Legendary restaurant Chin Chin has secured exclusivity as the only pop-up dining venue at the 2026 Formula 1 season opener.
In partnership with American Express, hospitality powerhouse Lucas Collective is bringing two of its flagship concepts, Chin Chin and Grill Americano, to the Albert Park circuit for the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix 2026.
‘Chin Chin Presented by American Express’, will operate as a standalone pop-up restaurant in the Melbourne Junction general admission area, marking a milestone moment for the brand as it celebrates 15 years since opening its doors in 2011. Known for bold Southeast Asian flavours and Thai-inspired cuisine, the restaurant has become a cornerstone of Melbourne’s internationally acclaimed food culture.
Meanwhile, Italian-American steakhouse Grill Americano will serve premium hospitality guests inside the American Express Lounge, offering an upscale dining experience befitting its paddock-side location.
High octane racing meets big flavours
For Executive Chef Benjamin Cooper, the high-energy atmosphere of the Grand Prix mirrors Chin Chin’s DNA.
“Chin Chin has always thrived on energy, flavour and a bit of beautiful chaos, so bringing it to the heart of the Grand Prix feels like a perfect fit,” Cooper said. “Celebrating 15 years at Albert Park, with the noise, the crowds and the adrenaline, is exactly the kind of moment Chin Chin was made for.”
General public reservations open 13 February through grandprix.com.au, though American Express Card Members receive priority booking access and a complimentary takeaway ice cream when dining with their Amex card.
The activation represents a growing trend of premium restaurant brands expanding into experiential pop-ups at major sporting events, leveraging Formula 1’s massive audience draw to showcase their concepts beyond traditional brick-and-mortar locations.
