Spice Rules at These 6 Restaurants!

Did you know that cinnamon was used by ancient Egyptian embalmers for its warm aroma and anti-bacterial properties?

Originally from Sri Lanka, cinnamon has been a global sensation for millennia – it first appears in Chinese writings from 2800 BCE when it was called kwai.

Just one of the many spices we use in cooking today, it has a chequered history including when Roman Emperor Nero – known for both his evil tendencies and extravagance – sacrificed a year’s supply of cinnamon as punishment for murdering his wife.

We all love a bit of spice in our lives…here are six restaurants where spice rules and delicious dishes are the result:

An unequalled world of Asian flavour is the mission of Tweed Heads restaurant Sway Thai Fusion. Found on Minjungbal Drive, this contemporary restaurant delivers traditional Thai fare amongst modern décor and a warm, welcoming ambience, ideal for delving into Chef's specials such as Hang Lay slow-cooked pork spare ribs with special Burmese curry, roasted peanuts, garlic and fresh ginger.

 

Grilled scallops served on betel leaves with red onion, ginger, lime, roasted coconut, peanuts, lemongrass and palm sugar syrup entice as a small plate option; followed by Peking duck with housemade five spice sauce and Chinese broccoli.

Enjoy the delights of Asian cuisine at Siam Pagoda Thai Garden restaurant, well-known and loved by Clayfield locals and visitors alike. An exotic vibe reverberates through this Junction Road venue with a spacious, open-plan layout extending through wide doors to a tropical courtyard, ideal both for smart-casual family dinners and celebrating special occasions with a banquet.

 

Aromatic herbs and spices mingle with fresh produce to create a menu of mouth-watering choices; perhaps snack on Siam fish cakes and dipping sauce to start, before delving into a chicken Penang curry with seasonal vegetables, peanuts, kaffir lime leaves and a side of rice.

Find traditional Vietnamese soups and stir-fries on the plate at Phood Vietnamese Restaurant on Archer Street in Chatswood. Settle in at blond wood table settings and admire the images of the homeland on the walls, while a full glass frontage lets in an abundance of natural light and potted greenery soothes the soul.

Starters like crab meat spring rolls and dipping sauce always tempt, or dip your spoon into a steaming bowl of beef rice noodle soup; for the main, think choices like grilled lemongrass pork chops and tomato rice.

Delivering delicious, authentic Persian cuisine to Gold Coast foodies for more than a decade, Shiraz Persian Restaurant & Bar is a must-visit when in Surfers Paradise. Located on Gold Coast Highway just a short walk from most hotels, this award-winning dining destination exudes stylish charm with polished wood floors and ceilings, wicker chairs and trailing greenery setting the scene for memorable meals.

 

Get things started with a mezze platter of dips and Turkish bread, then follow on with traditional buttered chicken served with pomegranate sauce and saffron rice; or tender grilled lamb cutlets, with grilled tomato, saffron rice and barberries. 

Delivering the best Thai dishes to Coolum Beach since 1996, Hot Chilli Bean Thai Café on David Low Way is the place to head for great alfresco dining in a chilled-out atmosphere opposite the beach. The original and oldest Thai restaurant in the area, soak up balmy sea breezes outdoors or join a lively vibe indoors where glowing neon signage, a well-stocked bar and tantalising aromas promise meals to remember.

 

Dive straight in with garlic prawn spring rolls and dipping sauce, before lunchtime specials like pad ka prao – chicken wok-fried with fresh basil, chilli, snake beans, kaffir lime, roasted garlic, onion and jasmine rice, topped with fried egg and prik nam pla. 

Glenunga amigos say hola to Mexican fare with flair at Cha Chi’s Mexican Cantina on Portrush Road. Step into a vibe of aqua and orange-coloured walls and accents, where sombreros, a rustic water feature and potted greenery add a zen-like touch and chandelier lighting sets the mood for inspired dining.

 

Every flavourful dish on the menu has been created using traditional recipes and fresh ingredients, from fall-off-the-bone ribs to yummy sides and authentic desserts; think slow-cooked pork tacos, with smoky BBQ salsa, onion, pineapple salsa, cheese, lettuce and chimichurri.