Restaurant Review: Mr Huang Jin

Location: Ground Floor, Rialto Building, 525 Collins Street, Melbourne

Phone: 03 9077 7937 

Cuisine: Asian, Taiwanese, Yum Cha

Overall Impression: 8/10

With chefs from Din Tai Fung, the legendary Taipei-based global chain, it is not surprising that Mr Huang Jin has rapidly gained a cult following.

Casual sophistication is the name of the game, with the triple height ceiling paying homage to Mr Huang Jin's Rialto Towers location. 

The immaculately made xiao long bao are perfection. Showcasing the skill of the chefs, the xiao long bao skins are elastic, translucent, of consistent thickness and don't tear or unravel. In order to achieve such results, incredible discipline and extreme quality control are prerequisites. 

The pan-fried chicken dumplings, which we are told are the latest addition to the menu, were equally impressive. As were the potstickers, which had beautifully silky skins and perfectly crispy bases. The lemon grass chicken dumplings were also of note - bursting with a deliciously complex splash of lemon grass, they were an absolute delight. 

We also had some beautiful rice paper rolls. Once again, these were bursting with freshness and were finely assembled. 

The Taiwanese tapas were lovely with wine - and you definitely can't go wrong with Taiwanese fried chicken. A popular dish in Taiwanese cuisine and the mainstay of Taiwanese night markets, Taiwanese fried chicken is a very guilty but delicious pleasure. 

Mr Huang Jin’s rendition of the Taiwanese Fried Chicken is commendable - beautifully balanced from the use of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, rice wine and five-spice. 

Our dining experience at Mr Huang Jin ended with classic Taiwanese pan fried buns filled with brown sugar and walnuts. These are pillow-soft in places and crispy in others, and are filled with a sweet, warm, nutty filling. 

While many Chinese restaurants in Melbourne serve xiao long bao, Mr Huang Jin’s variety are a cut above. The fillings are lean, not fatty, and the technique used to produce them is impeccable. Aside from dumplings, Mr Huang Jin serves up a delicious mix of Taiwanese main courses and tapas offerings. Combined with the stylish location, excellent drinks menu and warm service, Mr Huang Jin is a compelling lunch and dinner time destination.

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Mr Huang Jin.