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Restaurant

Gai Wong

Shop 1/5-17 Flemington Rd, North Melbourne VIC 3051, Australia

Recommended by 45 people

Updated

Find Gai Wong

Shop 1/5-17 Flemington Rd, North Melbourne VIC 3051, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 415 358 801
HoursMonday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About 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.
RestaurantAsianRestaurant

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Hainanese chicken served hot or cold?

The poached Hainanese chicken is intentionally served cold or at room temperature, following traditional Cantonese poaching and ice-bath methods that set a delicate layer of collagen jelly.

How large are the portions?

Rice portions are generous and easily shared if you add extra meat, while dining groups can order dedicated family sets for up to four people.

Should you expect a wait, and can you reserve a table?

Peak lunch and dinner periods can see brief queues or quick sellouts of popular meats like char siew, but tables turn over quickly. Indoor seating is complemented by an outdoor patio, and reservations can be made ahead of time.

What are the parking options nearby?

Street parking is available along Flemington Road, with options for both free and paid street parking during dinner hours.

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