TamJai Mixian has finally arrived in Melbourne, bringing a slice of Hong Kong’s vibrant noodle culture to Australian shores. The first store, located in Melbourne’s bustling Chinatown, promises to “spice up your day” with their signature fast-casual offerings. We began our culinary journey with the much-anticipated TuFei Chicken Wings, which certainly lived up to the hype. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these wings are coated in a secret spice mix that delivers a pleasant, lingering heat without overwhelming the palate. Perfectly paired with the Hong Kong-style Ice Lemon Tea, the drink’s refreshing, citrusy punch is the ideal complement to the savory, spicy wings.
For those seeking a more personalised dining experience, TamJai’s ‘Make Your Own’ Mixian bowl is a must-try. You can start by choosing one of six signature soup bases, and based on your spice tolerance, opt for a heat level that suits you—anything from mild to “hell fire.” The store has a soup tasting counter allowing new customers to get acquainted with the spice levels of Tam Jai’s signature soup bases which form the ‘soul of the bowl’, giving flavour and sensation to the Mixian noodle. We’re a bit chicken so we opted for the original soup base but next time I’m going to have the tomato base as it had an interesting flavour I’d like to explore more!
There is a decent selection of toppings to go with the noodles and we opted for the wagyu, abalone, and tofu toppings. The original soup base is an umami filled broth that is both light but rich. The wagyu is tender and provided an extra layer of flavour to the noodles and broth, while the abalone brought an oceanic sweetness that elevated the dish. The tofu provided a nice contrast, absorbing the aromatic soup base and adding a soft, silky texture to each bite. The rice noodles, known for their firm and smooth texture, were cooked to perfection, offering the ideal bite with every slurp. If you don’t want to make your own, they also have some signature noodle combinations as part of their menu too.
Next up was the minced pork, a dish that’s a beloved staple in Hong Kong’s comfort food scene. The minced pork was seasoned beautifully with a balance of savory and umami flavors that paired wonderfully with the al dente Mixian noodles. The dish had a hearty, satisfying quality to it, with the pork offering just the right amount of richness to make it filling but not heavy. This dish is the epitome of simple, yet expertly crafted comfort food.
Personally, I love noodles more than I like rice so TamJai is definitely one that has made it onto my go-to list. The inviting bowl of flavoursome noodles with that full flavoured broth is just like a warm familiar hug.
You can find TamJai Mixian at 231 Swanston St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
For more information visit tamjaimixian.com
Couturing were guests of TamJai Mixian. Images supplied
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