Coming Soon: Melbourne Icon Lee Ho Fook Is Bringing Its Two-Hatted Chinese Cuisine to Sydney, Opening at The Porter House Hotel
Often credited with redefining Chinese-Australian cuisine, renowned chef Victor Liong is ready to introduce his attention-grabbing dishes to a Sydney crowd.
The term institution gets thrown around perhaps more than it should, but one restaurant that embodies the word and all its meaning is Lee Ho Fook. Founded over a decade ago in Melbourne by celebrated chef Victor Liong, the two-hatted landmark has played a pivotal role in redefining Chinese cuisine in Australia. Now the restaurant is ready to turn the page on a new chapter, announcing a soon-to-open outpost in Sydney at The Porter House Hotel.
Launching on Wednesday, September 17, Lee Ho Fook will join an already impressive lineup of dining destinations within the neighbouring precinct. Guided by hospitality operator Trippas White Group, guests encounter European deli charm at Porter House Grounds & Cellar Door, rooftop cocktails at Bar See See and pan-Asian inspiration at Moutai. Yet the arrival of Lee Ho Fook is set to add a heap more culinary weight thanks to its prestige reputation.
"Our aim has always been to create food that's delicious, engaging and a little unexpected," says Liong. "Lee Ho Fook in Sydney will continue to respect the foundations of Chinese cooking while presenting them through a contemporary Australian lens — refined yet warm, with service that makes you feel like you've found a place you'll keep coming back to."
The Sydney iteration will carry on Lee Ho Fook's celebration of China's diverse regional cuisine, with Liong bringing an elegantly simple flair to the equation. Expect signature small plates like prawn toast with Tasmanian sea urchin, and its acclaimed crispy eggplant with spiced red vinegar. Meanwhile, mains at the new restaurant will include Kung Pao Skull Island prawns, and steamed Glacier 51 Toothfish with silken tofu.
An experienced team supports Liong's vision in both front and back of house. In the kitchen, Head Chef Brad Guest brings vast experience working alongside leading culinary names like Martin Benn, Neil Perry, Daniel Puskas, Clare Smyth and Pasi Petӓnen. Then, Victor's sister Nianci takes up the reins as restaurant manager, drawing on years of experience working in renowned eateries like Momofuku Seiobo, Fred's, King Clarence and Sokyo.
Though Lee Ho Fook is making its move north, the design of the Sydney outpost will maintain its Melbourne aesthetic. Think raw brickwork and deep-toned polished timber floors set against neon lights and moody red and brass accents. With the restaurant's launch only a few weeks away, Lee Ho Fook will be open for lunch from Wednesday–Sunday and dinner from Monday–Saturday. Bookings are now open.
Lee Ho Fook - The Porter House Hotel is expected to open on Wednesday, September 17, at 203 Castlereagh St, Sydney. Head to the website for more information.
Images: Parker Blain.
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