Friday, beer, sparkling, white and red wine for $8, or Aperol Spritz/Negroni for $10.

It wasn’t pumping when I went for a Thursday lunch so get in before people find out about it. 

Images: Supplied