Monkey Magic

Surrounded by parking lots, the location is no drawcard. But the food is cheap and no-frills at this Chinese restaurant in Belconnen.

Address

86 Josephson Street, Belconnen, ACT, 2617

-35.23811 149.060534

Contact Details

Phone:

Work (02) 6251 9888

Email:

sridgway@tpg.com.au

Website:

http://www.belconnen.com.au/monkeymagic /

Restaurant Summary

Cuisine:

Chinese

Speciality:

Vegetarian, Disabled Facilities, Function Rooms, Licenced

Price:

$9.80

Entrees: $2 - $8.8, Main: $9.8 - $16.8

Editorial Review

The name of the restaurant is presumably a reference to “Monkey”, the television series that seems to have gained a cult following in Australia to overshadow its fan-base in native Japan. The series was based on the Journey to the West, one of the most famous works in Chinese literature. Instead of monkeys however, you are greeted here by fish in a large tank in an attempt to give some character to the otherwise unremarkable location.

Operating in its Belconnen location for five and a half years, Monkey Magic is a venue for families and those on budget. Many of the mains, for example, are under $12, and a dollar or two cheaper if one is ordering takeaway. Popular dishes include the Monkey Magic chicken (a house specialty of sweet and spicy boneless chicken), the lemon chicken and the always reliable dry chilli beef. For those wanting to spend a little more, a whole lemon sole may be in order, and still will only cost you around $20. Unlike many restaurants who close on Mondays, Monkey Magic is proudly open seven days for dinner, and open during the week for lunch.

Joshua Blackman, January 2008