Australia is experiencing a food revolution. Asian cuisine has become the most popular.
If you’ve been to Melbourne recently, you know that Sichuan Chongqing pots are spicy, and bahn mi is fresh. Diners and chefs have had to work hard to tap into Melbourne’s once Greek/Italian-influenced food market. Melbourne’s best restaurants are located down laneways and on nondescript shopping strips. To attract attention, the food must be outstanding.
Melbourne is a popular destination for Asian cuisine, but it’s not the only place to find great food in Australia. Asian cuisine is a big part of Australia’s culinary scene. Some favorites include:
Southern Star Vietnamese Restaurant – Vietnamese
Southern Star is located just a few steps from Concert Hall. It specializes in Vietnamese cuisine and offers consistently high-quality food and excellent service. The dining room is right on the water and provides a view of the Swan River, Langley Park, and the Swan River. Southern Star offers a variety of dishes, including Hainanese Chicken, Singaporean Rice Noodles, and Curry Laksa Soup. You can create your work using a variety of fresh ingredients.
Flower Drum – Chinese
The “Flower Drum,” a Chinese traditional dance, is known for its beauty and grace. The restaurant combines progressive elements with fine Cantonese food and dedicated service. The Age Good Food Guide Restaurant Of The Year has been awarded not just once but five times! It’s been recognized as one of the best Chinese restaurants in the world. Flower Drum also offers lunch and dinner buffets starting at $45 each.
Hidden Jade – Yum Cha
Hidden Jade is an authentic Sichuan dish that combines Australian ingredients. Yum Cha is served every day. As you enjoy dishes such as spare pork ribs with black bean sauce and garlic, prawn and chicken shumai with crab roe, and honeycomb tripes in satay, you can take in the stunning view of Albert Park Lake. Hidden Jade also offers a wide range of a la carte menus and premier seafood hotpots.
Coda Restaurant Vietnamese
Coda, nestled in one of Melbourne’s most famous laneways, is just a few minutes walk from Federation Square, Flinders St station, and the Yarra River. Menus are listed as French, Vietnamese, or Modern Asian, but it is primarily about innovation, passion, and seasonality. Executive Chef Adam D’Sylva’s travels have influenced the dishes, which include calamari and green papaya with cucumber salad, nam jim, and crunchy anchovies.
Bar Chinese and Japanese
Bar H is an energetic, relaxed, and fun restaurant. The concept of this wine bar-style restaurant is to provide the best food, drinks, and service in a casual and informal setting. Nobu Maruyama, the head chef at Bar H, combines his cultural roots in Japan with his passion for Chinese cuisine and all of Australia’s indigenous ingredients. You’re in excellent hands at Bar H, whether you want a cocktail, sake, or Wagyu Rump Cap with Miso, Kale, and Turnip.
Chop Chop Changs – Asian Street Food
In the West End dining district, Chop’s is all about local produce. The pan-Asian cuisine is similar to the street food” found at temple stalls, hawker centers, and other markets in Asia. It is an excellent place for events and offers a lively atmosphere regardless of how many people are there. The icing on top is an Asian-inspired cocktail menu (think Yuzu Lemonade with Lychee and Ginger).
Embassy XO – Chinese & Yum Cha
Embassy XO, located in the heart of Sunshine Beach, is Noosa’s premier Asian restaurant. There are various banquets, including entrees, mains, side dishes, and desserts. For those who prefer Yum Cha, this is available for lunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Embassy XO serves a 3-course meal for only $49 each on Wednesdays and Thursdays. It’s a great place to be, with a beach view.
Faraja – Global
Faraja in Swahili means relief, ‘comfort’ and ‘hope.’ The menu reflects the restaurant’s philosophy of providing a casual dining space to enjoy good food, wine, and conversation with family and friends. The menu encourages you to try food from around the globe. The Asian theme is dominant, but you can enjoy a variety of cuisines from around the world at one table.
Tamarind – Thai
The Tamarind, which specializes in modern Asian cuisine, seamlessly combines sweet and sour flavors and spicy ones with local fresh produce. This innovative menu will have you returning again and again. In a relaxed atmosphere in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, this is a place where tradition and the new meet.
Monsoon Thai Fusion
Monsoon Thai Fusion, located in Battery Point’s historic district, is known for its unique and exciting fusion cuisine. Locals love it for its attention to detail, and excellent customer service, but everyone who visits will leave with a smile. Monsoon’s signature dish, Bangkok Noodles with King Prawns and Roasted Duck in Plum Sauce is a must-try.