Where Chefs Eat: Simon Ming of Odé, North Adelaide

Simon Ming’s career started far away from the hospitality industry. He worked as an engineer in China for years before mustering up the courage to quit his day job and chase his dream of becoming a chef.

He moved to Australia and trained at Le Cordon Bleu, later cutting his teeth at a string of acclaimed restaurants – including Brae in regional Victoria, the late-Jock Zonfrillo’s CBD diner Orana, and Arkhe in Norwood. The ultimate pay-off for this career gamble came in January 2024, when Ming opened his first restaurant, Odé, alongside business partner and award-winning sommelier Bhatia Dheeraj, who met Ming at Arkhe.

Opening a new restaurant is an incredibly time-consuming job, but where does the chef-restaurateur eat when he’s not behind the pans? Broadsheet caught up with Ming to find out his favourite neighbourhood spot, the restaurant he heads to for birthdays and anniversaries, and his take on the best coffee in town.

What’s your go-to for a quick takeaway?
Sunny’s Pizza. The traditional margherita is my favourite; it’s simple and consistent.

And for a drink and snacks?
I love Leigh Street Luggage on a Wednesday or Thursday night when it is not too busy. I always start with a Whisky Sour and then I love to chat to the mixologists, who usually make me a special cocktail based on what I feel like.

And what about the best food close to where you live?
Ying Chow Chinese Restaurant. It is very friendly and it’s always open until late, which is great for people in the hospitality industry. Their stir-fries, beef claypot and noodle soup are always go-tos.

If it’s a special occasion, where are you headed?
Magill Estate Restaurant. I go one or twice a year, usually for a birthday or anniversary. I love the view and location for sunset. Scott Huggins’s food is always exceptional –it’s one of the best restaurants in Adelaide.

And where’s the best coffee in town?
Soho, just off Grote Street, and Elementary are my favourites, and they both roast their own coffee beans.

How about a meal with a big group of family or friends?
Paper Tiger is definitely a good spot to go. They have a sharing menu with great flavours, and a great location on Rundle Street.

Who do you reckon does the best desserts?
I always go for pistachio gelato from Bottega Gelateria

What’s your favourite dish on the menu at Odé?
Beef tartare is my number one. We are using 10-day dry-aged Scotch for the meat, mixed with ’nduja, cornichon, shallot and the most incredible cucumber-flavoured potato chips. This dish is an absolute flavour bomb and fun to eat.

And is there a hidden gem that you think is underrated but great?
Hometown Flavour, a small Chinese restaurant tucked away in the corner of the Adelaide Central Market, which has a special rice-noodle soup. The highlight of the soup is the fermented bamboo shoot, which is very stinky but delicious – you will either love it or hate it!

@chef_simon.ming
@ode_bistro