Tank Fish & Chippery

Fish and chips are an Australian staple, evoking fond memories of summer, of lying in a park or at the beach, biting into crispy potato cakes and a crunchy piece of battered flake. Milk Bar Magazine was lucky enough to sit down with Tank Fish & Chippery owner Bill Makris, and it is his passion and dedication for all things seafood that is making it one of Melbourne’s most talked-about fish and chip venues.

Since opening its doors on Lygon Street, Carlton, in 2010, and their second venue at Emporium’s chic food court, Tank provides only the finest quality Australian and New Zealand seafood – purchased daily and fresh – and once you taste mouth-watering morsels of fish, you will taste the difference.

Tank is known for its signature dishes, but the new ‘Finding Emo burger’ series has people flocking in droves. These burgers are known for their distinctive black squid-ink buns and there are three to choose from, each featuring a different type of fish.

The parmesan-crumbed flathead fillet, served with mint and cucumber slaw and harissa mayo was the front runner; the flavours work together, with just a hint of spice, and the slaw does not take away from the taste of the fish. The squid-ink battered barramundi, served with slaw and a mild Sriracha sauce is worth giving a try.

Deviating from the stellar fish and chip menu is Tank’s secret weapon, the Cheeseburger, cooked with delicious sher wagyu beef – sourced locally in Victoria – and served with tasty cheddar, gherkins, mayo, mustard and tomato sauce, and for only $10 it is an instant winner.

Back to the Finding Emo series, Makris says, ‘We love fish and are constantly trying to perfect the dishes we serve. The burger trend is huge in Australia, but we felt that no one has really tackled the ultimate fish burger head-on yet, so we thought we’d take up the challenge. We’ve used some of our most popular fish fillets in the new recipes and given each of them a fresh Tank twist!’

And they have – get down and try one for yourself!

Tank Fish & Chippery
Emporium Melbourne, 287 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Open 11:30am-9:30pm everyday
tankfishandchips.com.au