When you head to Ginger Meg’s, part of the experience is finding your way to this hidden gem in Newcastle.

Concealed down an unexpected alley on King Street, wandering into Ginger Meg’s feels like you’ve stumbled into a Melbourne laneway bar but with a distinctly Novocastrian identity.

From the moment you walk in and catch a glimpse of their iconic golden staircase, Ginger Meg’s becomes a sensorial adventure. 

Catch aromas of incense and spices from the kitchen, and take in the Asian-inspired decor – all before tasting any of the delights on their unique Pan-Asian menu.

The space has a cocktail bar feel, with a dark and moody colour palette accented by pops of colour. 

You also can’t miss the huge artworks that adorn the walls – the stunning portraits inject colour into the space without being overpowering.

Whether you cosy up in the booth seating in the restaurant or spread out with your group at one of the large tables down at the bar, you can be sure the atmosphere will be unmatched.

Ginger Meg’s is beloved for its bold, colourful and fiery menu, mixing flavours from across the Asian continent.

Take your senses on a journey, starting with their four Dumpling and four Bao options. 

We’re partial to the Crystal Skin Vegetable Dumplings with black vinegar, garlic, chilli and fresh shallots, Chicken & Water Chestnut Siu Mei Dumplings with garlic soy, or Prawn Bao with coconut crumbed prawns, honey sesame aioli, pickled cucumber and cos lettuce.

There are plenty of plates made for sharing too, like Kingfish Sashimi, Sticky Boneless Chicken and Ginger Meg’s Duck Spring Rolls. But if you keep them to yourself, we won’t judge.

For a larger dish, try out the restaurant’s selection of Curries and Woks. There are three different Curries and four different Woks to choose from, each a thrill for your palate. 

Try the Crispy Golden Pork Belly with chilli caramel, apple, fresh herbs and pickled red onion; Kung Pao Cauliflower & Tofu with wok tossed cauliflower, caramelised tofu, Sichuan peppercorns, snake beans, spring onion, sesame oil, dried chilli and roast peanuts; or Beef Massaman Curry with coconut milk braised wagyu beef brisket, dry roasted ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, kipfler potato, coconut cream, peanuts and fried onion.

Did you know Ginger Meg’s does dessert too? Finish off your meal with Panna Cotta made with kaffir lime, tapioca balls, mango gel and coconut, or Vietnamese Coffee Parfait, with peanut crumble, lychee gel and spiced dark chocolate sauce.

In addition to their comprehensive wine, beer and spirits offering, Ginger Meg’s has concocted eleven in-house cocktail creations to accompany your feast. Each cocktail continues the Asian fusion flavours Ginger Meg’s is known for, with ingredients like kaffir lime, chilli and lychee making an appearance. 

Discover sophisticated flavour combinations in each cocktail – the perfect accompaniment to your food choices.

Our favourites are the Ginger Buddha with ginger and rhubarb gin, lemon, sugar and ruby red grapefruit juice, the Mr Miyagi, with lychee liqueur, lime, sugar and kaffir lime, and the Floating Market, with strawberry gin, elderflower liqueur, sugar, lemon and soda.

Like the sound of everything on the menu? You’re not alone! With the restaurant’s Feed Me menu, you can sample a range of dishes on the menu for only $60 per person or $65 for the gluten free or vegan menu. Try menu staples like Sichuan Salt & Pepper Squid, Satay Chicken Skewers and Prawn Bao.

The specials don’t end there. Head in on Wednesday and Thursday evenings for half price bar food, $12 cocktails and $6 tap beers down at Gingertown Bar. It’s the place to be for cheap eats – get your hands on bar food like Fried Chicken Bao with sprouts, fresh herbs and sriracha mayo, Prawn Hargow Dumplings with roasted Sichuan soy, or Bruce Lee Fries flavoured with chilli salt, shallots and mayo. 

Take advantage of Gingertown Happy Hour every Friday and Saturday, with $6 tap beers and house spirits in the bar from 5.30pm-7.30pm. It’s the ideal spot for a drink before you head up to the restaurant for dinner or before venturing out for a night on the town.

Ginger Meg’s has also become known for their Sunday Yum Cha – every Sunday from 12pm-4pm, you can indulge in seven courses of food and a one-and-a-half hour drinks package for just $60 per person. Even better, there’s a vegan menu available for plant-based diners!

So what dishes can you look forward to at Sunday Yum Cha? Think San Choy Bow with beef, sprouts & fresh herbs in lettuce cups, Roast Duck Spring Rolls with plum sauce and Mini Pork Buns. 

For the vegans, enjoy dishes like Vegan Prawn Toast, Tempeh Roll Ups with fresh herbs, pickled vegetables & satay sauce, and Salt and Pepper Tofu with Shanghai chilli. 

The drinks package includes house tap cocktails (Watermelon, Strawberry Coconut and Peach Iced Tea), tap beers and wine (sparkling, sauvignon blanc and rosé).

Even better, opening hours on a Sunday have been extended until 4pm, with the last booking at 2.30pm – perfect for a long Sunday lunch. 

If you haven’t been to Ginger Meg’s recently, book yourself in for a night (or Sunday afternoon) of fiery flavours and relaxed vibes.