REVIEW
Spice Temple is the glam Chinese diner for all occasions, from yum cha to gala banquets or zodiac-themed cocktails in the bar. An upbeat playlist sets the scene in a Sino-accented space split between a refined dining room overlooking Southbank and a basement with ample mood. Menus are typically expansive but the wine card lists just 100 labels chosen for their empathy with Asian spicing. You’ll need a drink to douse the heat from signature kung pao chicken with “heaven facing” chillies, although spicing is generally more elegant than extreme. Batons of steamed eggplant arrive beneath a tricolour of minced pork, garlic and coriander. Main-course meats, such as pork hock marinated in cassia-fragrant masterstock, tend to be standouts. A dressed-up mango pudding layered with condensed-milk chantilly is a suitably refined end to the Temple’s brand of polished Chinese.
Phone:
(03) 8679 1888
Website:
Bookings:
Bookings recommended
Features:
Licensed
Bar
Vegetarian-friendly
Wheelchair Access
Impressive Wine List
Accepted card types:
American Express
Diners Club
Eftpos
MasterCard
Visa
Chef(s):
Perry Chow & Neil Perry
This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide’s reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.
Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide
2019 Top 100 Rank – #55
Food: ★ ★
Gourmet Traveller’s star-ratings, which range from zero to three stars, reflect reviewers’ first-hand experiences. The best-rated restaurants form our national Top 100. Our wine ratings, from zero to three stars, are made by wine editor Max Allen on the strength of the quality of the restaurant’s wine list. View our rating key here.
