MELBOURNE | Rose Lane has become quite a hotspot for under the radar, quality Asian eats in recent years. One of the most recent spots to open there is Cantonese eatery Mandarin Food Store, which I recently visited for What’s on Melbourne.
Opening Mandarin Food Store was an unexpected turn for owner Jenny Ma, who also owns Common Place Coffee Brewers next door. During COVID, the sandwich shop which stood where Mandarin Food Store is, closed down, and Jenny took over the lease for storage. Lockdowns ended, and the landlord wanted something more to be done with the space. Jenny, who’s originally from Hong Kong, became aware of a well regarded old school Cantonese chef who was looking for work, and so Mandarin Food Store was born.
Jenny, who has a background working as a flight attendant and in customer-facing banking roles, brings those years of customer service to Mandarin Food Store. She’s passionate about the eatery, the authentic Cantonese food being served, and the popularity of her venue that’s proven a hit with expats from Hong Kong and Guangdong.
The menu is filled with delicious, affordable favourites. It’s a great option for a quick takeaway lunch, or a sit-down share plate dinner with friends. Dishes include things like grilled pork chop with scallion oil on rice, stir-fried pipis with black bean and chilli, and wonderfully saucy claypot braised brisket with rice. Spicy claypot eggplant with salted fish, and minced pork, is a personal favourite of mine.
Drinks are limited to a few soda options in a bar fridge, but you’re more than welcome to grab a (non-alc, the space isn’t licensed) drink from next door or one of the many other spots on Rose Lane, and bring it over to enjoy with your meal.
Oh and if, like me, you’re wondering why a Cantonese restaurant is called Mandarin Food Store, there’s a family story behind it involving Jenny’s daughter. If you see Jenny when you’re there, ask her about it.
Mandarin Food Store
30 Rose Lane
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia
Telephone: 0408 606 433
E-mail: n/a
Website
Open
Mon – Sat: 11:00am to 9:30pm