Melbourne: Salted Egg, a Flinders Lane favourite known for its vibrant South East Asian flavours, has welcomed Sean Thomas, as Executive Chef, a highly regarded and inventive culinary talent set to take the restaurant into an exciting new chapter – starting with a dynamic new menu.

The Melbourne-born chef brings a career defined by bold flavours, cultural curiosity, and refined technique, shaped in some of Australia's most respected kitchens and grounded in both South East Asian and Mediterranean culinary traditions.

Sean completed his apprenticeship at Melbourne institutions MoVida, and Gingerboy, later returning to the latter as Sous Chef. There, he refined his approach to layered flavours, wok cookery, spice balance, and high-volume service.

He then joined Sezar before leading the kitchen at Chapel Street venue Shukah, serving tapas-style dishes inspired by European and Middle Eastern cuisines. After travelling through Asia, he returned to Australia and relocated to Adelaide, honing his skills in the fast paced kitchen at Madame Hanoi.

Now back in Melbourne, Sean takes the helm at Salted Egg and The Q rooftop bar, launching menus that combine reimagined favourites with brand new dishes and bringing bold flavours to the fore. 

“South East Asian flavours and spices that made Salted Egg such a favourite remain at the heart of every dish, with exciting new dishes that highlight Australian produce also featured,” he says. “We've also introduced some Asianfusion influences into the menu – modern interpretations that may not be traditional but stay true to the distinctive flavours of Asia.”

When it comes to the menu, Sean recommends the Shark Bay Scallops with fermented chilli butter and pickled fennel, and the Skull Island King Prawns grilled in a dry laksa paste with rich coconut cream and crispy curry leaves. The Chilli Soft Shell Crab also gets a nod, lightly battered and served on top of a spicy sweet aromatic chilli sauce, with fried mantou bao buns to mop up every morsel.

The Wagyu Porterhouse is a standout for meat lovers. This is finished with a sweet vinegar glaze, garlic jam, and taro fries. In a playful nod to its namesake, the steak has grated salted egg on the top, a beloved Singaporean staple.

In addition to the à la carte menu, the restaurant has added a set menu option – for guests who'd like their tasting journey chosen for them – and with breakfast, lunch and dinner seatings, Salted Egg flavours can be enjoyed throughout the day A-la-carte.

“The Chilli Scrambled Egg remains a favourite on the breakfast menu but the new Eggs Florentine with yuzu hollandaise and our take on French Toast are just too good not to try,” he said.

The talented team behind the open kitchen - which brings an inclusive sense of theatre to the restaurant - are key to its success.

“Salted Egg is all about big flavours, vibrancy, and pace,” Sean says. “It's a fun, fast-moving kitchen with a great team, and the food needs to deliver impact. Guests come here for an experience, and consistency and energy are everything.”

Diners can expect a similar style at The Q with a new snack menu – including the signature Prawn Bao with spicy mayo, pickles, and lettuce – that pairs perfectly with a cocktail, wine, or beer.

Sean's appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Salted Egg, located within the boutique Quincy Hotel precinct, reaffirming the venue's commitment to flavour-driven, contemporary South-East Asian cuisine both in Salted Egg and the hotel's popular rooftop bar, The Q…. but also further afield.

“Today, we're also excited to announce that a flavour packed adventure is on the horizon as we take Salted Egg's vibrant energy and bold flavours to the Top End, with Salted Egg Darwin set to spice up the local food scene later this year.”

Salted Egg Melbourne is open 7 days a week for breakfast. Tuesday to Friday for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. Bookings via OpenTable.

EDITOR'S NOTES Address: 509 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC. Located on Level 1 of Quincy Hotel Website: saltedeggmelbourne.com.au / The Q rooftop bar Instagram: @saltedeggmelbourne or @theqmelbourne Download Salted Egg's menu / The Q's bar menu.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Yvette Peverell – TFE Hotels (Public Relations Business Partner) | +61 403 834 111 | ypeverell@tfehotels.com Jodi Clark - TFE Hotels (Director of Communications) | +61 499 900 658 | jclark@tfehotels.com

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ABOUT SALTED EGG Salted Egg was born from the eclectic and vivid origins of Southeast Asian cuisine. It offers destination dining for those with a curious appetite and a desire for culinary adventure. It's not just place to dine, but a place where ideas are hatched.