Asian cuisine’s mastery of seafood and spice is unparalleled, and these three restaurants showcase it beautifully. From innovative takes on Southeast Asian classics to traditional Thai recipes infused with modern flair, these venues promise a sensory journey of vibrant flavours and fresh seafood delights.
Wild Duck Fine Asian Cuisine – Kingston, ACT
Located on the picturesque Kingston Foreshore, Wild Duck Fine Asian Cuisine takes diners on a journey through the diverse regions of Asia. With warm golden lighting, plush beige seating and elegant teardrop lanterns, the ambience sets the stage for a sophisticated dining experience.
Begin your meal with Balmain bug steamed dumplings served with pickled ginger and red vinegar—a delicate and flavourful introduction. For mains, the slow-cooked pork belly, wrapped in lotus leaves and paired with sticky rice, delivers tender, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Another standout is the massaman beef cheek curry, featuring creamy coconut, roasted taro root and crispy fried onion, served with warm roti bread for dipping.
At Chiki Chan in Mordialloc, Southeast Asian flavours are reimagined with a modern twist. This trendy spot boasts rustic exposed brick, neon signage and a vibrant courtyard ideal for soaking up the Melbourne sunshine.
Start your culinary adventure with Szechuan burrata, a creative blend of creamy burrata, roasted sesame sauce, and macadamia, drizzled with red pepper oil. For seafood lovers, the charred Fremantle octopus is a must-try, perfectly paired with whipped dill and mint yoghurt, lime leaf and sweet chilli garlic sauce. Pair your meal with a signature Monkey King cocktail, and end the night with their decadent chocolate mousse dome—a dessert as stylish as the venue itself.
The Curve Thai Restaurant – Newcastle West, NSW
Bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, The Curve Thai Restaurant in Newcastle West delivers a fresh take on classic Thai cuisine. The restaurant’s polished wood and exposed brick interior, complete with a rustic chandelier, provides a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Start your meal with golden fried coconut crumbed prawns served with sweet plum sauce, or crispy twice-cooked pork belly glazed in honey soy sauce. For the main event, the duck red curry with mixed vegetables and sweet basil is a rich and aromatic delight. Seafood lovers will enjoy the sizzling seafood hot plate, a vibrant stir-fry of mixed seafood with fresh chilli, garlic and sweet basil, served steaming for maximum flavour.
From Balmain bug dumplings in Canberra to charred Fremantle octopus in Melbourne and sizzling seafood in Newcastle, these Asian-inspired restaurants celebrate seafood with creativity and spice. Each venue offers a unique dining experience, blending traditional techniques with innovative flair.
