Iconic eatery closing after 70 years prompts loyal diners to reflect
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Sometimes, the quiet fixtures in our lives leave the biggest gap when they’re gone.
After decades of quietly serving comfort and tradition, one long-running Aussie favourite is closing its doors. It will leave behind warm memories, loyal regulars, and the kind of menu locals knew by heart.
Locals say they will miss not just the food but the feeling of home it brought with every visit.
Toi Shan’s story is as rich as its menu. Its roots stretch all the way back to 1948, when Allan Chan took over the On Loong cookshop, an eatery with its own legacy dating back to 1892, and renamed it after his hometown in southern China.
At a time when Bendigo’s dining options were limited to the local pub, Toi Shan introduced locals to the wonders of Chinese cuisine, albeit with a distinctly Aussie twist.
Dishes like honey chicken, prawn crackers, and lemon chicken became instant classics, tailored to suit the tastes of the community while still offering a hint of the exotic.
The restaurant’s journey through the decades is a testament to the enduring appeal of 'Australian Chinese' food, a unique culinary tradition that blends Chinese recipes with local ingredients and preferences.
Under the stewardship of the Chan family, and later Sue Wong and her husband Peter Chee (who took over in 2003),
Toi Shan became a place where everyone felt welcome, whether you were a regular or a first-timer.
The announcement of Toi Shan’s closure has hit the Bendigo community hard. Social media has been flooded with messages of sadness, gratitude, and nostalgia.
Many locals recall childhood memories of family dinners, birthday celebrations, and the comforting ritual of takeaway nights.
One former staff member reminisced about working alongside two generations of the Chan family, while others shared stories of making Toi Shan a 'must-visit' stop every time they returned to Bendigo.
It’s clear that Toi Shan was more than just a place to eat—it was a cornerstone of the community, a place where memories were made and traditions were kept alive.
Toi Shan’s closure is part of a broader trend affecting many long-standing restaurants across Australia.
Owners Sue and Peter, both in their early 70s, made the difficult decision to retire after years of searching for someone to take over the business.
It’s a familiar story: as the original owners age, finding passionate successors willing to carry on the legacy becomes increasingly challenging.
The hospitality industry has also faced unprecedented challenges in recent years, from rising costs and staff shortages to the lingering impacts of the pandemic.
For many family-run establishments, the pressures have simply become too great.
While Toi Shan will soon serve its last meal, its legacy will live on in the stories and memories of those who dined there.
The restaurant’s history is even documented in a 1991 ABC documentary segment, and its place in Bendigo’s cultural tapestry is undeniable.
The city’s vibrant Chinese community, which dates back to the gold rush era of the mid-1800s, continues to be celebrated at the Golden Dragon Museum—a reminder of the enduring connections between food, culture, and community.
After Toi Shan closes, the site will reopen as an Indian restaurant, ushering in a new chapter for the location.
While it’s always sad to say goodbye to an old favourite, it’s also a reminder of how Australia’s food scene continues to evolve, reflecting the changing tastes and diverse backgrounds of our communities.
Did you have a favourite dish? Was Toi Shan the backdrop to a special family moment? Or perhaps you’ve seen other iconic eateries in your area close their doors? We’d love to hear your stories and reflections—share them in the comments below.
Read more: Sidney Myer's grandson urges retail giant to refurbish Bendigo store
After decades of quietly serving comfort and tradition, one long-running Aussie favourite is closing its doors. It will leave behind warm memories, loyal regulars, and the kind of menu locals knew by heart.
Locals say they will miss not just the food but the feeling of home it brought with every visit.
Toi Shan’s story is as rich as its menu. Its roots stretch all the way back to 1948, when Allan Chan took over the On Loong cookshop, an eatery with its own legacy dating back to 1892, and renamed it after his hometown in southern China.
At a time when Bendigo’s dining options were limited to the local pub, Toi Shan introduced locals to the wonders of Chinese cuisine, albeit with a distinctly Aussie twist.
Dishes like honey chicken, prawn crackers, and lemon chicken became instant classics, tailored to suit the tastes of the community while still offering a hint of the exotic.
Iconic Bendigo eatery Toi Shan Chinese Restaurant is closing its doors for good on July 30 after more than 70 years of serving the local community. Credit: Google Maps
The restaurant’s journey through the decades is a testament to the enduring appeal of 'Australian Chinese' food, a unique culinary tradition that blends Chinese recipes with local ingredients and preferences.
Under the stewardship of the Chan family, and later Sue Wong and her husband Peter Chee (who took over in 2003),
Toi Shan became a place where everyone felt welcome, whether you were a regular or a first-timer.
The announcement of Toi Shan’s closure has hit the Bendigo community hard. Social media has been flooded with messages of sadness, gratitude, and nostalgia.
Many locals recall childhood memories of family dinners, birthday celebrations, and the comforting ritual of takeaway nights.
One former staff member reminisced about working alongside two generations of the Chan family, while others shared stories of making Toi Shan a 'must-visit' stop every time they returned to Bendigo.
It’s clear that Toi Shan was more than just a place to eat—it was a cornerstone of the community, a place where memories were made and traditions were kept alive.
Toi Shan’s closure is part of a broader trend affecting many long-standing restaurants across Australia.
It’s a familiar story: as the original owners age, finding passionate successors willing to carry on the legacy becomes increasingly challenging.
The hospitality industry has also faced unprecedented challenges in recent years, from rising costs and staff shortages to the lingering impacts of the pandemic.
For many family-run establishments, the pressures have simply become too great.
While Toi Shan will soon serve its last meal, its legacy will live on in the stories and memories of those who dined there.
The city’s vibrant Chinese community, which dates back to the gold rush era of the mid-1800s, continues to be celebrated at the Golden Dragon Museum—a reminder of the enduring connections between food, culture, and community.
After Toi Shan closes, the site will reopen as an Indian restaurant, ushering in a new chapter for the location.
While it’s always sad to say goodbye to an old favourite, it’s also a reminder of how Australia’s food scene continues to evolve, reflecting the changing tastes and diverse backgrounds of our communities.
Read more: Sidney Myer's grandson urges retail giant to refurbish Bendigo store
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