Bokchoy Tang

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
If ever a restaurant was worth the trouble of finding it, it’s Bokchoy Tang. But you don’t need a treasure map to seek out this little gem – it’s on the top floor of the Crossbar building which is the black building in Federation Square. So, make the effort and hunt it out. It’s a remarkable, modern Chinese restaurant that combines tradition and innovation, even in the decor. From the entrance, a curved red wall leads guests inside to find a large, open kitchen and a spacious restaurant with a comfortable lounge and bar area. Not unlike a Chinese tea house, the dining room fuses informality with a certain elegance and is dressed up with oriental lighting, long table runners and a view over Federation Square.

The quality of the food is high – organic produce where possible, free-range poultry and eggs, and absolutely no MSG. There’s some northern influence in the cooking, which means there’s generous use of chilli in many dishes. Those who really like it hot should choose the bang bang chicken of poached chicken with chilli oil and fresh coriander. Gentler flavours include the duck spring rolls to start, or any of their wonderful dumplings. We particularly like the steamed scallops on silken tofu with baby bok choy and a light chilli sauce, and the twice-cooked duck breast, which is soft and fragrant with star anise and ginger. Too hard to choose? Try one of the banquet menus. Prices are reasonable, for wines as well. The wine list is thoughtfully chosen, and most are well suited to the style of food.

Rita Erlich, October 2008

LOCATION
Bokchoy Tang is located on Level 3 of the Crossbar at Federation Square. The Federation Square Car Park has 500 parking spaces and is accessed via the extension of Russell Street. Kings Parking at 172 Flinders Street has 1200 spaces.

DETAILS
The vast main dining room seats 200 and a further 30 can be accomodated on the terrace, which features spectacular views of the Federation Square Plaza and Melbourne’s CBD.

FOOD & BEVERAGE
Bokchoy Tang aims to introduce Melbourne to contemporary Chinese cuisine based on Northern Chinese or Yellow River cooking styles with an emphasis on steamed food, handmade noodles and seafood. Traditional cooking methods and the best quality local produce are utilised in the preparation of contemporary dishes suited to the Western palate. The absence of rice on the menu is due to the fact that it is to cold to grow rice in the north of China. Steamed & pan-fried bread replaces rice in the northern regions.The selection, preparation and sharing of food, forms an integral part of Chinese family life. The quest for quality and freshness and respect for the delicate natural flavours of each ingredient in a dish are the principles on which Chinese cuisine is based. Using these general principles and his understanding of Western culinary tastes, George Qing has been able to adapt his cooking style to suit Western palates and add to the richness and diversity of Melbourne’s restaurant scene.

FUNCTIONS
All group bookings and functions are welcome.
The restaurant has two private function rooms accomodating:
1.Up to 12
2.Up to 36
Menus can be tailored to suit the requirements of specific functions.

The Federation Square Car Park has 500 parking spaces and is accessed via the extension of Russell Street. Kings Parking at 172 Flinders Street has 1200 spaces and the Secure Car Park at 104 Flinders St has a further 800 spaces.
The restaurant can be accessed by lifts or stairs.

Federation Square can also be reached via:

TRAIN
Flinders Street Station

TRAM/BUS
Swanston and Flinders Streets routes including the free City Circle Tram

FERRY
Yarra River water taxis