Woronora’s Legendary Chinese Restaurant Awarded Posthumous Michelin Star—Locals Say ‘About Time!’

Sandy Shores | Editor-in-Chief | Sutherland Shire Gazette

4 February 2025

In what can only be described as a cosmic injustice corrected, the beloved Woronora RSL Chinese Restaurant has been awarded a posthumous Michelin Star, months after its tragic closure in 2024.

The prestigious honour, typically reserved for establishments still in existence, has sparked both celebration and heartbreak among locals who spent decades drowning in Mongolian beef and MSG-laced nostalgia.

“I always said their special fried rice was five-star,” said long-time Wonnie resident Gary Thompson, 68. “Turns out, I was underselling it.”

Michelin inspectors reportedly dined at the now-defunct restaurant in early 2023, leaving thoroughly impressed by both the cuisine and the fact that the prawn crackers arrived at the table before they’d even sat down. However, bureaucratic delays meant the award was only announced after the restaurant had been replaced by the very fancy, very non-Chinese Blackrock Bistro.

“Typical,” sighed former regular Cheryl Dawson. “The best things in life get recognition only after they’re gone. First it was Bowie, now it’s the crispy duck.”

News of the Michelin Star has sent shockwaves through the Valley, with some hopeful that the accolade could inspire a grand reopening. “We don’t need another modern bistro,” said one devastated local. “We need salt and pepper squid in a laminated menu.”

Meanwhile, Blackrock Bistro has diplomatically congratulated its predecessor but has firmly stated they will not be adding honey king prawns to their menu.

As a final tribute, former customers are planning a ceremonial reheat of leftover containers still lurking in deep freezers across Woronora. “We’ll never get that sizzling Mongolian lamb again,” said Cheryl, holding back tears. “But we can at least microwave it one last time in its memory.”