The Longing Flavour — Restaurant in Melbourne

The Longing Flavour — A Cozy Spot for Authentic Chinese Eats 🇨🇳🍽

Located at 804 Swanston Street, right opposite Melbourne Uni, is a great little spot if you're craving authentic Sichuan and traditional Chinese dishes. It’s very convenient for students and locals, and known for its generous portions and comforting flavours.

We ordered a variety of dishes to share:

Sweet and Sour Pork Spare Ribs — The ribs were tender with just the right amount of meat on the bone. The sauce was well-balanced, not overly sweet or sour, making it very moreish.

Sizzling Tender Beef Slices with Capsicum and Mushroom in Oyster Sauce — Served piping hot on a sizzling plate, the beef was tender and paired nicely with the earthy mushrooms and crunchy capsicum. The oyster sauce tied everything together with a nice umami hit.

Sizzling Japanese Tofu with Diced Capsicum, Pork Mince, Onion & Chili in Special Sauce — This one was a highlight. The soft tofu soaked up all the rich, savoury sauce, and the bits of pork mince and chili added a great depth of flavour.

Mi Xian Mixed Veg with Pork Mince in Soup — A comforting bowl perfect for a cooler day. The rice noodles were silky, and the pork mince gave it a satisfying heartiness.

💬 Verdict: Portions are generous, flavours are spot-on- you just need tp , and prices are reasonable — perfect for casual dinners or uni student gatherings. While the decor is simple, the food definitely shines. Worth a visit if you're in the...

The Longing Flavour is one of those rare places that gets better every single visit. I’ve now been three times, and each time has been an absolute standout.

From the moment you step in, the atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between warm and modern—inviting without being over the top. The service is consistently attentive and friendly, making you feel genuinely looked after.

But of course, it’s the food that keeps me coming back. Every dish bursts with flavour, presented beautifully but never sacrificing authenticity or comfort. There’s a depth and balance in the seasoning that makes you linger on each bite, almost like the flavours are designed to stay with you. The menu has variety, but every choice feels like the right one—you can tell there’s passion and precision behind every plate.

After three visits, I can honestly say The Longing Flavour has become one of my favourite dining spots in Melbourne. It’s rare to find a restaurant that delivers this level of consistency in quality, service, and overall experience. If you’re looking for a place that truly lives up to its name, this is it.

Highly recommended—I’ll definitely be back for a...

Ordered delivery for the 5th time, and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had it in-store!)

Whenever I go to this restaurant, this dish is a must-order! ✨ The Japanese-style tofu is pan-fried to crispy perfection on the outside while staying silky smooth inside. It’s paired with a mildly spicy sauce that’s savory with a hint of sweetness — honestly, it makes you want to eat another bowl of rice! And the best part? It’s not greasy at all. One bite, and you’ll want a second serving 🤤

This time dining in, I also tried the menu-recommended Stir-fried Boneless Chicken with Green Chili — and wow, what a pleasant surprise! The chicken is made from deep-fried boneless thigh pieces, stir-fried till super flavorful. The aroma of green chili really kicks in, bringing just the right amount of heat.

Both dishes are super flavorful and go perfectly with rice. Portions are generous too — enough to...