A Taste of the Orient by the Bay: Discovering Xing Restaurant in Mentone

In the sun-kissed bayside suburb of Mentone,  lies a culinary haven that captures the essence of East Asian hospitality. Nestled at 97 Mentone Parade, Xing Restaurant—affectionately known to some locals as Hello Chinese Restaurant or Hello Xing—stands as a beacon for those seeking authentic Chinese and Malaysian flavours without venturing far from home. With its unassuming facade overlooking the parade’s bustling footpath, this family-friendly eatery has quietly carved out a niche as Mentone’s go-to spot for hearty, honest meals that evoke the bustling night markets of Kuala Lumpur or the dim sum houses of Guangzhou.

Opened over a decade ago, Xing has evolved under the stewardship of dedicated owners who prioritise fresh ingredients and traditional techniques. While specifics on its founding remain modestly tucked away—like many beloved local institutions—recent whispers from patrons hint at a refresh under new management that has breathed fresh energy into the space. What hasn’t changed is the restaurant’s commitment to BYO (bring your own) alcohol policy, a rarity that allows diners to pair their feast with a cherished bottle of wine or chilled beer, fostering an intimate, celebratory atmosphere. Open for lunch from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm and dinner from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Xing caters to the ebb and flow of bayside life, whether it’s a quick midday refuel for office workers or a leisurely evening with loved ones watching the sunset.

Step inside, and you’re enveloped in a warm, welcoming vibe that belies the restaurant’s modest size. The interior, with its clean lines, soft lighting, and ample seating for groups, exudes a business-casual charm—perfect for families, couples, or mates catching up after a beach stroll. Large windows frame views of the parade, inviting the outside world in, while the sizzle from the open kitchen promises delights to come. It’s the sort of place where children are as at home as grandparents, with staff who remember your name and preferences, offering that rare blend of efficiency and genuine care. “Friendly staff and family-friendly restaurant,” raves one regular, noting how it gets lively on weekends but never overwhelming.

At the heart of Xing’s allure is its menu, a tapestry of Chinese classics interwoven with Malaysian influences that showcase the restaurant’s dual heritage. Drawing from time-honoured recipes, the offerings are diverse yet accessible, with prices that keep value front and centre—many mains hover around the $20 mark, and budget-friendly specials like the $9.99 deals make it an easy choice for everyday indulgence. Entrees set the tone with crowd-pleasers such as prawn crackers ($3.50), crispy spring rolls, and chicken satay skewers ($7.90), their smoky char and peanut sauce a nod to Malaysian street food. For those craving a steamy start, soups like the acclaimed hot and sour—described by one diner as “the best I’ve ever had”—warm the soul with tangy tamarind and silken tofu.

The dumplings section is a standout, embodying the restaurant’s prowess in yum cha traditions. Pan-fried pork dumplings ($8–10) and steamed pork buns arrive plump and golden, their wrappers gossamer-thin yet resilient against juicy fillings. No visit is complete without the all-you-can-eat yum cha experience, a trolley-free affair where diners tick off their selections from an extensive list. “We really enjoyed Xing Restaurant’s all you can eat yum cha,” shares a satisfied guest, praising the patient explanations from servers and the variety on offer—from har gow prawns to siu mai. It’s a steal at around $30 per person, ideal for sharing plates that encourage lingering over conversation.

Venturing deeper into the menu reveals seafood stars like garlic prawns and scallops in black bean sauce, the latter’s glossy sheen and umami depth earning high praise for its “perfectly cooked” execution. Poultry and meat dishes shine too: lemon chicken, its citrus zing balanced by tender flesh; beef in black bean sauce, lauded for its melt-in-the-mouth texture; and Peking duck, carved tableside for dramatic flair. Vegetarians aren’t forgotten, with stir-fried greens and tofu options rounding out a balanced selection. Noodles and rice provide comforting finales—try the Xing special fried rice or Singapore noodles, fragrant with curry and wok-tossed perfection. Portions are generous, often enough for leftovers, and the kitchen’s efficiency ensures delivery arrives piping hot, even to nearby suburbs like Cheltenham or Mordialloc.

What truly elevates Xing, however, is the chorus of voices from its patrons. With a 3.0 out of 5 on TripAdvisor from 22 reviews—tempered by a few service hiccups on busier nights—it’s the glowing testimonials that paint the fuller picture. “This restaurant serves high quality Chinese food that is super tasty and very well priced,” enthuses one repeat visitor, who has made it their “new regular local restaurant.” Another, having scoured Mentone’s options upon relocating, declares it “the best Chinese in Mentone,” citing its awesome reliability. On Uber Eats, it boasts a solid 4.3 rating, with fans calling the cooks “legendary” and the service “fantastic.” Even dim sim enthusiasts flock here for the battered pork versions, a Melbourne staple elevated to 10/10 status.

In an era of fleeting food trends, Xing Restaurant endures as a steadfast pillar of Mentone’s dining scene—a place where flavours transport you across oceans, yet the welcome feels quintessentially Australian. Whether you’re tucking into a solo bowl of laksa by the window or toasting with friends over shared platters, it’s the kind of spot that turns a meal into a memory. For reservations, delivery, or to browse the full menu, reach out at (03) 9583 1928, visit xingrestaurant.com.au, or pop by 97 Mentone Parade, Mentone VIC 3194. In the words of one loyal fan: “Quality food that always arrives fresh and hot… delicious.” Why not let Xing be your next bayside discovery?