LOCATIONMelbourne's Chinatown.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAOpen since 1980 in the ever busy Chinatown district, Shark Fin Inn has remained a favourite despite some strong neighbouring contenders. Little has changed since its opening and though the decor has seen better days and some might argue the service has slipped a little of late, the authentic Cantonese-style cooking from chef Tak Kwan Chan has remained a consistent winner. Prices have thankfully remained low and the atmosphere is still relaxed with staff on hand for recommendations.
At lunchtime you can’t go past Shark Fin Inn’s yum cha, or their namesake dish of shark fin soup (made with the fins of various shark species and believed to posses healing qualities). In the evening start with an entree of crispy spring rolls, or the sauteed minced seafood combination wrapped in lettuce. Follow with a selection of chef’s suggestions that might include honey-glazed pork spare ribs with vintage port wine sauce, or roast crispy skinned pigeon served with a lemon wedge and spicy salt. Fresh seafood is also a must here with live Queensland mud crab, lobster and other fish varieties available from the large fish tanks and cooked by the chef to your liking. Finish with almond bean curd and mixed fruit salad.
Veda Wickens