Blue Chillies

Ph: (03) 9417 0071; 182 Brunswick St, FITZROY 3065 www.bluechillies.com.au

Malaysian, $$ -, * for Food
Open 7 days noon-2.30pm; Mon-Thu 6-10.30pm; Fri-Sat 6-11pm; Sun 6-10pm; Licensed; AE DC MC V EFT, Seats inside 80, Outside seats, Private room 50
Chef Lam Tan (7-11-07) Owner Linh Cao (7-11-07)

Mietta's Review
A Brunswick St stalwart. Blue Chillies offers a menu that is Malaysian but not focussed on Hawker style food, instead flavoursome noodle, rice and curry dishes are presented in generous portions. The dark panelled shelving and tables and dim lighting make this a moody space. The service is warm and of a high standard. It is a favourite amongst locals for take away meals also.

Other published opinions

Age Good Food Guide 2008 Score: 13/20 "Dim lighting, closely packed tables and darkwooden shelves stacked with Asian produce lend Blue Chillies an intimate foodstore feel that sets it apart from brash Brunswick Street eateries"

The Age Cheap Eats 2007 "There's not a laminex table or fluorescent light in sight at this chilled out, casually stylish Malaysian joint. Dark wooden floors, mood lighting and a jazz-heavy soundtrack give Blue Chillies a definite Fitzroy spin and there's substance to match the style."

The Age Cheap Eats 2006 Less expensive dishes like Singaporean mee hoon (stir-fried vermicelli with spiced chicken) or nasi goreng are great and the seafood laksa is a Fitzroy fave. Wood shelving, moody lighting, rattan touches and the occasional Buddha reflect a MelbournemeetsMalaysia vibe. The wine list is reasonable and waitstaff friendly.

The Age Good Food Guide 2006 score 12/20 "Blue Chillies is one of a clutch of modern Malaysian restaurants that team smart, moody, bistro-like dark-wood interiors with well-executed hawker-style food and a sultry jazzy soundtrack. Fitting the SoJo (that's 'south -of-JohnstonStreet') end of Brunswick Street like a a pair of Tsubi jeans, Blue Chillies offers up the usual selection of noodles, curries and laksas"

The Age Cheap Eats 2005 "THE food is chilli-hot, but the jazz soundtrack is cool. First up, Easy to Love. And this place is, with its dark-wood interior, low lighting and Buddha chilling atop the stereo."

The Age Cheap Eats 2004 "COOL music, warm service and big flavours keep locals coming back to this dark-wood space, decked out with jazz posters and towering grocery shelves. Elbow room is at a premium at the tightly packed tables"

Herald Sun, Weekend, 10/7/04,Bob Hart,'In the case of Blue Chillies-a deliciously Fitzrovian little Malaysian place-a respected Singaporean chef adds a sense of adventure of all of his own.David Sum speaks little English.But his food, bursting with fresh ideas and bold flavours,speaks volumes.'

The Foodies' Guide,Allan Campion & Michele Curtis,'One of Melbourne's best takeaway spots.There are some hard choices to be made here:will it be lohbak,parkers gem or satay chicken to nibble on?The laksa is legendary,but also try some of the house specials such as bb's beef,assam prawns or the duck,cooked three times with ginger,lemongrass,chilli and lime juice.'

AGFG 2004, value for money $25 two courses, wide selection vegetarian dishes

The Age, Agenda, 29/2/04, John Lethlean,'a smart timber and rattan interior by restaurant specialist Wayne Finschi gives Blue Chillies a nice vibe; one that suits the Malaysian menu.'

The Age Good Food Guide 2003 Score 13/20.

Age Good Food Guide 2002 Score 13/20