How to support Asian food business during the coronavirus outbreak

Asian food businesses are struggling across the country, so what better time to get out for a meal and give some of our local favourites some support. We've got the hit list sorted, just don't forget to hashtag #iwilleatwithyou.

Whether you skip the soup or stick with it, either option is worth ordering. Source: Nong Tang Noodle House

Let’s clear something up. Eating at an Asian restaurant, eating meat, or visiting Chinatown or a suburb densely populated by Asian-Australians will not cause you to contract coronavirus (COVID-19). Authorities have already warned people to be mindful of fake news that has been rife across social media as the outbreak spreads.

Nonetheless, Chinese and Asian-run businesses are experiencing a very real decline in business, with some reporting a drop in sales of up to 80 per cent due to public reaction to the virus outbreak.

Times are tough enough, with Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg last week saying the economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak will be more significant than the detriment caused by recent bushfires. With customer numbers dwindling, Asian food businesses could use a helping hand.

Luckily, public support is gaining momentum with several food industry voices speaking out. Recently, activist group GetUp joined the conversation with a new petition labelled #IWillEatWithYou. The movement is not dissimilar to bushfire recovery support initiatives like the Empty Esky or Spend With Them, and encourages the public to 'vote with your wallet' so to speak.

To join the movement, all you have to do is pick an Asian eatery or grocery to visit this month and share your experience under the hashtag #iwilleatwithyou. 

If you need help choosing, we've compiled a restaurant hit list to get you started including recommendations from Luke Nguyen, Adam Liaw and Melissa Leong.

New South Wales

The soup is served with a salad which is mixed in before eating (Dominic Ryan). Source: Dominic Ryan

Bun bo Hue in Canley Vale

This late-night joint slings some of the most sought-after bowls of Bun Bo Hue by local chefs. Some say it's even more satisfying than a bowl of pho.

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Bun Bo Hue Gia Hoi

230 Canley Vale Rd, Canley Heights NSW 2166

Sun to Thurs 9:00am – 11:30pm

Fri to Sat 9:00am – 1:30am

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Lunch and dinner is served at Market City's 1909 Dining Precinct. Source: Market City

Eat the Market City precinct with Adam Liaw’s list

Next time you're in the heart of Sydney's Chinatown, you might just have to venture to Market City's 1909 Dining Precinct for sushi burgers, Chongching noodles and Korean barbecue.

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Market City Dining Precinct

Level 3/9-13 Hay St, Haymarket NSW 2000

Daily 10:00am – 11:00pm

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Anthony Bourdain-approved roast suckling pig in Newtown

So famed is the Cebu version of lechon, it's not uncommon to fly a whole pig from Cebu to Manila, but we've got a version right here. Be prepared to queue at Sydney Cebu Lechon.

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Sydney Cebu Lechon 

Shop 4/80-80A Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042

Thurs 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Fri 5:30pm – 9:00pm

Sat and Sun 11:30am – 3:00pm, 5:30pm – 9:00pm

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Victoria

Whether you skip the soup or stick with it, either option is worth ordering. Source: Nong Tang Noodle House

A noodle bowl beloved in Shanghai laneway eateries

David Yang opened Nong Tang Noodle House last year with his mother, wanting to showcase the authentic Shanghai cuisine he grew up eating.

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Nong Tang Noodle House

MidCity Arcade, Shop 16-17, 194-200 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Vic

Daily 11:30 am – 10 pm

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Pho Thin might be known for it’s stir-fried beef pho, but there are four other bowls to choose from as well. Source: Pho Thin

A taste of Vietnam with ‘the most authentic’ pho

Pho Thin in Melbourne’s CBD touts the original unique recipe from its namesake shop in Hanoi that starts cooking at 5:30am.

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Pho Thin

Shop C, 389 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne (enter via Hardware Lane)

Daily 10:30am – 8:30pm

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Pick-and-choose your Sichuan hotpot at Tina's Noodle Kitchen. Source: Melissa Leong

Melissa Leong’s top picks in Box Hill

Drive about 15 minutes from the centre of Melbourne, and you’ll hit the reasonably innocuous suburb of Box Hill. Somewhere around the 1970s, this predominantly English and Australian neighbourhood began its evolution into one of the city’s great (and possibly most overlooked) food destinations.

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Various locations

Box Hill Central, Victoria 3128

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You can follow the official COVID-19 Government updates here.