‘Awesome every day’: Readers’ Top 10 Asian restaurants in FNQ
From the spices of India and Korea to the flavours of Thailand, Bali and Japan, the Far North has no shortage of top quality Asian restaurants. Here are the Top 10 picks as suggested by readers.
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From the spices of India and Korea to the flavours of Thailand, Bali and Japan, the Far North has no shortage of top quality Asian restaurants.
With so many delightful eateries to choose from, narrowing down our Top 20 favourite Asian restaurants was a difficult task.
So we put the call out to Cairns Post readers to tell us who makes your favourite Asian dish and you delivered.
Here are some of the Top 10 restaurants as recommended by readers.
Paper Crane
Feast your senses on the tastes of Asisa, with a modern, fusion spin at Paper Crane by Crystalbrook Riley.
Highlighting Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese inspired dishes the aromatic flavours will leave you wanting more.
Paper Crane boasts an ingredient list of fresh, locally sourced north Queensland produce to transport your tastebuds to the bustling streets of Asia.
Signature proteins and local produce feature heavily, with abundance of fresh options from the region.
Items for a fresh, new Chinese inspired menu were available for a taste test at Paper Crane’s street food festival to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Seasonal items include yuzu oysters, fried noodles, confit duck curry and more.
Paper Crane is open daily. Bookings are recommended.
Yum Sing Cairns
For flavoursome, authentic dim sums, stir fry and more, Yum Sing Cairns is a favourite with Far North foodies.
The Cantonese restaurant, which offers indoor and outdoor dining, also offers an a la carte menu enjoyable with friends family, or just for yourself.
Taste a selection of delectable dumplings, scrumptious steam buns, gyoza and more with a varied range of items on the a la carte, lunch and takeaway menus.
Yum Sing Cairns is open daily except Mondays from 11am to 2.30pm and 5pm to 8.30pm.
WHAT YOU SAID:
Tony Knobel: “YumSing first in FNQ and Samgasat second.”
Piccolo Cucina: “Awesome every day. Great dumplings.”
Happy 4 10
A funky little gem in the heart of the city, Happy 4 10 brings flavours of Japan and Korea to the Far North with classic cuisine staples.
Whether you’re in the mood for katsu, teriyaki, udon, fried chicken or stir fry, Happy 4 10 has got you covered.
With a variety of vegetarian and meat filled dishes, there is plenty of options for everyone.
Happy 4 10 opens daily, except Sundays, from 11.30am to 2pm and 5.30pm to 10pm.
Yada Thai Restaurant Trinity Beach
After opening at Trinity Beach in 2022, Yada has quickly made its way into the hearts, and stomachs, of locals and tourists for its authentic, flavoursome menu including specialty items such as violet dumplings, duck pancakes and blue swimmer crab in aromatic yellow curry sauce.
Its signature dish, crispy pork belly with chilli jam sauce is not one to be missed.
Yada is open daily, except Mondays from 4.30pm to 8.30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday and from 4.30pm to 9pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Suan Suan Restaurant Cairns
For a unique dining experience in the heart of Cairns, Suan Suan offers delicious Chinese buffet where guests can make their own hot pot.
Choose from a range of meats including beef slices and seafood cuts.
Suan Suan is open daily from 5pm to 9pm.
Bookings are proffered.
Goong Korean and Japanese Restaurant
From Japense sashimi to Korean bimimbap, Goong Korean and Japanese offers a variety meat, vegetarian and vegan dishes from both nations.
With staples such as gyoza, miso soup and kimchi, Goong offers authentic Asian flavours all in the one spot.
Goong Korean and Japanese Restaurant is open daily except Sundays with varied opening hours.
Dine in and takeaway options are available.
MAN: DO
Dumplings, rice bowls and BBQ beef are on the menu at this cute little restaurant in the heart of Cairns City.
Whether you love a bite of spice or something cooler for your tastebuds, MAN: DO has you covered.
From spicy pork rice bowls and kimchi to fried chicken or chips, there is something for everyone.
MAN: DO is open daily, except Sunday’s, from 10.30am to 3pm and 5pm to 8pm.
FINN FINN
With Chef Tom at the helm, FINN FINN Thai restaurant on Lake Street offers the rich, aromatic flavours we have come to associate with Thai food.
Adding an edgy twist to your favourite flavours, FINN FINN offers a unique and delectable menu that is hard to be missed.
With additions such as Tom’s Curry with beef cheek, crispy skin half duck and pad thai king prawns, as well as clever menu names, such as the iconic Stir Fried Whatever Vegetables We Can Get From Market on the Day, consider your interest piqued and tastebuds tickled.
FINN FINN is open daily except Sundays from 5pm to 9pm.
Songkran Thai
Taking pride in its authentic, fresh, made to order Thai dishes, Songkran Thai boasts a mouth-watering menu made from locally sourced produce to ensure a healthy meal.
Offering classic staples such as Pad See Ew, Tom Ka Soup and various stir fries and curries, Songkran came in highly recommended by Cairns Post readers.
Songkran is open daily, except Sundays, with various opening hours.
Dine and takeaway options are available.
Cairns Lechon Cebu
For authentic Philippino flavours, look no further than Cairns Lechon Takeaway.
Offering a selection of meats such as chargrilled chicken and tuna panga and of course, steamed rice, Lechon Cebu can be found in Lantern Lane at Earlville Shopping Town.
With a cosy Asian street vibe and flavoursome meals, this hole in the wall eatery is not to be missed.
Cairns Lechon Cebu is open until 5pm daily.
Wawawa Izayaka
For the vibrant fresh flavours of Japanese cuisine head down to Wawawa Izakaya on Lake Street.
From colourful wall murals to bright neon signage, this trendy restaurant delves into classic Japanese dishes including sushi, sashimi and Izakaya style a la carte.
The licensed venue also offers Japanese beer including the popular Sapporo beer.
Recommended are the Hokkaido scallops, blazed and served with WAWAWA’s secret sauce, spicy tuna sushi rolls, a Tassie salmon poke bowl, and staples such as wakame, nori, edamame and flying fish roe or sake salmon.
Wawawa Izayaka is open daily except Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12pm to 2pm and 5.30pm to 9pm.
WHAT YOU SAID: Pacifica Tiki Bar & Grill, “Wawawa for the win.”
Originally published as ‘Awesome every day’: Readers’ Top 10 Asian restaurants in FNQ
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