chiki chan, mordialloc

18 May

With views of Mordialloc Beach, Chiki Chan could easily be mistaken as a modern Asian, fine dining experience designed just for the grownups. But that is not the case at all. Beyond the ultra modern decor and red neon accents, is a restaurant, so family coded it’ll be your next go to place to take the kids.

Let’s start with the kid’s menu - Chiki Chan’s bento boxes made specifically for little tummies make children (and adults) smile with delight as they are placed on the table. Think egg fried rice, crispy chicken, fries, Siu Mai and rolled rice noodles that Mamma kept reaching across the table for until the 6 year old said “cut it out”. Now, you know a kid’s meal is GOOD when the adults are trying to steal it.

For the grown ups, the feed-me options are the perfect way to try a selection of items from across the menu. Depending on how hungry you are, select a predetermined number of dishes from their wide selection of small plates, large plates and sides. Mamma couldn’t go past the Massaman curry, crying tiger porterhouse and pork katsu - YUM!

The thoughtful addition of kid-friendly amenities here really stick out for Mamma. With room to park the pram, a change table for babies and flip down kid’s toilet seats available in the bathroom, it’s these little touches that make families feel truly welcome at this otherwise “fancy” restaurant.

Upstairs is their private event space with beautiful arches, striking wall art, light features and bar - perfect for 1st birthday parties, christenings or school PFA events.

But Mamma may have buried the lead… Chiki Chan sits in a prime location, directly across the road from the iconic Peter Scullin Reserve Playground - one of the best beachside playgrounds in the south. So what better way to let off some of that post lunch energy than with an epic play just a few steps away.