Restaurant
Gai Wong
Shop 1/5-17 Flemington Rd, North Melbourne VIC 3051, Australia
Find Gai Wong
Shop 1/5-17 Flemington Rd, North Melbourne VIC 3051, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Gai Wong
Flemington Road regulars know Gai Wong for cold-poached Hainanese chicken with an unmistakable layer of collagen jelly. Run with the unfussy, rapid-fire rhythm of a classic Straits cafeteria, plates hit the tables fast—tender poached chicken paired with fragrant oily rice and chicken broth. A punchy house-made fresh chili sauce and a spring onion-ginger paste provide the sharp counterpoint to every cut.
- Traditional Poached Chicken: Poached and ice-chilled to lock in a gelatinous collagen layer, served cold or room temperature over fragrant rice.
- Piquant Dipping Sauces: House-blended fresh chili and crushed spring onion-ginger sauces cut through the rich poultry and broth.
- Cafeteria-Style Efficiency: Brisk counter ordering and fast turnaround evoke the energy of Southeast Asian hawker spots.
What's On at Gai Wong
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Choose Gai Wong
Why diners choose Gai Wong for authentic Hainanese chicken rice
Tender, Silky Poached Chicken
The signature Hainanese poached chicken is prepared to yield remarkably tender, succulent meat with clean, classic flavour.
It’s remarkably silky and tender, with a simple, clean flavour that doesn’t need much embellishment.
Nina Lin Scratch-Made Dipping Sauces
Signature sets are paired with scratch-made spring onion ginger sauce and fresh chili sauce that deliver a vibrant kick.
The spring onion and ginger dipping sauce is homemade - please sell it by the jar!
Dionne Nostalgic Taste of Home
Diners find deep comfort in authentic Straits culinary profiles that faithfully recapture beloved flavours from home.
This is our go to for our family anytime we are in the city, and the chai buey tastes just like home.
Ye Di Hoe Quietly Satisfying Dining Ritual
Understated authenticity and high culinary execution create a uniquely comforting and deeply satisfying chicken rice ritual.
There’s something about how understated it is that makes it so satisfying.
Nina Lin Trusted Recommendation for Friends and Family
Gai Wong is the go-to trusted restaurant Melbourne locals choose when introducing out-of-town visitors and parents to chicken rice.
Whenever a friend tells me they’re craving Hainanese chicken rice, this is where I take them.
Nina Lin Dependable Spot for Sharing Sets
With welcoming staff and generous family set options, it serves as an easy, dependable destination for group gatherings.
Fantastic authentic chicken rice. We ordered the family set (4 serves chicken and rice, 2 serves char siu).
Emily K
Most popular items
Beloved Malaysian and Straits-style specialties loved by locals and travelers alike
Hainanese Chicken Rice
For me, this is still the best Hainanese chicken rice in Melbourne.
Nina Lin Char Siew
char siew had the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky char
Wee Kiat Boh Kon Lo Mee
Not to forget the Kon Lo Mee... super scrumptious, enough that I’ll definitely be ordering more next time.
Grace Lye Gai Si Hor Fun
Had the Gai Si Hor Fun with a side of 180g chicken. GSHF was out of this world, legit.
Alex
Before you head over
Practical advice on service timing, preparation styles, and avoiding sellouts for a seamless meal.
Expect Cold-Poached Chicken
Expect the signature poached Hainanese chicken to be served cold or at room temperature. This intentional Cantonese ice-bath poaching method locks in juices and solidifies natural collagen into a delicate jelly layer, rather than arriving piping hot.
Arrive Early for Popular Cuts
Arrive earlier in the evening or call ahead if you have your heart set on roasted meats or group sets, as popular items like char siew and fried chicken crackling frequently sell out before closing.
Navigate Peak Queues and Timing
The restaurant experiences peak rushes around dinner and late lunch with lines forming quickly, but seating turns over promptly within five minutes. Off-peak visits or evening street parking on Flemington Road make for a smoother visit.
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