Call us traitors, but our true love lies across the pond. From slammin’ Pad Thai to yum cha sessions full of wonton destruction, Asia’s realm of food-induced comas is the world’s best. Sorry, not sorry.
OH BOY, BOK CHOY! | STAFFORD
From the people who brought you Farmhouse Kedron, Brisbane’s award-winning breakfast venue, comes their evening venue Oh Boy, Bok Choy! South East Asian Kitchen and Bar. Get ready for some seriously good Asian cuisine, cooked up by a team of chefs hailing from Malaysia, Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. Don’t miss out on their mouthwatering tamarind glazed pork Belly, or the finger-licking-good BBQ Chicken with green Nam Jim sauce. And if you’re vegan or gluten-free, they’ve got you covered with a range of house-made specialties.
PAWPAW CAFÉ | WOOLLOONGABBA
We just can’t keep our paws off, which is perfect since you can dine on south east Asian cuisine all day long. Head to Pawpaw Café for all-day breakfast and say hello to dishes like bulgogi breakfast burritos (try saying that three times) or their signature hash with poached eggs, turmeric hummus and almond dukkah. Hot tip: this is also the team behind Pawpaw Asian Kitchen in Balmoral and Camp Hill’s Mons Bon Sabai, so from noodles to Nasi Goreng, you’re sorted.
SOUTHSIDE RESTAURANT | FISH LANE, SOUTH BRISBANE
An urban oasis nestled within the greenery of Fish Lane, Southside restaurant is well known for serving up punchy south-east Asian flavours. Whether you’re craving a tangy BBQ pork steamed bun, truffle prawn toast, spicy duck ragu noodles just to name a few, Southside has got you covered. For a flavour kick to shake up your start of the week, look no further.
HAPPY BOY | FORTITUDE VALLEY
One thing’s for sure: the name’s no accident. After moving from their digs in Spring Hill to the bopping Valley scene, Happy Boy are back in action, serving up cheap-as-chips Chinese fare with a focus on traditional Guangdong-style BBQ (be still our beating hearts). We’re talkin’ crispy pork belly, wontons in chilli broth, and slow cooked beef cheek in a flavourful sauce.
LONGTIME | CBD
Anyone who knows their way around a chopstick knows Longtime – and for good reason. Dive into what is possibly the longest yum cha menu ever and treat yourself to crispy duck pancakes, squid ink and king prawn dumplings, or Sichuan style hot and sour soup. If you’re feeling adventurous, opt for the ultimate sea-to-table experience with the live seafood banquet. We love this spot longtime.
FAT NOODLE | CBD
Sure, it’s in the casino, but there’s no gambling here: at Luke Nguyen’s acclaimed spot, everyone’s a winner. Swing by the Treasury for the winning hand – Asian fusion with flair. Fat Noodle is a staple for corporate workers looking for a quick bite and pre-night out party-goers alike.
CHU THE PHAT | SOUTH BRISBANE, FISH LANE
Sibling to famed CBD spot Madame Wu, Chu the Phat brings punchy modern Asian flavours south of the river. Whether it’s a gourmet takeaway or a vibrant dine-in experience that you’re chasing, Chu The Phat will add the perfect amount of spice to your evening. Our menu picks: steamed duck buns and pumpkin peanut curry.
WAGAYA | FORTITUDE VALLEY
Sayonara, judgy waiter – we’re headed to a better place, where orders are placed on tablets and food magically arrives at your table. Head to Chinatown’s Wagaya for a Japanese feast from the future … just don’t be surprised at the Godzilla-sized food baby once you’re finished chowing down on okonomiyaki and gyoza.
SOUTHSIDE BISTRO | SUNNYBANK
We’re flying south for the winter … and summer. OK, pretty much every day for their bao buns. This nifty little bistro is dishing up Asian fusion like no other. You’ll find five different bao bun options, as well as small and big dishes featuring five spice sticky pork ribs, cuttlefish jjamppong arancini, and deep fried barramundi with a tamarind and lime glaze. Save room for dessert, there’s a hefty list waiting to be ravaged.
HELLO PLEASE | SOUTH BRISBANE
Take a bao, Fish Lane. We just can’t contain ourselves when it comes to Hello Please’s crispy rice rosti and shiso spanner crab with chives and lime. Say hello to this stylish shipping container – south east Asian fare doesn’t get better than this.
XIN CHAO | KING STREET, BOWEN HILLS
If you’re in the mood for a Vietnamese feed that’ll tantalise all your senses, look no further! This joint’s got it all – from comforting noodle soups to scrumptious rice dishes with succulent grilled meats, along with curries, banh mi, fresh salads, and rice paper rolls. And don’t worry, they’ve got plenty of veggie and gluten-free options too!
CHOP CHOP CHANG’S | WEST END
Quit monkeying around. Chop Chop Chang’s Asian fusion has it all – from bites you’ll go bananas for to King Kong-sized share plates. If you’re not drowning in beef cheek penang curry and flash fried squid tentacles, you’re doing it wrong.
Soy hello to a world of cravings.
