Melbourne Through Khanh Ong’s Eyes: His Guide to the Best Spots

Khanh Ong, Melbourne chef and media personality, knows the city inside out—and he’s got the tips, quirks, and personal favourites to prove it. From his go-to food spots and favourite Melbourne labels to how he hosts out-of-towners, Khanh’s infectious energy perfectly matches the city’s vibrant culture.

Whether it’s a dreamy lobster jaffle at Pearl Diver, a market-inspired picnic, an easy weekday meal at home, or a night out mixing high fashion with arcade games, his Melbourne is all about fun, flavour, and friendship.

Read on to explore the best of Melbourne through Khanh's favourite eats, stylish haunts, and weekend must-dos.

If you could only eat at one Melbourne restaurant for the rest of your life, which one would it be and why?

"Flower Drum. Full stop, no need for explanation."

17 Market Lane, Melbourne 

Where’s your go-to spot for the perfect cup of coffee, and how do you take it?

"Ciel Cafe if I’m walking to the South Melbourne Market; if I’m lazy, then it’s Mr Summit Cafe in Southbank. I’ll go for a long mac with regular milk or a long black if I’m feeling a bit destructive (even though it has less caffeine than a long mac!)."

Ciel Cafe, 48 Cecil Street, Southbank

Mr Summit Cafe, 165 City Road, Southbank 

What’s your ultimate Melbourne weekend itinerary—morning to night—when you’ve got friends visiting from out of town?

"I forcibly take all my friends to Strong Richmond for a workout if they are staying at mine. That would be first up! Then it’s a walk to the South Melbourne Market for some ingredient shopping and snacks: veggie spring rolls from Mama Trans, fresh oysters from Aptus, and a dim sim for good measure. We hit the cheese room at Emerald Deli (ask for Maria—she’ll hook you up with meats and snacks), pastries from Agathe, and baguettes from Woodfrog."

Strong Richmond, 344 Swan Street, Richmond 

South Melbourne Market, 322-326 Coventry Street, South Melbourne

"From there, we'd make our way along the Yarra to Treasury Gardens or head to Abbotsford Convent for a picnic with our market finds. TBH this would just be so I can look at dogs! Afterward, we might wander through the city laneways for coffee or a treat on our way home. If we’re in the mood for a cocktail, Arbory’s the spot for sunset drinks—just a 10-minute walk from mine."

1 Flinders Walk, Melbourne

"Next, it’s time to change for dinner. We could go to Gimlet or Yakimono, Serai, The Hardware Club, Supernormal, or Di Stasio…honestly, the list goes on! Assuming it’s Saturday night, we’ll do a quick stop at Siglo for a Dirty Martini and end the night dancing at Poof Doof, watching our favourite queens like Jimi the Kween, and immersing ourselves in Melbourne’s queer community."

"On Sunday morning, I’ll be making something fun for brunch like a green curry omelette with a herb salad or some loaded pasta—whatever carbs I find. At midday, a walk to LUME to see whatever exhibition is on (I can spend hours there!)."

"The afternoon looks like a swim at Crown Towers—maybe a spa, massage, or facial—followed by a lap of the Tan before we make our way north to Cutler and Co, Marion, Bar Liberty, Poodle, or Alta Trattoria for dinner. We could even hit two venues—one for snacks and one for something more substantial! Finish with Pidapipo Gelateria on the way home since we’re already northside, right?"

Melbourne is a city of hidden gems. What’s the most underrated spot that you think everyone should know about? 

"Pearl Diver in the CBD (oyster cocktail bar). The best lobster jaffle ever, the small plates are great, and the cocktails are better. If you see me there, I’m probably on a date—it's my favourite place to show someone."

As a fashion-forward city, how would you describe your Melbourne style, and where do you shop for your signature looks?

"My style is all over the place, but I do a lot of black and neutrals being Melbourne-based. For relaxed tailoring, go to Calibre, Silk Laundry, and Effie Kats customs (I’m lucky enough to call her a friend). The more playful side of me spends time in vintage stores around Fitzroy/Carlton.

I tend to be a little more adventurous these days—loud colours, bigger silhouettes, and more mesh. That said, nothing beats a black tailored high-waisted pant, a well-fitted tee or singlet, and a cropped blazer or bomber."

Where’s your top spot in Melbourne for authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and what’s the dish that brings you right back to your roots?

"GO TO SPRINGVALE! Ok, I never know the names of any of the venues, but go on the weekend and just look where people line up and order what you see other people order. With Springvale, it’s not one place that does all the dishes well. Each restaurant is known for one or two dishes. Mum would take me to one for broken rice, another for banh xeo, another for pho…you get it."

If you had to create a dish encapsulating Melbourne’s essence, what ingredients would you use, and what would you call it?

"Right now? It has to be a toastie or a big sandwich, right? Melbourne is loving the carbs, which I’m all for. Being a melting pot of different cultures, maybe it’s a Kim Chi, lamb off the spit like in a Gyros, with a generous amount of mozzarella, cucumber in a banh mi with chilli crunch oil and fresh Thai basil. Wait, I’m going to make that.

A name? That’s not important, just ask for my banh mi. I’m actually going to try this and see if it tastes like trash."

You’re known for your love of food and your infectiously fun personality—what’s your favourite way to spend a night out in Melbourne, and what makes it unforgettable?

"People make it unforgettable. I like doing stupid, silly things with close friends. For example, going to a super casual BYO hotpot in Chinatown but being in black tie and gowns, then going to Archie Brothers and spending an hour losing every single game."

What’s one thing about living in Melbourne that always makes you feel at home, no matter how far you've travelled?

"This is a dumb answer, but the view from my apartment at night. I live 70 floors up and have views of the entire city. The city twinkles at night, and you can see our CBD’s grid from the car lights that look like white ants in a row. I can see Fed Square, and that feels like Melbourne. I like watching activations come and go. I can see the screens in the MCG when there’s a game on from my place. I can even see the tops of the high rises out in Box Hill and the curve of our bay all the way to Williamstown. When I come home, I see Melbourne and I love it."

What is your favourite meal to cook at home at the moment? 

"I'm all about convenience right now. I’ve been travelling a lot and not having much time at home. I’ve been going for quick recipes that are tasty, easy, and also don’t allow for much waste since I'm usually not home for more than a few days at a time.

The Birdseye Deli range is a lifesaver for this reason. The whiting is great in a fish burger with some steamed veg on the side. The barramundi is perfect in a taco with cabbage slaw, or honestly, even some simple fish and chips using the hoki with golden ale beer batter chips and a super fresh salad is a game changer."

If you've been inspired by Khanh's take on the quintessential Melbourne lifestyle, you’ll love diving into our curated list of the city’s hottest new restaurants, bars, and cafes. More low-key and looking for easy at-home dinner inspiration? The new Birdseye Deli range has you sorted.