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Restaurant

Merchant Society

71 Merchant St, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia

Recommended by 46 people

Updated

Find Merchant Society

71 Merchant St, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia

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+61 3 9078 5844
HoursMonday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:15 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:15 PM Saturday: 5:30 – 9:15 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Merchant Society

Docklands office regulars slip into Merchant Society for smoky, wok-tossed Southeast Asian street classics delivered at lightning speed. Owner Charles works the floor, steering tables toward falling-apart beef short rib, rich chicken laksa, and beef rendang scooped up with hot, flaky roti. Evenings lean casual over pints on tap, prawn crackers, and sizzling share plates.

  • Southeast Asian Comforts: Char kway teow hits the table packed with authentic wok hei alongside rich beef rendang and laksa.
  • Hands-On Hospitality: Owner Charles works the dining room personally, creating an attentive, welcoming neighbourhood atmosphere.
  • Brisk Workday Pace: Swift table service and lunch specials keep weekday lunches moving briskly for local crews.
RestaurantMalaysianRestaurantTakeaway

What's On at Merchant Society

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Distinct Dining Advantages

Why diners choose Merchant Society for authentic Southeast Asian dining and hospitable group gatherings in Docklands.

  • High-Impact Southeast Asian Specialties

    Signature offerings like slow-cooked beef short rib deliver rich Southeast Asian flavors that diners consistently praise.

    beef short rib is seriously next level.

    Helen Chen

  • Authentic High-Heat Wok Cooking

    Wok-tossed staples such as Char Kway Teow achieve authentic high-heat wok hei and bold Malaysian seasonings.

    char kway teow was full of wok hei

    Amanda

  • Homely and Welcoming Atmosphere

    The attentive team provides genuine, caring service that puts diners immediately at ease.

    treat you like family and with homely vibe

    thapa lom

  • Personalized Host Interaction

    Hands-on hosting from the owner creates an inviting, personalized dining experience across tables.

    Even the owner came to chat with us and ask how our night was !

    Kerren Noll

  • Accommodating Professional Lunches

    Conveniently positioned for corporate catch-ups, offering an engaging environment suitable for lunch meetings.

    Restaurant owner working the floor saying hello to all the patrons which is great customer service in my opinion.

    Dionysios Achtypis

  • Seamless Group and Team Celebrations

    Reliable hospitality and generous food spreads make group gatherings and annual celebrations stress-free.

    Great place for Christmas dinner for work, they will look after you and your table.

    Edward Hore

Signature Southeast Asian fusion classics most frequently praised by patrons

  • Char Kuey Teow

    The char kway teow was full of wok hei (iykyk)

    Amanda

  • Beef Rendang

    the curry + roti combo is insane

    Helen Chen

  • Laksa

    I had the Laksa today and it was amazing, very complex flavours and a deep richness to the soup.

    Trent Bassetto

  • Nasi Goreng

    I highly recommend the Nasi Goreng, it's phenomenal !

    Max

Other favorites

Specialty plates and communal dining options beyond the core staples

  • Beef Short Rib

    this beef short rib is seriously next level.

    Helen Chen

  • Thai BBQ Hotpot

    I had Thai BBQ Hotpot with friends, their staff were so nice and friendly and the hotpot was only $49.

    Rubes

  • Sizzling Chicken

    Really enjoyed the Sizzling Chicken, so tasty.

    Lill

  • Hor Fun

    My personal fav is hor fun.

    Pedrp 2403

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful service and distinctive hospitable touches that elevate your dining experience.

  • Hands-On Owner Table Visits

    Owner Charles actively works the dining floor to greet diners, stop by tables for genuine chats, and ensure everyone feels personally looked after.

  • Complimentary Prawn Crackers with Tap Beer

    Ordering a pint during weeknight happy hour comes with a generous complimentary side of prawn crackers at the bar.

  • Wine-Inclusive Lunch Set Combos

    Diners seeking a casual midday meal can order dedicated value lunch sets that come paired with a glass of wine or beer.

  • Attentive Birthday Celebration Hosting

    The floor team accommodates family milestone celebrations and birthday gatherings with thoughtful, highly dedicated service to ensure memorable evenings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What dishes are most popular to order?

The menu spans Malaysian, Chinese, Indonesian, and Thai dishes. Standouts highlighted by patrons include Char Kuey Teow, Beef Rendang paired with roti, Laksa, Nasi Goreng, slow-cooked beef short ribs, and Thai BBQ hotpot.

Should you make a reservation for lunch?

Yes, reservations are accepted and recommended for larger lunch groups, though walk-ins for quick lunches or bar drinks are also welcome.

Are there vegetarian options suitable for strict diets?

While vegetarian dishes like curries and fried rice are offered, strict vegetarians should ask staff when ordering, as some dishes (including certain curries and laksa) may incorporate chicken broth or shrimp paste.

What are the restaurant's lunch and dinner opening hours?

The kitchen operates during weekday lunch (11:30 AM–3:00 PM Monday through Friday), with evening dinner service offered Thursday and Friday (5:00–9:15 PM) and Saturday (5:30–9:15 PM). The restaurant is closed on Sundays.

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