China Bar Style

We had lunch there and it wasn't super busy. Food was good and service was quick. I think basic preparation of most dishes is done in advance thus it food arrived quickly. We ordered 3 dishes ($42) and pricing is not too expensive compared to the size of the dish and location. There is dedicated vegan and vegetarian menu page as well:) and plenty of options for protein eaters as well. Veggie Crispy Drumstics were good entree options.

I've mixed feelings about this place. 1. The food is good, the staff not so much. 2. The prices are reasonable ($16.5 for my food), cleanliness not so much. 3. Service is fast, but ordering process is unique. 4. Portion is good but overall satisfaction is less. The good: I ordered breef brisket and wonton noodle soup. I wasn't disappointed. It was tasty and I loved it. The bad: None of the staff even did the minimum courtesy of greeting before and after the dinner service. That doesn't mean they weren't professional, just curt and about their business. The place is busy, but that can't be an excuse. The sesame oil and fried shallots holders were unclean and greasy outside. The entrance is cramped as they've closed of on one side. I went at night, so not sure if that was the reason.

Very bad attitude of the waiter. Rude to the top of it. Kids wasn't aware about no food inside, the waiter not even greet us, he keep yapping say no food or drink inside. I told him they won't drink it and where can we put this food, to assure him that my kids won't drink their stuff from outside. He walk away. Banging plates on the table, walk off when I ask for take away container (happy to pay). I have no clue what make him think that's it's okey to do so. I was seat at the back, Saturday afternoon there's 2 staff serving but the one not wear glasses just plain full rude. Food 6/10 down the hill from previously.

The second time, I will try not to come back. Since I am new to the CBD, there is not many options to have breakfast, lunch and dinner. Not to mention some fast food brands, KFC, MCdonnal’s, Hungry Jacks or Guzman. So. I tried to get some asean food and I went to China Bar restaurant twice, which is near to my place but both times made me disappointed. Not only the restaurant smells dirty but the chopsticks, spoon was unclean. How about the food, it tasted DIRTY. I AM REALLY SORRY TO PUT THESE WORDS BUT THAT IS MY HONEST REVIEW!

If you are a chinese cuisine lover( like me) this is a must try place in Melbourne CBD. I tried their Hukkein noodle and veggie dumpling, their sauce was amazing. Inside was very busy and they had to stop service for few minutes, so probably booking would be good idea if you want to dine-in. Location however is great as you can take away (like we did) and sit across the road on campus garden overlooking the busy road with fashionistas walking by. The cost was very moderate and amazing value for its quality.

I'm writing this to warn those about their safety and also my experience. with China Bar. China Bar was always a go to, but this experience makes me never want to go back. My co-workers and I had been served by fairly rude and blatant employees for starters, we did not feel welcomed at all. I ordered the honey chicken with rice and found a cockroach in my chicken!!! I was startled and in distress, this left me and my co-workers beyond disgusted and couldn't even fathom this. The worker that we confronted did not seem shocked in the slightest, they apologised and gave us a refund. I am beyond disappointed and disturbed by this experience that it has left me anxious about what I eat from ANYWHERE now. I hope they realise that I will be taking further action to this situation with the food and safety department.