MELBOURNE | RuYi Modern Chinese began life in 2013 as a high-end dumpling and noodle focused restaurant, and has evolved over that time into something much more. I recently visited for What’s On Melbourne to find out more about its current incarnation.
The restaurant was started by owner/head chef Sheng Fang, looking to move out of his career in IT and follow his passion for Chinese cooking, and noodles in particular. He soon started selling his noodles and other products like sauces and dumplings to restaurants. It wasn’t long until Sheng decided to open his own restaurant with his wife, Qian Qian Luo-Fang, and RuYi was born.
The space is modern and welcoming. Small, bright, and open, with lots of natural sunlight. Natural materials inform the fitout, which is clean and simple. All plates, water glasses, bowls and water pitchers are custom made by Melbourne ceramic artist Andrei Davidoff.
At RuYi, Sheng shares his family stories, and his own history, which has taken him from China to Japan, Fiji, and Melbourne. It’s food that’s putting a different spin on things than most Chinese restaurants. Dishes that are rooted in history, presented with twists and contemporary flair.
Chilli wontons are filled with free range pork and shepherd’s purse, in a fragrant broth of garlic, soy, and chili oil. Citrus scent soft shell crab is found inside airy fried egg white batter, with caramelised citrus sauce, and lemon zest. Peking duck is succulent and thinly sliced, wrapped in thin pancakes with cucumber, spring onion, and hoi sin
On the drinks men it’s a selection of Australian and European wines, with a decent number available by the glass and as half bottles. There’s a small beer and Mars whisky list, and cocktails that have been designed in conjunction with the food menu. Try the 5 Spice Old Fashioned. A twist on the classic with dark rum, house 5 spice syrup, and orange bitters.
RuYi Modern Chinese
16 Liverpool Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia
Telephone: (03) 9090 7778
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Tue – Thu: 5:30pm to 10:00pm
Fri: 5:30pm to 11:00pm
Sat: 5:00pm to 11:00pm