I’ve never been a fan of Chinese food (actually technically that’s not true, one of my old friends is half-Chinese and his Mum always makes amazing dishes), my only Chinese restaurant experiences had been bowls of gluggy, MSG-filled, deep fried food.
Before Ruyi. This place has completely changed my perspective. After hearing about the Hecker Guthrie fit-out and checking out their website I was keen to push my Chinese food judgement aside and give Ruyi a chance.
My initial concern on entering the quiet restaurant was quickly extinguished by Asahi happy hour and the arrival of a few more tables which simply added atmosphere to the gorgeous space. Not only does the restaurant itself look amazing with its minimalist and almost Japanese-style interior design but every dish is presented beautifully on stoneware plates.
Owners Qian Qian Luo-Fang and Sheng Fang’s passion for regional Chinese cuisine is not only evident in their well considered menu but also in choosing the best local, premium quality ingredients to showcase their cooking style.
Owners Qian Qian Luo-Fang and Sheng Fang
Ruyi’s menu is perfect for sharing. The first time I came here with a group we didn’t even get to the mains section due to the entrees being so plentiful and generous in serving size. We sampled: every flavour of dumpling, Peking Duck pancake cones, Schezuan eggplant strips and crispy chicken wings (marinated overnight in master stock and SO flavoursome).
Fried chicken wings (foreground) with handmade won tons in chilli sauce (background)
Peking Duck Cones
On my second visit with a friend, there were a few new additions to the menu including the most delicately fried silken tofu that literally melted in your mouth, flavoursome and fragrant Szechaun pepper coated “tingling” prawns, and despite our claim of being “too full” we managed to squeeze in a delicious (and light) sago pudding which finished off the experience nicely.
Fried tofu with Szechaun mayonnaise
Sago pudding
Ruyi really is a stunning, affordable and aesthetically pleasing addition to Melbourne’s restaurant scene, so I hope this review inspires others to give it a go.
Be brave Melbourne. It’s Chinese food but not as you know it.
AM
(All images supplied by Ruyi)
Trading hrs: Monday-Wednesday 11.30am-3pm, 5.30pm-10pm; Thursday and Friday 11.30am-3pm, 5.30pm-late; Saturday 5.30pm-late
Menu link: Ruyi Menu
Bookings: eat@ruyi.com.au
Address: 16 Liverpool Street, Melbourne
Ph: (03) 9090 7778
Website: http://ruyi.com.au/
Facebook: Ruyi-melbourne
Twitter: @ruyimelbourne
Instagram: @ruyimelbourne
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Please note that prices, menu items, management or trading hours may have varied since time of review. Our thoughts and opinions are based on our experience only.
