Goldie Canteen Is Melbourne's New Mod-Asian Tuck Shop with Bubble Tea Cocktails

The familiar flavours of Asia have been given a Melbourne-inspired revamp, for newly hatched CBD eatery Goldie Canteen. From its funkily dressed home at the entrance of the new Novotel Melbourne Central, this vibrant all-day diner is dishing up a playful mod-Asian offering, proving it's not afraid to break with tradition.

Helmed by Executive Chef Michael Smith (former head chef at both Tonka and Mamasita), the menu's packed full of bold flavours and tweaks on classics. Breakfast hits include the likes of a scrambled egg, mushroom and fermented soybean toastie ($9), and peking duck-inspired brekkie bao ($7), while an all-day offering of crepes features fillings like banana and Nutella, or Chinese doughnut with egg and spring onion.

Kate Shanasy

Also keeping the fun running from morning till night is a lineup of baos — think, crispy chicken with Sriracha kewpie and pickled veg (two for $15) — dumplings and toasties, the latter stuffed with the likes of char siu pork ($12), panko chicken ($12) and braised beef ($12). Another, sandwiched with a glorious combination of peking duck, hoi sin and noodles ($14), is sure to delight everyone's inner child.

Kate Shanasy

Things are just as creative in the drinks department, with a range of bubble tea concoctions, both non-alcoholic and booze-infused. After-hours bao sessions call for sips like the Peach Surprise ($16), blending peach nectar, bourbon and black tea, or perhaps the Goldie Signature ($16) — with plum wine, lychee liqueur, peppermint, apple and a sprinkle of gold flakes. Kidults — and inner children — will also be excited Ocean Bomb's range of Pokémon-themed sodas, which are plastered with Pikachu, Pokéballs and Psyduck.

Find Goldie Canteen + Brews at 399 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. It's open from 7am–8pm daily. 

Images: Kate Shanasy.