One of Sri Lanka’s most renowned restaurants, Ministry of Crab, has landed in Melbourne. Founded over a decade ago by chef-restauranteur Dharshan Munidasa, and alongside cricketing legends Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara, this restaurant has since opened up venues in Shanghai, Chengdu, Manila, Mumba, Maldives and Bangkok. It has repeatedly appeared on the list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, most recently coming in at number 35. And now, it is popping up in Melbourne for just one precious month. Try it for yourself at Crown, from October 14 to November 12.
Ministry of Crab
Here in Melbourne for the very first time, this pop-up will reflect Chef Dharshan’s dual Japanese and Sri Lankan lineage and culture. Feast on sustainably sourced Australian crab from Queensland and the Northern Territory, and enjoy a five-course set meal. Expect iconic dishes like fiery pepper crab, avocado crab salad, crab liver pâté and garlic chilli prawn. Finish up with a sweet coconut crème brûlée for dessert.
Take it up a notch and sip on bespoke wine pairings from leading Australian labels like Penfolds, Wynns, Seppelt and Coldstream Hills.
“We are so excited to be bringing the Ministry of Crab experience to Melbourne for the first time,” said Chef Dharshan. “Australia is a country that is home to mud crabs and we are honoured to be cooking and plating up these crustacean giants in our unique style at Evergreen at Crown Towers.”
“There’s no denying we’re all still yearning for the bucket list food experiences that come with the adventure of travel,” said Crown Melbourne’s Executive General Manager of Food and Beverage Edna Cunningham. “Crown Melbourne’s Ministry of Crab pop-up is set to satisfy that hunger.”
The five course set menu costs $185 per person. Meanwhile, adding paired wines will bring the total to $240 per person. Bookings are required.
Ministry of Crab is open Wednesday to Sunday. They’re opening hours are:
- Wednesday and Thursday – 6pm to 10pm (one sitting only)
- Friday and Saturday – 5:30pm to 8pm, 8:30pm to 10:30pm
- Sunday – 12pm to 3:30pm