Old Beijing Launches in QV Melbourne as Home of Peking Duck
Old Beijing is set to be the new home of Peking Duck, following a stunning launch in Artemis Lane QV Melbourne. The much anticipated Chinese restaurant opens in May, with proud owners declaring they will honour the best of local produce in bringing the largest Chinese restaurant to Melbourne. We were invited to the massive launch party at this stylish new Melbourne restaurant, “One Night in Beijing”, where we were able to sample the authentic Beijing food menu, enjoy delicious cocktails and lively entertainment, with many celebrities in attendance and a fun dress code of black and gold.
Old Beijing is the next culinary venture for business partners David Loh & Louis Kuo who are also behind Shanghai Red. David Loh is the owner of establishments such as Tetsujin, Thailander and Sushi Jiro. Since construction commenced pre-covid, in early 2020, Mr Loh and Mr Kuo are proud to finally announce the opening of Old Beijing at QV Melbourne, located near the outdoor dining precinct. The launch party was buzzing with this fabulous new addition to the Melbourne foodie scene.
Peking Duck hits the high notes.
Upon entering the restaurant, diners are taken back in time to the luxury and tradition of the Emperor’s Palace. There is a feeling of luxury, as well as approachability. A Dragon Dance was performed at the launch to a captive Melbourne audience.
Intimate Private dining rooms are a feature.
State of the art bar.
Chefs preparing Peking Duck with pancakes.
We were treated to a superb array of top class dishes at the launch party, and we are excited to dine at Old Beijing when it opens soon in May.
Signature Peking Duck served with pancake (worth a drive across town) as well as Peking Duck in rice paper wrap with mayo sauce (superb flavours) were highlights.
Steamed black truffle xiao long bao was a revelation (luxe dumplings), as was the Pan-fried original pork dumpling (so rewarding).
Shredded dried bean curd salad with sesame dressing was fresh and tasty, with excellent texture.
Steamed prawn dumplings were outstanding.
Fresh Tasmania oyster topped with aged vinegar chilli dressing were fresh and zesty, as were Fresh Tasmania oyster topped with yuzu jelly.
Prawn twister roll with Kewpie mayo was mooreish (couldn't get enough of these), as were Pan- fried scallops with XO dressing (impressive seafood).
Fried noodle, Vegetarian fried noodle, Deep fried veggie spring roll (excellent spring rolls) and Pan-fried veggie dumplings, were "comfort food central".
Deep fried tofu with sweet chilli sauce (clean flavours) and Fresh cucumber salad with vinegar dressing were healthier style dishes.
Old Beijing is designed to be multi-functional, and is the largest Chinese Restaurant in Melbourne’s CBD, seating over 200 diners, complete with six private dining rooms and a fully licensed feature bar positioned in the centre of the restaurant. We were able to check out the private dining rooms and can vouch for their impressive exclusivity and touch of luxe finery.
David says, ‘We wanted to bring an authentic experience and capture the best of Chinese cuisine in one destination with exquisite flavours and a tantalising experience for all. We have created a beautiful ambience so that when guests walk through the entrance of Old Beijing, they will be taken back in time.’
The design of the venue is rooted in a tale of tradition with beautiful detailing and special features throughout the venue all hand-crafted in China.
Old Beijing offers a versatile and contemporary dining experience from day to night, with an emphasis on exceptional service in an atmosphere that encompasses a playground for the rich and famous, yet the menu will suit every dining budget option with mains starting from $15.
Osmanthus Flaower and Goji Jelly dessert was a triumph in taste and texture, if not a little exotic.
Exciting for Chinese food lovers, the menu will boast an extensive variety of traditional and authentic Chinese staples, representing favourites from different regions across China.
Ginger & Scallion Lobster Noodles.
The menu has been designed by 4 chefs who specialize across four regions; Cantonese, Shanghainese, Szechuan and Beijing, in which diners can expect a curated selection of Peking Duck, dumplings, live seafood such as XO Live Pipis, Sichuan, Lobster Ma Po Tofu, Wagu and other delicious dishes that are all prepared onsite.
Diners can simply order a la carte in sittings of any size, and lunchtime-goers will have quick lunch options to suit the timely breaks of people working in the centre, or those simply looking for a quick meal that does not sacrifice on quality.
Louis says, ‘Old Beijing creates the best Peking Duck in Australia with the ‘crispiest skin’ and we are delighted to have Chef Chen Xu who is the Peking Duck Master on board.’ We were able to sample the Peking Duck and attest to its high quality - the restaurant was generous in the amount of high quality Peking Duck served at the launch party.
With an incredible walk-in wine cellar and a selection of 188 wines, the team from Old Beijing consulted with world class mixologist, Orlando Marzo, to create eight signature cocktails using Asian inspired ingredients such as Sichuan peppercorn infused vodka, jasmine flowers, lemongrass, lime leaf & Osmanthus flower.
Old Beijing is a brand-new dining destination and cocktail bar located near the outdoor dining precinct at QV Melbourne.