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First Taste in Victoria

Discover First Taste, a top-rated Chinese restaurant in Footscray VIC. Enjoy authentic dishes, dine-in, takeout, or delivery. Check hours, menu & reviews.

4 228 reviews $20–40 Chinese Restaurant American · Southern

104 Hopkins St, Footscray VIC 3011, Australia

FoodPlacee Passport Australia · Victoria · 82998
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First Taste

Footscray, Victoria, Australia

Black Pepper Beef Fillet Rice Hot Pot Pork Ribs in a Complex Broth of Herbs Hainanese Chicken Rice Szechuan Seafood in Clay Pot
Rating★ 4 / 5
Price$20–40
CategoryChinese Restaurant
Today 10:30 AM - 09:00 PM

Overview

About This Food Place

First Taste is a warmly casual Chinese restaurant located at 104 Hopkins St, Footscray VIC. Known for its authentic Cantonese flavors and comforting claypot dishes, it offers a delightful dining experience for those craving traditional recipes with a modern touch. The welcoming atmosphere makes it suitable for group gatherings as well as solo dining adventures.

With a menu featuring healthy options, quick bites, and small plates, First Taste caters to a variety of palates and occasions. Customers can enjoy lunch or dinner either onsite, as takeaway, or via delivery, all served with care in a friendly environment. The restaurant boasts popular dishes like the Black Pepper Beef Fillet Rice Hot Pot and the iconic Hainanese Chicken Rice, backed by a solid 4-star rating from over 220 reviews.

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Photos from First Taste

Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.

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Local favorites

Why People Come Here

This casual Chinese restaurant is favored for its authentic Cantonese flavors and diverse menu, perfect for lunch, dinner, or a quick bite.

Highly Rated Dishes

Popular menu items like Black Pepper Beef Fillet Rice Hot Pot and Szechuan Seafood in Clay Pot receive rave reviews for their rich taste and authenticity.

Group-Friendly Atmosphere

Welcoming to groups and families, the casual setting makes it an excellent spot for gatherings with good portions and kid-friendly meals.

Multiple Dining Options

Offering dine-in, takeout, delivery, and onsite services to suit various preferences and schedules.

Convenient Hours

Open daily except Monday, First Taste provides flexible lunch and dinner hours ideal for both casual and solo dining.

Authentic Local Flavors

Celebrated for home-style Cantonese cooking, including specialties like pork ribs in herb broth and XO prawn ball rice claypot.

Easy to Find in Footscray

Located at 104 Hopkins St with free street parking nearby, making visits hassle-free in the vibrant Footscray area.

Great Value for Money

Well-priced meals between $20–40 offer generous portions and high-quality ingredients.

Experience

When & How to Enjoy This Place

Perfect for casual meals whether dining alone or gathering with friends, First Taste shines during lunch and dinner hours, offering flavorful dishes to satisfy every craving.

Discover the joy of authentic Cantonese claypot rice, freshly made soups, and stirring seafood specialties in a relaxed setting. The attentive table service paired with quick delivery and takeout options ensures flexibility for any dining preference. — FoodPlacee editorial note

Group Dinner

Enjoy a variety of signature dishes with friends or family in the casual and comfortable atmosphere, ideal for sharing flavorful plates and lively conversations.

Lunch Break

Take advantage of quick table service or convenient takeout during lunch hours to recharge with satisfying and wholesome Chinese meals.

Takeout & Delivery

Opt for delivery or takeaway to enjoy beloved dishes like the XO prawn balls or Sweet and Sour Chicken in the comfort of home.

Casual Dinner

A relaxing dinner spot providing authentic Cantonese cuisine with specialty soups and claypot rice that warm the soul after a long day.

Solo Dining

Savor a quiet meal with healthy small plates or a comforting soup, perfect for those dining solo seeking great food without fuss.

Best for

Group Dinner Lunch Dinner Takeout Delivery Good for Kids Card Payments Quick Bite

Guest sentiment

What People Feel

A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.

AJ
Aud J. 1 month ago

"Tried chicken mushroom claypot, prawn ball claypot, kangkung belacan. All tasted yummy. Good flavour, although they night not cook the rice in the Hot pot. Recommended place to eat"

RG
Richard G 2 month ago

"Finally got to try the Claypot rice... I was actually thinking of trying this dish for a year, unfortunately there is no such restaurant in my city. We went a bit over past lunch time on a Saturday, so it was not crowded. These dishes are really tasty. Also they have homemade chilli sauce, and you can buy it as well."

SM
S M 2 month ago

"OMG their claypot rice is a must order! Plump shrimp balls, and smothered in sauce. The rice at the bottom became crispy after a while - best part. I think the trick here is to add (a lot) more sauce and chilli sauce available on the table. The leftover rice is perfect for fried rice, and taste as good on the next day. I saw other tables are also ordering wonton noodles soup - they look as tasty - I'll definitely come back for them!"

F
Felicity 2 month ago

"Delicious meals, good portions and comfy vibe! Plenty of options to choose from on the menu - would recommend XO prawnball rice claypot and dumpling soup, both super tasty"

HT(
Haowen Tang (Toby) 3 month ago

"Wow so impressed. It's the hometown flavour. Best Cantonese food. Very very authentic. Hats off to the chef. The clams are so good. Love the fried rice noodles. The steam soup are such a reminder of home in Canton. Highly recommend. We have been back here three days in a row while we are in Melbourne!!! The toilet is super clean."

KL
Kevin Leung 3 month ago

"Such a hidden gem in Footscray! Their claypot rice and fried rice are seriously delicious. The salted fish has that classic “Mui Heung 霉香” aged aroma — honestly, I can’t even find that true 80s/90s-style flavour back in Hong Kong anymore* but this place somehow delivers it. The double-boiled soup is rich and packed with ingredients, yet it’s comforting and not overly salty (you don’t feel thirsty after). Prices are also very affordable, amazing value for money. This has become my weekly go-to for authentic Cantonese comfort food. Highly recommended!"

S
Sofi 3 month ago

"Best Cantonese food in Melbourne! We don’t have this level of authenticity foods in Adelaide at all. The soups. Wow. The fried stuff. Wow. The clams. The pot rice! Yummmm! Next time we visit Melbourne will definitely come back to try other dishes in the menu. Well priced for such quality authentic food and the portions are great too. Free yummy tea. Clean toilets."

L
Lena 4 month ago

"I tried the Prawn Ball and Tofu Rice Claypot over 12 months ago, I did like it. This time I tried XO Sauce Prawn Ball. The sauce was really nice, not salty and not as hot as I was afraid of. It was just right for my taste as I'm not a chilli eater. As usual, the bottom of the claypot the rice formed a yellow crispy crust which are crunchy. However, it takes time to chew them if you don't want to break your teeth . For the drink, I ordered the Cogongrass, Carrot, Water Chestnut and Sugar Cane Juice which is really nice and supposedly calming/cooling your inner system ."

Visit info

When to Visit

Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.

Today Open now · until 9:00 PM
Weekly hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday 10:30 AM - 09:00 PM
Wednesday 10:30 AM - 09:00 PM
Thursday 10:30 AM - 09:00 PM
Friday 10:30 AM - 09:00 PM
Saturday 10:30 AM - 09:00 PM
Sunday 10:30 AM - 09:00 PM
Hours may change. Please confirm with the business before visiting.

Best time to visit

Ideal times to enjoy First Taste with manageable crowds and fresh dishes for lunch or dinner.

Weekdays from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM (Closed Mondays) Early weekday dinners for a quieter dining experience Lunch hours are great for solo diners or quick bites Weekends offer lively group dining from mid-morning to evening Consider arriving before peak hours to avoid waits

On the map

Where This Food Place Lives

Find your way to First Taste in Victoria .

Address 104 Hopkins St, Footscray VIC 3011, Australia
Phone +61 3 9689 4274
Area Victoria
Call Address copied ✓

Questions answered

Food Place Questions

Find answers to common questions about First Taste, a popular Chinese restaurant in Footscray offering authentic dishes and great dining options.

First Taste is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. Hours may vary on holidays or special occasions.

Yes, First Taste provides delivery, takeout, dine-in, and onsite services, making it convenient to enjoy their Cantonese and Chinese dishes in different ways.

Payments can be made using credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payment options, ensuring a smooth and secure checkout experience.

The restaurant does not have wheelchair accessible entrances or seating, which may be a consideration for guests with mobility needs.

Popular dishes include Black Pepper Beef Fillet Rice Hot Pot, Pork Ribs in Herb Broth, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Szechuan Seafood Clay Pot, and XO prawnball claypot rice.

The restaurant is good for kids with a casual atmosphere and offers a variety of options suitable for families and groups.

Located at 104 Hopkins St, Footscray VIC 3011, Australia, the restaurant offers free street parking nearby for customer convenience.

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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.