Pop Chinese comes to Canberra

Posted on 26 April, 2017

We all know what it’s like to have an unshakable craving for Chinese food.

Once it’s in your head, it won’t leave you until your tastebuds receive that delicious noodle or spring roll hit. Well, crave no more, because there is a new joint in town offering up classic Chinese cuisine… with a modern Australian twist.

City restaurant Natural Nine has officially launched its new look and menu, completely overhauling the restaurant’s former atmosphere. Natural Nine is the latest in a string of Canberra restaurants to follow the Asian fusion trend taking the nation’s capital by storm. We’re all big fans of powerhouse Asian eateries Akiba and XO, not to mention new-kid-on-the-block Lazy Su…. But where Natural Nine differs from the rest is their eclectic new theme: Chinese pop.

The former fine-dining restaurant, located within Casino Canberra, has had a complete overhaul: new brand, new menu, new ambience. The new Natural Nine offers fun food to complement an upbeat atmosphere: think unique cuisine, bold Asian prints, and a creative selection of both classic and Chinese cocktails.

Head Chef, and newly appointed Director of Food and Beverage, David Black, is the brains behind the transformation.

“I saw so much potential in Natural Nine that we could utilise; from the location, to the kitchen team’s knowledge and even the general atmosphere,” he explains.

“It’s about bringing the modern Chinese experience that our international guests receive around the world, here to Canberra.”

“While the whole ‘Asian’ concept is quite new to me, the kitchen team and I have worked hard to research traditional methods and techniques, to deliver fun and exciting food.”

This may be the first time Black has tried his hand in an entirely Asian menu but the proof is quite literally in the coconut sago pudding.

The new menu offers an enticing selection of Chinese cuisine. We’re talking shantung spatchcock with magic chilli, and fried ice cream with green tea custard. You’ll also find dishes like Ants Climbing Trees (a Natural Nine take on a traditional Chinese noodle dish) and steamed Mantou – a fluffy steamed bun filled with either bang bang chicken, kung pao pork or sensational salmon, no less.

Natural Nine, however, is not just about the food, it’s about the entire experience guests can take away: “When you visit the Casino, you’re obviously there for a good time, so that was my basis for the new Natural Nine. It has a much more upbeat and vibrant atmosphere, complemented by casual yet informative waiters and, of course, deliciously creative food,” explains Black.

So while we bid the fine-dining side of the old Natural Nine farewell, we feel ready to embrace the new and improved restaurant with open arms – nicely washed down with a plate of steamed Mantou.

the essentials

What: Natural Nine
Where: Casino Canberra, 21 Binara Street, Civic
When: Open seven days from 12pm – 10pm
Web: natural9.com.au