Flower Drum

Overview

Chinese food is often connoted with dirt-cheap meals, tired, worn décor and non-existent service. Flower Drum defies, and has been defying this stereotype since 1975. Internationally recognised for authentic Cantonese cuisine and exceptional service, Flower Drum's menu emphasises fresh seafood and meats with a creative modern twist. You'll find all the Cantonese classics at this lavish restaurant from silky duck wontons to steamed tofu, and delicate pieces of crab to tender Peking duck.

Flower Drum's interior reflects the restaurant's notoriety: lush red carpet, delicate wood carving in every corner and attentive, smartly dressed waiters. This little Melbourne celebrity is perfect for a special occasion or a classy night out.

We sampled the Flower Drum lunch banquet, which started with delicate seafood rice paper rolls, stuffed with scallops, king prawns, mussels, calamari and garlic, chives and Chinese broccoli. It was followed by sang choi bao and Peking duck pancakes.

The mains included a wok fried barramundi fillet which was full of spice and a crispy skinned chicken which oozed lemon juice. The saute eye fillet was the main event and was stir fried with mushrooms and soy. Dessert was a splendid baked chestnut crumble and banana fritter with ice cream.

Flower Drum is a proper Melbourne dining institution. Service has always been impeccable (expect the staff to come clean crumbs of the table with those old school brushes) and the food really won't disappoint. It's a no-brainer for those wanting classic Chinese fare in classy surrounds.