Brother Lee – Springvale – $10 Chinese feed that brings back value to Springvale

In July 2025, a new name took over one of Springvale’s most well-known sites. For decades, Golden Lake was a go-to for locals seeking traditional Chinese banquets and affordable yum cha. But with Golden Lake now closed, a fresh and budget-friendly player has stepped in – Brother Lee. This large Chinese franchise has already established a reputation across Asia for cheap, delicious, and satisfying food. Now in Springvale, it’s offering something increasingly rare in Melbourne – full meals for under $10.

Highlights	Brother Lee Springvale offers delicious Chinese meals from $8.99, including three sides and rice combos, bringing value and flavour back to the suburb.
Cost	$9.99 for two sides and rice
Location	46 Buckingham Avenue, Springvale VIC 3171

A New Era for Cheap and Tasty Chinese Food

Brother Lee occupies the large space previously held by Golden Lake on Buckingham Avenue. From the moment you step inside, it’s clear that this is not a typical suburban Chinese restaurant. With a slick canteen-style layout, vibrant food displays, and a constant flow of customers, Brother Lee brings the feel of a bustling Asian hawker stall to Springvale’s centre.

In a time when even casual meals in Melbourne often edge close to $30, Brother Lee stands out by offering seriously affordable food. Many hot dishes start under $10, and it’s one of the few places left where you can feed yourself properly for less than a tenner.

Pick Your Own – The Two or Three Side Dish Combo

What really caught my attention was the bain-marie offering. You get to pick either two or three dishes served alongside a separate bowl of steamed white rice. The two-side combo comes in at $9.99, while the three-side combo is only $12.99. There’s no skimping here – the food is generously portioned, and each combo comes freshly dished up, hot and ready.

I opted for three dishes: spicy chicken giblets, tomato and egg stir fry, and a braised pork belly dish that also featured soy-stewed quail eggs. Each dish was hearty, well-seasoned, and not watered down or overly oily like you sometimes get in cheap food courts. I was surprised to receive the rice separately in its own bowl rather than crammed into the same container – a thoughtful touch that kept the rice fluffy and not soggy.

Even better, there was a communal station with free condiments, including house-made chilli oil, onion oil, and a hot tea dispenser to round off your meal. It’s like a slice of China right in the heart of Springvale.

More Than Just Rice Combos – Look Out for Cold Noodles and Braised Favourites

The value doesn’t stop there. For those after a cold noodle fix, Brother Lee also offers Xi’an-style cold pulled noodles. You can get them tossed in spicy sauce or creamy sesame paste, both priced well under $10. These dishes are not only affordable but also flavourful, with a satisfying balance of chew and heat.

There are also grab-and-go takeaway containers with meals like braised pork belly on rice for $8.99. You’ll find shelves stacked with containers of tofu, vegetables, noodles, and stews ready to take home. It’s perfect for office workers or students looking for something fast, tasty, and wallet-friendly.

A Place That Prioritises Affordability Without Sacrificing Quality

What impressed me most was that Brother Lee clearly understands its customer base. Springvale is a multicultural suburb with a mix of long-time residents and international students, and affordable eats are a big drawcard. Where other restaurants in the area are steadily raising prices, Brother Lee keeps things simple. You pay at the counter, grab a stool if you want to eat in, or take it to go.

The food is bold and hearty, and the variety is generous. The mix of meats, vegetables, tofu, and spicy sauces on offer rivals anything you’d find in more expensive Chinese venues. But here, you walk away full, satisfied, and still with change from a $20 note.

Final Thoughts

Brother Lee is a refreshing reminder that good food doesn’t need to be expensive. In an age where food inflation has made even takeaway a luxury for some, this franchise brings a slice of traditional Chinese value dining to Melbourne’s south-east. Whether you’re after a steaming bowl of rice and pork for $8.99 or want to load up a tray with three side dishes for just $12.99, there’s something genuinely exciting about finding a place where value still matters.

More than just a cheap eat, Brother Lee delivers on taste, speed, and nostalgia. It feels like the sort of no-fuss, casual dining that once defined suburbs like Springvale, now becoming a rarity across Melbourne. For food lovers, students, workers, or anyone craving authentic Chinese without the price tag, Brother Lee is worth a visit. And given how quickly the locals have flocked to it since opening, I’d say it’s already made its mark.

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