5 Must-try Asian Readers’ Choice Award-winning Venues

The allure of Asian cuisine lies in its rich diversity, depth of flavour and cultural storytelling. Spanning an immense geographic area - from the spice-laden kitchens of India to the minimalist elegance of Japanese sushi - Asian cuisine offers an extraordinary range of tastes, textures and cooking techniques that captivate the senses.

Asian cuisine is steeped in centuries of tradition, philosophy and symbolism. Food is often tied to religion, health (as in Traditional Chinese Medicine) and social rituals. Dim sum, tea ceremonies and Korean barbeque are not just meals - they’re communal experiences.

Here are five must-try Asian Readers’ Choice Award-winning venues to put on your dining rotation:

For the vibrant fresh flavours of Japanese cuisine, discerning Cairns diners head to Wawawa Izakaya on Lake Street. From the colourful wall murals of a Japanese woman and Mount Fuji to bright neon signage, this restaurant sets a trendy vibe for delving into sushi, sashimi and bento delights, while chilling out with a Sapporo beer in hand. 

 

Dive right in with succulent Hokkaido scallops, French onion, shallots, flying fish roe and Wawawa’s secret sauce, or Japanese tuna ceviche with ginger, shallot, ceviche soy and rice crisps; then savour the flavours of wok-tossed Wagyu beef with vegetables, chilli garlic oyster sauce, shallots and fried onions.

Fresh local seafood, cool beats, funky cocktails and tasty wines await Port Lincoln diners at Santi's on Liverpool Street. The menu focuses on combining bold flavours with underutilised fresh produce from the Eyre Peninsula delivered in a trendy vibe of leather banquette seating, portholes in the walls and a vibrant colour scheme, along with an alfresco area ideal for soaking up rays on balmy days.

 

 

Start your culinary adventure with charred kingfish wings, taro leaves, coconut milk and basil oil; before delving into lobster with salted egg butter and egg noodles, or sweet, sticky and spicy Korean pork ribs with a side of okonomiyaki fries with Kewpie mayo.

Find the authentic taste of Vietnamese pho at d’Viet House on Shute Harbour Road in Airlie Beach. A colourful vibe of paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling and walls adorned with images of an Asian vibe make for an ideal setting to linger over steaming bowls of pho soup and Korean BBQ plates sure to tempt all palates.

 

Start small with pan-seared scallops and salted pork belly, or devour Korean pork gyoza; then order Chef’s special plates like shaking beef with sweet peanut and soy sauce, served with rice and salad, or go all in with the unlimited BBQ meat or seafood offering. 

Those seeking generous platters of Korean charcoal barbequed meat head along Lyons Street to find Jang Ta Bal Strathfield. This authentic Korean eatery with tabletop BBQ grills for cooking your own protein and vegetables, is filled with tantalising aromas, smoky flavours and a lively buzz of conversation, as diners treat themselves to all manner of temptations.

 

 

From premium cuts of Wagyu to ox tongue, pork jowl and belly, duck, chicken and seafood – there is something to satisfy all cravings. Think choices like squid and shallot pancakes to get the party started, followed by marinated pork belly with spicy sauce, or seafood stew with soybean paste, tofu and a bowl of rice.

Discover a third-generation Korean BBQ restaurant with more than 30 years’ experience at K Town Restaurant on Aberdeen Street in Northbridge. This Perth dining destination exudes a rustic vibe of exposed brick, recycled timber and potted greenery while fairy lights twinkle overhead, along with a spacious outdoor area which can host large groups.

 

Discover all-you-can eat set menu options along with meat like ox tongue, beef brisket and pork belly; while seafood lovers are enticed by Tiger prawns and scallops all cooked to perfection and accompanied by rice. Korean fried chicken always hits the mark, or sizzling beef bulgogi with steamed rice.