Ultimate guide to the top Asian restaurants in and around Brisbane

The Balfour Kitchen & Bar is an all day institution in Brisbane and serves a delicious mix of Thai, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Japanese and Chinese food, as well as the staples for breakfast.

Speaking of breakfast, you could go for the smashed avo with whipped fetta or a big brekky, but why not start the day with Asian flavours and try the duck fried rice or chicken and waffles with a generous serve of kimchi on the side? Moving onto lunch the menu takes on a stronger Asian identity, with our pick the pork pho in anise broth with rice noodles. There’s a fabulous set menu for dinner, featuring flavours from all over the Asian continent, as well as a vegan menu for those that prefer not to eat meat.

Whatever time you go, eating at the Balfour is a trip to Asia without any of the hassle!

Dish Cult’s top pick: Shark Bay scallop, tom yum vinaigrette, chives and fried garlic ($12 each)

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Right in the heart of Brisbane, Kabuki Teppanyaki is always a hit. The fast-paced, sizzling, teppanyaki grill is on full display and diners can choose to sit right up close for an exciting display of culinary mastery.

The menu here is just as exciting as the atmosphere. Choose from the full menu selection or opt for the delicious set menu, including kobachi, miso soup, fried rice, vegetables, fresh sliced fruit or green tea ice cream. What’s left to say but oishī (delicious in Japanese)!

Dish Cult’s top pick: Akita set menu ($120 pp)

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At Chu The Phat, you’ll want to do exactly that – chew the fat! There’s plenty to talk about at this cool Fish Lane restaurant, not least of which is the food. With its dimly lit dining room and plush seating, it’s also the perfect date night location.

Strongly influenced by the hawker stalls of Hong Kong and Taiwan, you’ll find steamed pork buns, Wagyu dumplings, spicy braised eggplant and steamed tofu with fried mushrooms and black bean on the menu.

There’s also two set banquet menus to choose from,  so if it’s not a date night, make it one with plenty of family and friends instead!

Dish Cult’s top pick: Banquet 1 ($50 pp)

If it’s yum cha you’re after, Chinatown’s Golden Palace Chinese Restaurant is the place to go. With plenty of room and an extensive menu, it’s a great place for big group celebrations.

While the focus here is generally on Cantonese dishes, the Peking duck, a dish that is thought to hail from Hangzhou, is the stand out. You can get it in either half or whole portions, in the traditional way with roasted crispy skin, pancakes, cucumber, and hoisin sauce or steamed and shredded duck meat stir-fried with bean sprouts and chives. If you’re really into duck, you could go the Peking duck banquet which also includes shredded duckling and combination soup.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Peking duck banquet ($52 pp)

For a more modern take on Asian food and spectacular Brisbane River views, check out Asian fusion specialists Madame Wu.

With a cocktail bar and sommelier on hand, this is elevated dining in elegant surrounds. The menu is made for sharing and we loved the oysters served with yuzu buttermilk and finger lime, Hong Kong Portuguese chicken with fragrant pear salad and Madame Wu’s dessert tasting plate to finish.

For the full Madame Wu experience, go for one of the banquet menus – they allow you to get a real sense of what the kitchen here can produce.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Banquet #2 ($99 pp)