Restaurant
川湘楼 Red Chilli House
119 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Find 川湘楼 Red Chilli House
119 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Plan your visitAbout 川湘楼 Red Chilli House
This three-story Chinatown stop serves unapologetic Sichuan and Hunan heat built for serious spice devotees. Diners come straight here to cure post-China travel cravings over massive, family-style sharing spreads. Tables load up on signature black duck pots, letting crab roe noodles soak through with chili broth, alongside bowls of bone-in chicken swimming in dried Sichuan peppers. For sharp contrast, pair the tongue-tingling málà heat with garlic pork spare ribs or sour sauerkraut fish laced with green peppercorns.
- Unapologetic Málà Heat: Bone-in chicken pots and duck broths arrive packed with dried Sichuan, green, and red chillies.
- Crawfish and Crab Roe Noodles: Signature black duck pots and braised yabbies pair with noodles that soak up the rich, fragrant broth.
- Three-Level Communal Dining: Three floors in the heart of Chinatown provide multi-level seating tailored for big group platters.
What's On at 川湘楼 Red Chilli House
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Diners Choose Red Chilli House
Why diners choose Red Chilli House for fiery regional Chinese flavours and communal dining in Chinatown
Fiery, Unapologetic Sichuan & Hunan Heat
Dishes come packed with fiery dried chillies, green peppercorns, and deeply aromatic spicy broths that deliver uncompromising heat.
This dish is swimming chillies! Dried Szechuan chillies, green chillies, red chillies. And boy is this dish super spicy!
Shaun D'Monte Signature Yabby & Crab Roe Noodles
Guests can indulge in house specialty river seafood and decadent noodle pairings, including yabby tails and crab roe over noodles.
The serves were huge so perfect for sharing. My favourite was the yabbies and noodles.
Andrew Bishop Generous Platters Built for Communal Dining
Generous portions and hearty shareable pots make the menu well-suited for group feasts, student gatherings, and family dinners.
Their portion sizes are MASSIVE, perfect for family style dining!
Melb Foodie Three Levels of Vibrant Chinatown Space
A vibrant multi-level Chinatown setting provides room for group gatherings, reservations, and private celebrations across three floors.
The bright and colorful decor of Red Chilli House, spanning three floors, made the dining experience even more inviting.
Katie Goldberg Comforting Refuge on Cold & Rainy Days
Hearty, sizzling hot pots and rich broths offer instant warmth and comfort when escaping chilly Melbourne weather or CBD rain.
Comforting, satisfying, and exactly what I needed for spicy food on a rainy day.
Dorothy Jiao Authentic Cure for Post-China Food Nostalgia
The aromatic broths and authentic peppercorn punch satisfy deep nostalgia for traditional meals enjoyed across China.
Had serious “post-China food withdrawal” after coming back to Melbourne, and this place completely saved me.
judy liu
Most popular items
Signature fiery Sichuan and Hunan dishes
Signature Yabby Noodles
highly recommend their signature yabby noodles! it is served your choice of sauce (e.g. garlic, spicy, Hunan spicy) over a thin wheat noodles! the sauce was so yummy, and the whole dish left me feeling so full and comforted
Oracle C. Chinese Sauerkraut Fish
don’t skip their Chinese sauerkraut fish either—it’s a classic Sichuan dish with an aromatic broth filled with green peppercorns, pickled mustard greens, and tender catfish!
Oracle C. Chongqing Spicy Chicken
Chongqing Spicy Chicken - the heat hits you immediately, perfect for spice lovers! Very flavourful and crispy.
Melb Foodie Garlic Pork Spare Ribs
The $1 Garlic Pork Spare Ribs offer (usually $29.90) for bills over $100 is a fantastic deal, ideal for group dining and provides tremendous value.
Katie Goldberg
Other favorites
Savory sides, comforting broths, and sweet finishes
Black Truffle Fried Rice with Wagyu Beef
BLACK TRUFFLE FRIED RICE WITH WAGYU BEEF (OUR FAVORITE)
Nini Nguyen Steamed Egg with Minced Meat
Steamed egg with minced meat - My favourite. So soft and creamy and delicious.
Melb Foodie Rice Cake w/ Brown Sugar
The rice cake was a star. Crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
Mashi_soyo Pork Trotter Soup
Pork trotter soup, so comforting.
Karen Foote
Frequently Asked Questions
How large are the portions, and are they good for sharing?
Portion sizes are notably large and intended for family-style sharing. Reviewers consistently advise visiting with friends or family to comfortably sample multiple dishes, and note that ordering several items often yields leftovers to take home.
How spicy is the food, and are there milder options?
The kitchen prepares classic Sichuan and Hunan heat with dried chillies, green peppercorns, and mala spice that can leave lips zinging. For guests who prefer milder fare, the menu also includes options such as steamed egg with minced pork, orange chicken, and soups, alongside 13-spice seasoning choices.
Should you make a reservation before visiting?
The venue accepts reservations. Because individual floor seating can feel cozy and busy during peak periods, diners recommend booking in advance or arriving early to secure a table without a wait.
What is the restaurant layout and seating like?
The restaurant spans three levels, with dining space situated across multiple floors, including upper seating reached via stairs. During quieter shifts like lunch, seating is sometimes restricted to the first floor.
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