Chiki Chan & Hiki Bar

Overview

In October 2024, Melbourne's southeast scored a huge Asian-fusion restaurant and bar — Chicki Chan — thanks to Johnny Jong and Kelvyn Yeoh.

Jong is running the back of house as Director, leaning on his hefty 28-plus years experience to create this venture — having worked as Executive Chef at both Crown Sydney and Lucas Restaurants.

And he has enlisted the help of Yeoh to run the kitchen, who's also worked at Crown and Lucas Restaurants — overseeing venues like Chin Chin, Hawker Hall, Yakimono, and Grill Americano.

With such impressive credentials, you can't help but have high expectations for the duo's own restaurant.

Similar to Lucas Restaurants venues (where the duo previously worked and seem to have gained inspiration), Chiki Chan is big on the vibes, decking out the two-storey space with a long bar backed by wave-like walls (plus another bar in the room out back), neon artwork, polished concrete floors, screens showing futuristic videos, and pumping music. They have clearly learned a few things from the one and only Chris Lucas, making the space ooze cool.

When it comes to food, you can expect an eclectic mix of Asian-fusion eats — think Italian-style burrata with Szechuan chili oil, fennel jam and macadamias; crispy barramundi with an Asian remoulade, jalapenos and palm sugar sauce; and a coconut chantilly served with strawberry conssomme, Thai basil oil and raspberry sorbet.

Set menus are also on the docket — a necessary addition to any restaurant these days — which cost an easy $55, $65 and $85 per person.

As expected, Asian-inspired cocktails make it onto the menu alongside Aussie wines and beers on tap, either found in the restaurant or adjoining Hiki Bar. At the cocktail bar, you can also find a tapas-srtyle food offering to appease the sip and snack crowds and those waiting for a table in the main dining room.

Jong and Yeoh are ticking all the right boxes with Chiki Chan, clearly understanding how to stand out (while also fitting in enough as to not scare off customers) within Melbounre's highly competitive hospitality industry.