What is Modern Chinese? Exploring Melbourne’s Elevated Asian Cuisine
Melbourne is no stranger to great Asian cuisine – but, more recently, a new style has emerged. Modern Chinese cuisine, a subset of modern Asian, explores the best of two vibrant cultures. It bridges the excitement and vibrancy of modern China with the urban lifestyles of Melbourne. RuYi Modern Chinese is a shining example of this elevated dining style in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD.
The evolution of Chinese cuisine in Melbourne
When Chinese cuisine first arrived in Melbourne, the focus was on showcasing single regions, such as Cantonese seafood or spicy Sichuan dishes. As Asian cuisine gained popularity, creative chefs saw an opportunity to remix flavours. Known as Asian fusion, this gave diners novelty pairings like the infamous cheeseburger dumplings. While trendy and exciting, Asian fusion underestimated the sophisticated nature of Melbourne’s food and dining scene.
Enter modern Chinese – a refined approach to the best elements of authentic Chinese cooking and culture. Opened in 2013, RuYi was one of the first restaurants to bring a modern Chinese dining experience to Melbourne’s CBD. For us, modern Chinese represents much more than food – it is in our spirit and energy.
Designing the energy at RuYi
The story of our restaurant begins with real stories from our family. We have artfully weaved our personal history into the design – building a place for connection, so that our guests may feel closer to these cultural roots. The shining jewel of this concept is our bar mural – a recreation of a family photo by a local Melbourne artist.
A truly memorable dining experience takes guests beyond their meal. At RuYi, we have delicately crafted a whole sensory escape. The interiors are timeless – blending quality with pared-back modern design. From our Scandi-inspired wood detailing to our Italian tiled tables; we have hand-selected each element to provide an exquisite and serene meeting place for friends, family and colleagues alike.
Fresher, healthier, more refined
How can we maintain the soul of a dish while transforming it for Melbourne’s palate? Developing our menu at RuYi means questioning and refining original Chinese recipes. We respect the strictest guidelines of Chinese cooking, while recognising we may improve on tradition with fresher, healthier and more refined concepts.
Our changes are typically subtle. Many of our vegetables are stir fried, rather than deep fried. While our sauces are made from scratch, with a large amount of fresh fruit added, which allows us to adjust their balance and spice for a more universal appeal.
Modernising any menu begins with the best quality. Our menu is a celebration of the freshest Australian ingredients – from our Ranger’s Valley wagyu to locally-sourced seafood and vegetables. We also cater for all dietary needs with modifications available for most dishes.
The finest presentation and service
Unlike a fast-paced dumpling house or banquet style yum cha, RuYi is a space for relaxed fine dining. We pride ourselves on the art of dining – from beautifully-plated dishes to perfectly matched food and beverage menus. Our elegant interiors and attentive service allow you to forget life in the bustling Melbourne laneway outside.
We hope you find everything ‘as you wish’ when you visit RuYi. Our restaurant is open for dinner from Tuesday-Saturday. Simply make a booking on the website or call (03) 9090 7778 for large groups.
