As the chill of Winter softens and the first blooms of Spring awaken, there’s no better time to embrace the balance of contrast - where warmth meets freshness and spice dances with lightness.
Cool heat captures this season’s energy in a sensory embrace, a perfect harmony of fiery zest and refreshing lift.
Imagine the first golden rays of sunshine brushing your skin, while a crisp breeze lingers - invigorating yet comforting. That is the essence of Cool Heat: a fusion of bold spice that ignites the senses, tempered by cooling notes that soothe and refresh.
It’s the spirit of renewal and passion woven together, embodying the duality of Spring itself.
Vibrant, awakening and alive, Cool Heat is not just a flavour - it’s a feeling. A call to shed the weight of Winter, step into the light and savour the season’s bold, refreshing spice.
Here are five restaurants to find Cool Heat on the plate:
Nestled along Cobra Street in Dubbo, Ling Ling Thai invites you into a world of vibrant flavours and warmth. The atmosphere is alive with the aromas of fresh herbs, spices and sizzling stir-fries drifting from the kitchen, creating an instant sense of comfort and excitement.
Inside, the welcoming setting pairs perfectly with the colourful dishes, each plated with care and bursting with authenticity. Whether it’s the fragrant curries, delicate noodles, or crisp, aromatic entrées, every bite feels like a journey to Thailand. Ling Ling Thai offers more than food - it’s an experience that lingers long after the last taste.
Daikokuten exudes warmth and understated elegance, drawing guests into a cocoon of calm amidst the hum of Tooronga Road. Softly glowing lanterns and polished timber accents create a space that feels both intimate and inviting. Aromas of sizzling delicacies drift from the kitchen, mingling with the earthy fragrance of freshly brewed tea. Each plate arrives as an artwork—vivid, refined, and brimming with texture.
Start with sashimi red shrimp, fish roe, fried shallots and wasabi yuzu dressing, before devouring a Forbidden Garden bowl with black rice, nori, avocado, pickled vegetables, tomato, edamame, mixed leaves, sesame dressing, purple sweet potato croquette and sriracha mayo.
Tucked into the lively laneway of Waratah Place, Golmokgil hums with warmth and character. Lanterns glow softly above, casting a moody charm over rustic timber and textured walls. The space feels both hidden and alive, a secret passageway to Seoul in the heart of Melbourne.
Aromas of smoky charcoal and sizzling spice drift through the air, inviting curiosity and appetite.Here, bold flavours meet comforting tradition - fiery, fragrant and soulful. Golmokgil is immersive and atmospheric, a vibrant culinary escape where authenticity, intimacy, and convivial spirit intertwine seamlessly.
Nestled along the bustling stretch of Anzac Parade, Kingsford Peking Restaurant is a cherished dining landmark that radiates warmth and tradition. The moment you step inside, the rich aromas of roasted duck and sizzling wok-fried dishes envelop you, evoking a sense of comfort and anticipation.
Known for its generous portions and timeless recipes, the restaurant carries an air of nostalgia - each dish steeped in heritage. Begin with five-spice crispy skin duck wings, before mains such as fillet steak with wasabi sauce and sides of steamed jasmine rice and wok-fried seasonal vegetables.
Debutant on Keira Street in Wollongong is a dining experience that blends elegance with warmth. The space exudes a modern charm, with soft lighting, earthy tones and thoughtful details that create an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere. Every dish feels like a celebration, carefully crafted with creativity and seasonal inspiration, presenting flavours that are as beautiful as they are memorable.
Say merci to starters of Wagyu carpaccio, walnuts, pickled beetroot, goats’ cheese and horseradish dressing, before wood-fired duck, Madeira jus and blackberries with sides of spiced Dutch carrots, grilled zucchini and Paris Mash.
