Flower Drum, Melbourne Vic: Restaurant review

Melbourne’s Cantonese institution turns 50 this year and remains as opulent as ever. Its multi-page menu, with elegant dim sum alongside esoteric delights from land and sea, can be overwhelming, so be sure to consult the impeccably polished waitstaff for advice on what’s good that day. Shimmering Paspaley pearl meat, tossed with garlic chive and asparagus, arrives in-shell, while a crisp lamb spring roll echoes a Sunday roast with gravy. Har gow and shumai dumplings are emoji-perfect, barbecue char siu pork is sweet and thrillingly tender. Peking duck is silver-served at the table, a playful illustration rendered charmingly in hoi sin on the plate. Even tofu shines, expertly sliced and paired with pumpkin purée. The crimson-carpeted dining room is an ’80s Hong Kong fever dream and it helps to be a politician or visiting oligarch to score a prime table. But the experience? World-class, yet singularly Melbourne. Here’s to another five decades.

Price Guide

$$$$

Bookings

Essential

Wheelchair Access

Yes

Opening Hours

Lunch Mon-Sat; Dinner daily

The Gourmet Traveller Team

Gourmet Traveller is Australia’s trusted authority on food, travel and luxury lifestyle, bringing the latest news and trends to life through quality journalism, enticing recipes and evocative photography. For more than 55 years, it has been inspiring and informing Australians with the best in cooking, dining, travelling and shopping. Our critics bring the expertise of years of critical eating, drinking and writing to the table. Plus, as the country’s leading title in the luxury sector, Gourmet Traveller works closely with Australia’s leaders in the travel and hospitality industries to give our readers exclusive access. The Gourmet Traveller legacy is one of trust, prestige and relevance.

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