If you’re ever in Melbourne’s Chinatown late at night and craving tasty food, there’s one place locals trust—Supper Inn. This humble spot is known for bold Cantonese flavors, comfort food, and great service. The Supper Inn menu is filled with traditional Chinese dishes, late-night favorites, and seafood delights that will leave you wanting more.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes Supper Inn so special, what dishes to expect, and why it’s a must-visit.
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What is Supper Inn Menu?
The Supper Inn menu is a rich collection of traditional Cantonese dishes served at one of Melbourne’s most iconic Chinese restaurants. Known for its late-night service, the menu includes a wide variety of flavorful items such as roast duck, sweet and sour pork, special fried rice, seafood in XO sauce, and comforting congee. It offers a mix of meats, noodles, vegetables, claypot dishes, and soups that reflect authentic Chinese cooking. Whether you’re craving something spicy, savory, or mild, it has something for everyone, with generous portions and affordable prices. It’s a go-to spot for locals and tourists looking for delicious, hearty food in the heart of Chinatown.
Why Supper Inn is a Melbourne Favorite
Supper Inn is one of the oldest and most respected restaurants in Melbourne’s Chinatown. For over 40 years, it has welcomed families, tourists, and late-night diners. It’s open daily from 5:30 PM to 2:30 AM, making it perfect for night owls.
The restaurant has no flashy lights or decorations. Instead, it focuses on flavor-packed dishes, fast service, and a warm dining atmosphere. Many dishes come straight from Cantonese culinary traditions.
What’s Unique About the Supper Inn Menu?
It is massive, featuring over 100 items. From congee to roast duck, it has a wide range of options for every taste. You’ll find chicken, pork, beef, seafood, vegetables, and noodles prepared in various styles.
One thing that makes it stand out is its variety of late-night comfort food. Many locals stop by after concerts, parties, or work shifts for a hot meal. That’s why it’s known as one of Melbourne’s top late-night eateries.
Top Dishes You Must Try at Supper Inn
While every dish is made fresh, some have become crowd favorites. Let’s look at a few that shine:
| Dish Name | Description | Why People Love It |
|---|---|---|
| Roast Duck | Crispy skin, tender meat, sweet-savory glaze | Rich flavor and perfect texture |
| Sweet and Sour Pork | Golden-fried pork tossed in a tangy red sauce | Sweet, sour, and crunchy |
| Pippies in XO Sauce | Shellfish stir-fried with spicy XO sauce | A spicy, savory seafood classic |
| Special Fried Rice | Stir-fried rice with shrimp, pork, egg, and spring onion | Great for sharing and filling |
| Pork Ribs with Salt and Chilli | Deep-fried ribs coated in chili salt | Crunchy, spicy, and addictive |
These dishes are not only popular but represent the depth of flavor found in it.
Seafood and Claypot Specials That Steal the Show
One section of it that deserves attention is seafood and claypots. These dishes use fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
Seafood options include steamed fish, deep-fried flounder, scallops with garlic, and salt and pepper squid. The claypot dishes, such as eggplant with salty fish or beef brisket hotpot, come bubbling hot and full of flavor.
These meals are hearty, warm, and great during cooler Melbourne nights.
| Dish | Key Ingredients | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Seafood Paella (Claypot) | Prawn tails, salmon, calamari, mussels | $33 |
| Grilled Seafood Platter | King prawns, abalone, scallops, Bug | $105 |
| Moroccan Claypot Couscous | Mixed seafood baked in eggplant sauce + couscous | $31 |
The Charm of Cantonese Congee and Soups
No Cantonese restaurant is complete without congee and soup. It offers several versions that soothe the stomach and please the palate.
Congee is a rice porridge that comes with toppings like:
- Roast duck
- Fish fillet
- Century egg and pork
Soups include chicken and sweet corn soup, seafood soup, and hot and sour soup. These are great starters or light meals.
Congee is perfect for those who want something soft, mild, and comforting. It’s also a favorite during winter.
| Name | Key Characteristics | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| Cantonese Congee | Silky rice porridge with toppings like pork slices, century egg, youtiao, or chicken | Achieves a creamy texture through constant stirring and using ingredients like beancurd skin; comfort for any time of day |
| Lou Fo Tong (Slow-Boiled Soup) | Simmered for 3–4+ hours with bones, herbs, and vegetables | Rich and nourishing broth believed to deliver health benefits like bone strength and skin health |
| Cantonese Seafood Soup | Gung-style thick soup made with seafood (crab, fish maw, bamboo fungus) | Smooth, umami-rich texture; a refined dish showcasing high-end seafood ingredients |
Noodles, Rice, and Stir-Fried Goodness
The noodle and rice section is full of classics that you might recognize, even if it’s your first time dining Chinese-style.
Here’s a look at some items from this part of it:
| Item Name | Type | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore Noodles | Stir-fried | Curried, savory, slightly spicy |
| Supreme Soy Sauce Chow Mein | Stir-fried | Smoky, salty, crisp noodles |
| Egg Fried Rice | Fried rice | Simple, fluffy, eggy goodness |
| Beef Hor Fun | Flat noodles | Gravy-rich, silky, meaty |
| Seafood Crispy Noodles | Noodle nest | Crunchy and creamy with seafood |
These dishes are filling, affordable, and great for sharing. Whether you’re alone or with friends, there’s something for everyone.
Vegetarian Options on the Supper Inn Menu
Vegetarians aren’t left out at Supper Inn. The menu includes stir-fried vegetables, tofu claypots, and veggie noodles. Some standout items are:
- Stir-fried bok choy with garlic
- Braised tofu with mushrooms
- Vegetarian fried rice
- Chinese broccoli in oyster sauce
Even if you eat meat, these dishes add balance to a heavier meal. They are light, healthy, and full of nutrients.
| Dish | Key Ingredients | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese Broccoli with Minced Garlic | Crisp Chinese broccoli, garlic | $31 |
| Fresh Shiitake Mushroom with Broccoli | Shiitake mushrooms, Chinese broccoli | $36 |
| Deluxe Lo Hon Vegetables | Mixed seasonal vegetables, tofu (likely) | $38.50 |
What People Love About Supper Inn
One reason Supper Inn has lasted so long is customer loyalty. People love the authentic flavors, reasonable prices, and quick service.
Many say it feels like eating at a friend’s house. No dress code, no pressure, just good food. The restaurant is also BYO-friendly, so guests can bring their own wine or beer.
It’s often full of late-night diners, including chefs, students, and travelers.
Prices and Portions
It is priced fairly. Most dishes cost between $15 and $30. Rice and noodle dishes are more affordable, while seafood dishes can go higher.
Here’s a sample of the pricing:
| Dish | Approximate Price (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Sweet and Sour Pork | $18 |
| Roast Duck Half | $26 |
| Special Fried Rice | $16 |
| Clam Pippies with XO Sauce | $32 |
| Chicken Congee | $14 |
Portions are generous, often enough to share between two people or save for later.
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Location
| Detail | Description |
|---|
| Address | Level 1, 15 Celestial Ave, Melbourne 3000 |
| Opening Hours | Daily 5:30 pm – 2:30 am |
| Phone | (03) 9663 4759 |
| Area | Celestial Ave, just off Little Bourke St |
| Vibe | Upstairs laneway spot in Chinatown |
Owners of Supper Inn
Here’s a concise table detailing the ownership of Supper Inn:
| Owner(s) | Role / Description | Notes & Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| John Lau | Co-owner and co-operator | Family-run since at least 2013; continues Cantonese culinary tradition |
| Steve Lau | Co-owner and co-operator | Honored alongside John in the 2015 Melbourne Food & Wine Legends “hall of fame” |
Best Time to Visit Supper Inn
Since Supper Inn opens late, the best time to visit is usually after 8:30 PM, Locationson weekends. If you want to avoid the wait, try a weekday dinner.
The restaurant gets busy quickly, so arriving early or calling ahead is a smart idea. They don’t take bookings, so plan accordingly.
Ordering Supper Inn Online
For those who don’t want to dine in, Supper Inn also offers delivery through apps like Uber Eats. You can browse the full it online and have it delivered to your home.
However, many say the best experience is eating it fresh in the restaurant. The vibe, the steam rising from dishes, and the buzz of other diners add to the charm.
Why You Should Explore the Supper Inn Menu
It is more than just a food list—it’s a journey into Cantonese tradition, flavor, and community warmth. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, rich, light, or comforting, you’ll find it here.
Here’s why Supper Inn stands out:
- Open late night for cravings
- Wide range of traditional Chinese dishes
- Seafood, meat, and vegetarian options
- Affordable prices and big portions
- Fast, friendly service
Next time you’re in Melbourne, give Supper Inn a visit. Let your taste buds explore one of the city’s most trusted and beloved Chinese menus.
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Final Thoughts
Supper Inn has become a Melbourne icon for a reason. Its menu speaks to both tradition and taste. Whether you’re new to Chinese food or a longtime fan, you’ll find something to love.
If you’re wondering where to start, just open the Supper Inn menu—it’s full of treasures waiting to be discovered.
