10 fantastic Asian restaurants perfect for business events and delegate adventures

May 24, 2024

Melbourne is a melting pot of culture and international cuisines for business event planners or delegates seeking a memorable Asian dining experience. Here are ten ideas to consider – from Chinese to Indian, Thai to Asian Fusion.

Lee Ho Fook

A new style of Chinese cuisine, Lee Ho Fook showcases the best of Australian producers, growers and winemakers, from the mind of Chef Victor Liong.

Their award-winning cuisine takes the legacy of deliciousness given by generations of Chinese Australians and takes it to a highly personal and creative direction.

Lee Ho Fook has two locations - one hidden down a Melbourne laneway off the iconic Flinders Lane dining precinct. And one in Marvel Stadium, one of the city’s most iconic conference and entertainment venues.

While conference delegates will love to discover the laneway Lee Ho Fook, its Marvel Stadium location is ideal for groups, offering a spectacular cocktail setting that can host up to 300 guests. With elevated views of Marvel Stadium’s arena, stylish décor and a contemporary bar, Lee Ho Fook will be sure to impress.

Babaji

Babaji's Kerala Kitchen is an award winning, laid-back, South Indian restaurant with two locations in Melbourne’s Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. Babajis Belgrave is only a short drive from the popular Puffing Billy Railway tourism experience and Babajis Warburton is nearby fantastic wineries and Healesville Sanctuary (where visitors get to see koalas and kangaroos up close).

Awarded a prestigious One Chef Hat in The Age Good Food Guide 2024, Babajis specialises in home-style curries and Kerala favourites, including banana leaf Sadya, beef fry, mutton curry, parotta, dosa, and biryani. They also offer vegan and gluten free options.

At Babajis Belgrave, delegates can relax beside their open fires, with a side of South Indian coffee, Indian-style chai, or an Indian craft beer. While at the riverside Babajis Warburton,  you'll feel just like you're visiting an Indian Hill Station with its misty mountains, flowing rivers and open fires.

Babajis Warburton can accommodate private groups and is particularly ideal for large incentive groups, catering up to 400 people.

Additionally, Babaji's food truck is available for off-site catering, both locally and across Victoria which can cater for groups of 50-1000.

Spice Temple

Spice Temple offers modern Chinese dining in a spectacular riverside setting for your next private function.

Founded on the philosophy of faultless service and a deep respect for high quality produce, the culinary focus is regional China and the different provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, Hunan, Jiangxi, Guangxi and Xinjiang.

Uniquely styled dining rooms are warm and dramatically lit, accompanied by shared style banquet menus and a remarkable service for up to 72 guests in The Full Nine Dragons Room or a semi-private experience for up to 20 guests in The Aspara Room. 

Supernormal

Supernormal is an inspired interpretation of the chef’s favourite Asian eating experiences. Influenced by the cuisine and restaurants of Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul and Hong Kong, classic dishes are revisited and some new favourites born.

Through the restaurant and down the spiral staircase, Supernormal caters for exclusive events in a private dining room. The room is an intimate space in which to entertain private lunch and dinner parties of up to 40 guests for a seated event and 60 for a standing cocktail-style event.

From corporate events and conferencing to presentations and product showcasing - the versatile space can be styled to suit a range of occasions and event formats.

Their optional karaoke system boasts a 64 inch screen with endless songs and BOSE surround sound.

Daughter in Law

Daughter in Law is known for their ‘unauthentic Australian Indian' cuisine and their vibrant and playful ambience. Tasting menus are available for groups (note private dining options aren’t available). This is a fun-filled, delicious experience for small groups or delegates looking for top places to eat while in Melbourne.

Askal

Experience modern Filipino dishes with traditional flavours at Askal in Melbourne.

This upscale, contemporary restaurant and bar showcases bold and vibrant dishes from the Philippines’ many regional cuisines, inspired by ancestral recipes passed down through generations.

Located in an historical building from the 1800s, visitors can enjoy ground floor dining, or elegant private dining on level two.

Bangpop

Fresh fragrant and fun is the philosophy behind Melbourne’s funkiest Thai restaurant, BangPop.

Adopting a ‘no worries’ attitude and full of colour, BangPop is welcoming to all and provides an exceptional standard of refined salads, curries and hawker-influenced dishes with quality Australian produce.

Located on the Yarra River close to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, delegates can watch the Melbourne city skyline while sipping on cocktails and tasting fresh spices in an environment that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

BangPop can seat up to 120 guests for an exclusive dinner.

Magic Mountain Saloon

Magic Mountain Saloon is a multi-level, modern Thai restaurant and bar with a top floor perfect for private events – offering great lighting, resident DJ, amazing Thai food, delicious beverages and outstanding service.

Their beautiful top floor can be hired exclusively for up to 120 guests. It’s bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights, while exposed bricks and original beams across the high ceilings give the space charm and authenticity. A large marble bar is conveniently situated in the centre of the space. The seating areas are comprised of cosy, private booths, bar stools around large share benches and intimate tables of two, with plenty of standing room to mingle.

Yugen Dining

A short distance from central Melbourne on iconic Chapel Street is Yugen Dining – a subterranean gem. Yugen draws inspiration from the diverse cultural richness of Asia. Their dishes depart from convention and are infused with rich and distinctive flavours that sets them apart from the rest.

An impressive underground venue, with six-metre-high stone walls and refined industrial interiors, Yugen offers considered dishes, bold flavours, the sizzling accent of umami, and late nights.

Yugen can host 60 guests seated for an intimate occasion or up to 240 guests cocktail over two levels.

Hochi Mama

Hochi Mama is an ambient and eclectic venue serving up its signature Asian fusion in the heart of the city. Their delicious dishes are inspired by the flavours of Southeast Asia with an infusion of mama’s love.

It’s one of Melbourne’s must-eat restaurants, known for their innovative approach to Asian fusion cuisine and reinvention of classics.

They also dish up more than a culinary experience, with a keen focus on visuals, music and the lively nature of their team to stimulate all of your senses.

Hochi Mama can accommodate groups of up to 18 guests at their city venue.

Ask the Melbourne Convention Bureau

The Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) provides free support to make your meeting, conference, event or incentive program a success, including venue selection and destination marketing assets to excite your delegates. Find out more about MCB's services.