CHI BAO - Food (VIC)

4 /5 Garreth Koslowski: The cucumber salad was great, but the rest of the food wasnt anything to write home about. Friendly staff and good atmosphere make up for it though

4 /5 Ashley Starford: It had been a long time between proverbial drinks for me and Chi Bao, and I was in the mood for fresh, authentic - at least in a Chinese-Australian restaurant sense - and delicious Chinese food. I made a booking earlier in the afternoon, which turned out to be a masterstroke: many walk-in diners were either turned away or asked to join a waiting list, with the kitchen stopping orders at 9pm. Service was friendly and efficient, delivered with the requisite sit down, eat, and pay philosophy we’ve all come to find so endearing in Chinese-Australian restaurants. My drink order was taken promptly, though the orange wine listed in their fun, quirky, and trendy house-wine selection had sold out, and I was mistakenly served a second house white after asking for a house red. Food-wise, this visit was solid rather than exceptional, particularly compared with previous outings. The salt and pepper fish is a curious new addition, though it leaned a touch dry. The vegetarian dumplings - famously handmade (as are all their dumplings, to my knowledge; you can often see someone folding them through the window) - were dependable as ever, while the spring onion pancake arrived slightly burnt. Still, these were dishes I ate with the enthusiasm and gusto they deserved. I’ll be back, but probably not for another year.

5 /5 Rain: We visited chi bao off the street and oh boy Im glad we did. Devine food, great service, varied menu, plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. The meal came out quickly and the staff were attentive. They can also split bills evenly. Definitely check this place out if youre in the area.

4 /5 Rosie: Loved the bar seating, the menu was pretty small and simple, loved seeing the open kitchen and the aunties wrapping the well loved dumplings and baos by hand. The duck fried rice caught my eye, the pork belly make your own baos were beautiful and the chicken ribs you can’t go wrong for a snack. Yom yom yom I was a happy Chinese gal during this meal, hit all the right spots, all the dishes were tasty and made well, very content. I would’ve say mind blowing but I wasn’t disappointed. Chefs kiss!

5 /5 Baylee Byres: I always love coming here. The food is always fresh and the portion sizes are generous. I esepcially love the working atmosphere in here, the staff are super polite and the chefs always look to be so composed and lively at the same time. It’s a lovely place to be!