Where Chefs Eat: Khanh Ong Has a New Favourite Banh Mi Shop

Khanh Ong has come a long way since he first appeared on screens as a contestant on Masterchef season 10 in 2018. In addition to being a fan-favourite, Ong is a cookbook author, television host, former Survivor contestant and part-owner of George on Collins. We caught up with Ong to find out where (and what) he’s been eating in Melbourne lately.

Favourite bakery
“Woodfrog Bakery, the baguettes are the best. I usually get two: one for home and one to munch on while I walk around the South Melbourne Market.”

Go-to breakfast spot
“Cibi in Collingwood. The traditional Japanese breakfast gets a modern Melbourne twist and I love it!”

Best place for a drink and snacks
“Hands Down in Fitzroy, I have my snack menu there all of May and the Martinis are the best!”

Date-night recommendation
“Grab some ice-cream in St Kilda around sunset and watch the penguins come home near the pier.”

Favourite ice-cream or gelato spot
“Kariton Chinatown! I get the fish sauce caramel or ube, but they have such fun flavours I actually just love coming and trying a different one each time.”

Special-occasion spot
“Minamishima in Richmond. I don’t do it on purpose, but whenever I’m celebrating I end up there for the omakase and the saké.” 

Best place to eat with a big group
“Anywhere in Chinatown, but if we are feeling like a real treat then it has to be Flower Drum!” 

Best place to eat as a solo diner
“Soi 38. I go and grab the fried pork jowl with some som tum on the regular!”

Best place for a late-night feed
“Gimlet! For the cheeseburger – to be honest Gimlet anytime of the day for anything.” 

Best bread
“I really like Woodfrog or Q le Baker. I think it’s because they take their sourdough really far. The crust is dark.”

Best banh mi
“Before the owners changed it was Tabac in Springvale. Now it’s Bun Bun in Springvale!” 

Best coffee
“My house. Beans are roasted in Khon Kaen at Godfather Coffee. I love them so much I buy them as gifts for friends.” 

Restaurant you wish would come back for a night
“Gazi. I love Greek food and I still don’t think I’ve found somewhere that fills the space that Gazi occupied for me.”

Venue you’ve visited the most over the years
“Gimlet. It’s my go-to when I can’t decide where to go!”

Most underrated restaurant
“Oriental Teahouse on Chapel Street. It’s always so good, I love the crispy steak and also the mixed vegetables. Dumplings are always fantastic. It’s just a really solid venue.” 

Bucket-list restaurant
“Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse in Monaco. I’ve been before, but I am dying to return. I think it may have been my favourite dining experience ever. The food was incredible. The people watching. The decor. The atmosphere. The DIY tea that you pick from a herb trolley. The choose-your-own rum for your rum baba. It’s all just such a treat – worth every dollar!”

Khanh Ong is a guest judge on Masterchef Australia this Wednesday. Masterchef airs at 7pm on Sundays, and 7.30pm Monday to Wednesday. Watch and stream on 10.