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Restaurant

Ayam Chef

67-69 Coventry St, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia

Recommended by 73 people

Updated

Find Ayam Chef

67-69 Coventry St, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia

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+61 3 9681 4480
HoursMonday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:15 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:45 PM, 5:00 – 9:15 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:45 PM, 5:00 – 9:15 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:45 PM, 5:00 – 9:15 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 9:15 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 2:45 PM, 5:00 – 9:15 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Ayam Chef

Ayam Chef delivers homestyle Malaysian feasts built for sharing, anchored by serious wok hei. Forget solo noodle bowls—the Southbank room fills with families and groups passing platters across the table. regulars swear by the San Low bee hoon, pressed flat against the metal until the noodles pick up a delicate charred crust, and the crackling salted egg chicken ribs coated in rich umami. Piping-hot sizzling tofu and steamed whole barramundi round out the spread, alongside chilled bottles of Adelaide Hills chardonnay.

  • San Low Bee Hoon: Rice vermicelli pressed against the wok until charred and crisp on the edges, loaded with smoky aroma.
  • Communal Shared Plates: A menu tailored for group dining, focusing on generous platters of sizzling tofu and salted egg chicken rather than solo hawker fare.
  • Wine Pairings: Full wine service featuring chilled Australian bottles paired alongside spicy, umami-rich mains.
RestaurantMalaysianRestaurant

What's On at Ayam Chef

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Diners Choose Ayam Chef

Discover why diners gather at Ayam Chef for authentic wok-hei specialties, communal home-style cooking, and welcoming hospitality.

  • Communal Shared-Plate Dining

    Diners can share a wide variety of generous Malaysian wok mains, sizzling tofu, and seafood designed specifically for group tables rather than isolated hawker bowls.

    Shared plates and dishes rather than hawker fare.

    Suan Yeo

  • Family-Friendly Shared Favorites

    Tables can comfortably host multi-generational family meals with dishes like sizzling tofu and steamed barramundi that delight both adults and kids.

    Sizzling tofu* – so yummy, instant favorite 🔥 kids also enjoy it.

    Mellisia

  • Nostalgic Taste of Home

    For diners missing home or seeking authentic Southeast Asian flavors in Melbourne, the kitchen recreates beloved home-cooked comfort dishes.

    I was craving for some food that taste like home and safe to say it hits the spot!

    Yvonne Lim

  • Warm Celebratory Hospitality

    Whether gathering with colleagues or organizing family milestone events, guests enjoy dependable, warm hospitality in an inviting dining room.

    We recently had a surprise birthday party for my fiancé and the staff were so incredibly supportive and wonderful!

    Kaajal Ch

  • Charred San Low Bee Hoon with Wok Hei

    The kitchen presses rice vermicelli to achieve a distinct charred exterior crust packed with intense wok aroma.

    The unique aspect of this plate of noodles is the charred exterior that’s evident in every bite.

    melbournecitay

  • Chilled Wine Pairing Experience

    Guests can elevate traditional Malaysian main courses with curated wine selections served right at the table.

    We particularly enjoyed pairing our food with a chilled bottle of Haselgrove wine.

    Lina Meier

Beloved Malaysian communal staples celebrated for authentic flavours and wok hei

  • Sizzling Tofu

    The sizzling tofu is to die for, definitely top 3 Malaysian cuisine (in terms of main dishes) in Melbourne

    Ray J. B.

  • San Low Bee Hoon

    The unique aspect of this plate of noodles is the charred exterior that’s evident in every bite. I suspect they press noodles at the very end to create a slightly crispy noodle texture, while also infusing a strong “wok hei” (smell of the wok). Just amazing stuff.

    melbournecitay

  • Salted Egg Chicken Ribs

    Salted egg chicken ribs – crispy, chewy, and addictive

    Mellisia

  • Nyonya Chicken

    The Nyonya chicken was crispy, moist, tangy and spicy.

    Eugene Khoo

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the menu designed for individual dining or shared family-style dishes?

The menu leans toward home-style communal dishes meant for the table to share—such as sizzling tofu, San Low fried bee hoon, salted egg chicken ribs, and steamed fish—rather than quick individual hawker bowls. Bringing a group allows you to sample across the different stir-fries, seafood, and poultry options.

Are there kid-friendly dishes on the menu?

Yes. Several popular house dishes cater well to younger palates, with diners frequently highlighting the sizzling tofu and steamed barramundi as big hits with kids.

Is parking readily available nearby?

Yes, street parking is available along the street outside the venue. The restaurant also has parking options including free street parking, paid street parking, and a free parking lot.

Does the restaurant cater well to vegetarians?

While there are some vegetarian options available on the menu, vegetarian selections are relatively limited compared to the extensive meat and seafood offerings.

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