Bobby Chan Sydney | New Asian Restaurant at 25 Martin Place

Some restaurant discoveries start with a booking. Others begin with an Instagram comment. Our introduction to Bobby Chans was very much the latter.

It started when I spotted a rather interesting prawn toast bao on Instagram. Naturally, I had to comment. It looked like a fresh interpretation of the much-loved classic prawn toast. Little did I know that a simple comment would lead to an invitation to the restaurant's launch.

Stanley House Studios, the marketing team behind Bobby Chans, kindly extended the invitation. So, Trent and I found ourselves dressing up for our first restaurant launch together.

A New Address in the Heart of Sydney

Located at 25 Martin Place, Bobby Chans occupies a rather convenient spot for us. In fact, it's downstairs from my office. I can already see this becoming a handy option for an after-work dinner.

The restaurant sits within the Cabana Bar area, owned and operated by Tilley & Wills Hotel. It also takes over the space previously occupied by Mr. White and Wong. There is something quite fitting about another Asian dining concept taking over the address.

The launch brought together media, content creators and familiar faces from Sydney's hospitality scene. Before entering, we bumped into Bella Murray at the front door. Bella recognised us from The Wined Up and introduced herself as Andrew Thomas's daughter-in-law. It was such a lovely introduction and a reminder of how small the hospitality community can be.

We were seated alongside other content creators, next to the lovely Anastasia. She had brought her mother, Anna, along for the evening. Naturally, conversations started flowing around the table. It was interesting seeing a restaurant launch through the eyes of fellow content creators. Everyone was there to experience the space, enjoy the food and capture the evening.

For us, however, it was also about enjoying a good night out.

Food, Wine and Good Cocktails

The evening began with a Mandarin Cello Spritz. It was a lovely introduction to the drinks menu and set the tone for the night. We started with a smashed cucumber salad with sesame dressing and angel hair chilli. A very nice start to the evening with the crunch of the cucumbers against the sweet, sour and chili flavours.

Then came the dish that had started this entire adventure: the prawn toast bao. Rather than the traditional prawn toast served on bread, Bobby Chans presented its own interpretation in a miniature bao. It was a playful take on a familiar favourite. It certainly caught my attention on Instagram, and I was glad we got to try it.

Trent moved on to the house Pinot Grigio. Meanwhile, I opted for the Coconut Dream mocktail. It delivered plenty of coconut flavour and was a pleasant alternative. Next came the yellowfin tuna served on betel leaf. This was arguably one of the standout dishes of the evening. The combination made for an interesting addition to the menu.

For the mains, we enjoyed Humpty Doo barramundi steamed with shallots and ginger. It was accompanied by bok choy, bringing a familiar Asian approach to the preparation. There was also the slow cooked Wagyu beef cheeks with black bean sauce served with steam rice.

Just when we thought the cocktails had finished, Bella returned with another round. This time, it was the Bangkok Calling. The evening wrapped up with matcha fried ice cream. It was a fun finish, bringing together a familiar dessert format with a distinctly Asian flavour.

A Launch Worth Remembering

Restaurant launches offer more than just an opportunity to sample a new menu. They also provide a chance to meet the people, discover the thinking behind a venue and understand where it fits within Sydney's dining scene.

For us, Bobby Chans was an enjoyable introduction to that experience. The cocktails were particularly memorable, and there were some interesting interpretations of familiar Asian dishes. The prawn toast bao certainly lived up to the curiosity that started our evening.

What made the night special was also the people. From the warm welcome at the door to conversations around the table, it was a lovely way to experience a new restaurant. Having Bobby Chans just downstairs from my office certainly doesn't hurt.

Our first restaurant launch turned out to be a rather enjoyable evening. Seeing how other content creators work their magic. Sometimes, all it takes is a little curiosity, an Instagram comment and an invitation to discover somewhere new.

Plan Your Visit

If you're looking for a new Asian dining destination in Sydney's CBD, Bobby Chans is worth adding to your list. Located at 25 Martin Place, it's a convenient option for after-work dining, casual catch-ups and an evening of cocktails and shared plates.

Bobby Chans
📍 25 Martin Place, Sydney NSW, Australia

Our highlights

Prawn Toast Bao
Yellowfin tuna served on betel leaf
Matcha fried ice cream

Wine

Check our their Cocktail Menu

🍷 The Wined Up Tip

Located downstairs from Martin Place offices, Bobby Chans is an easy option for an after-work catch-up. Start with a cocktail and explore the menu through a selection of shared dishes.