For quite a few years now, we have read good reviews about LuLu’s Char Koay Teow, the supposedly best in Melbourne. We could not pass up the chance to try its fare when we were again in the CBD on a weekend.

Location: 27-31 Hardware Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000

Website: https://www.facebook.com/lulucktmelbourne/

There was already a queue outside the restaurant when we arrived at 12pm. You have to write your name and number of people eating on the clipboard placed near the entrance and then patiently wait for the staff to call out to you when a table is available.

We observed that the queue moved pretty fast. After about 20 minutes, we were ushered inside the restaurant and to an empty table. Menus are found clipped to the tables and orders are to be made and paid for at the counter.

We chose the Char Koay Teow signature dish, Penang Jawa Mee and 2 cups of Teh Tarik.

The teh tariks were the first to arrive. My oh my … the use of traditional cups and saucers with cream crackers on the side was a master touch. The flora taste of the frothy tea was heavenly.

The Penang Jawa Mee had an interesting array of ingredients. Savouring this dish for the very first time, its tangy sauce won us over.

We eagerly awaited the appearance of the restaurant’s signature dish. The Char Koay Teow certainly did not disappoint. One could taste the “wok hei” in an instant. The chef offered a generous serving of fresh prawns, pork lard and chinese sausage. Was it worth the wait and hype? Yes!!!

Do check out the restaurant the next time you are in the Melbourne CBD.

It was something on our bucket list and boy were we glad we ticked this one off.