Although inner-city Melburnians don’t live (that) close to the beach, we definitely still get around a spot of seafood and champagne. Good thing that’s what the renowned international institution is all about.
Pioneered by visionary Japanese Sri Lankan chef Dharsan Mudiasa, Ministry of Crab has gone gangbusters globally since opening in Colombo, Sri Lanka back in 2011. They’re now repping nine outposts across the globe, the latest of which is their first Australian home on Flinders Lane.
Their success is no surprise when you understand how special Sri Lanka’s crabs are. Mudiasa nods to his heritage with a dedication to sourcing the freshest (and biggest) crabs, all of which are hand-picked for their size, health and general eatability. However unlike other Ministry of Crabs around the world which serve those indulgent Sri Lankan crabs, they won’t be making the trip to Australia. Instead the menu highlights quality mud crabs from up north right here at home in Australia.
Crabs are presented table-side before heading off the be cooked. That means you can meet your whopping 2kg ‘Crabzilla’ before you pop your bib on and crack into its flavoursome, meaty goodness and slurp away. Don’t be alarmed if this size intimidates you, there's various crabs to choose from, so you can take your perfect pick and marry it with a seasoning of your choice, such as garlic and chilli or Sri Lankan curry. Hot tip, get your hands on the crab liver pate to start, the self-proclaimed flavour bomb of this joint, it’s giving smoky sweetness to die for.
This is all washed down with a meticulously curated wine list to match the punchy flavours of Sri Lanka, welcoming bubbles from Veuve and Jansz, alongside Lambert Wines from the Yarra Valley.
With crabs this luxurious interior must be synonymous. You can expect a dining room draped in velvet curtains, swimming in hues of orange and green. It’s polished and ambient, allowing you to be enveloped in its glory while you devour some crustaceans.
Hungry? Get yourself a booking and find them at 226 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD.
Images: Ministry Of Crab | Supplied
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