The House of Bamboo brings Pan-Asian street eats to Coolangatta.
The House of Bamboo brings Pan-Asian street eats to Coolangatta.
You’ve heard of dinner and a show, but how about dinner and disco? The House of Bamboo is a new Pan-Asian playground shaking up the southern Gold Coast dining scene.
The House of Bamboo is the brainchild of hospitality heavyweights Alex Dickson, Fraser Pollard and executive chef Jon Hizola. With Alex’s expertise in bartending and large-scale events, Fraser’s 25+ years of international nightlife experience and Jon Hizola’s culinary mastery in Asian fusion, the trio wanted to match Coolangatta’s cool vibes with a vibrant dining experience.
Mission accomplished. The House of Bamboo, located in an underground basement on Griffith Street is the kind of place where you can trade the everyday grind for a technicolour escape. Mirror balls included.
The team rolled up their sleeves and designed the whole fit-out themselves. The result? A bamboo-clad wonderland with a neon-lit indoor dining room and a funky outdoor patio. Whether you’re sinking into the booths inside or sipping cocktails alfresco, there’s a sense of playfulness in every corner.
A colourful mural is a nod to Coolangatta’s layback lifestyle by day, and neon lights adorning the walls turn this space into a glow-in-the-dark jungle at night. It’s disco dining with bold flavours, big vibes and beats that keep the good vibes rolling.
And who better to lead the kitchen than Jon Hizola? He’s the chef who made waves at Hideaway Kitchen, put his stamp on Etsu Izakaya and his own GC joints, Mr Hizola’s and Masu Izakaya. Known for vibrant street-food influences and modern takes on Cantonese and Japanese classics, his Pan-Asian plates will keep your tastebuds grooving all night long.
Kick off with Bang Bang Prawns smothered in chilli aioli served on a rice cracker, or tuck into fan favourite JFC Karaage Chicken with five spice, chilli and basil.
The Byron Bay Buratta, served with heavenly numbing sauce and roti bread is the Euro-Asian fusion we didn’t know we needed.
Juicy pork gyoza, vegetable dumplings and duck bao will satisfy the whole crew, as will the classic pad thai noodles and tom yum fried rice.
When it’s time to go big, the Beef Short Rib Rendang is already staking its claim as a signature with meltingly tender beef in a spiced coconut curry. The Lamb Shoulder Massaman is another go-to, slow-cooked with a fragrant kick.
On the drinks side, the party’s just as punchy with the bar team shaking up the fun. The Grilled Pineapple Tommy’s Margarita is tropical in all the right ways, with just enough tequila kick to have you shimmying in your seat. There’s also the Disco Spritz for those hot summer nights to complement the disco soundtrack.
With plans for live music on weekends, it’s time to gather your crew, slip on your dancing shoes (or, you know, your sandals — this is Cooly after all), and descend into The House of Bamboo.
Where: 1/64 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
When: Tuesday–Wednesday 4pm–10pm, Thursday 12pm–10pm, Friday–Saturday 12pm-12am, Sunday 12 pm–10pm
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Kirra Smith
Pokkoi brings an Asian fusion feast to Coolangatta.
Oh boy, Pokkoi! Coolangatta has a new culinary hotspot, and it’s bringing the spice to the southern Gold Coast. With lush rainforest vibes and zesty Asian fusion flavours, Pokkoi is here to whisk you away on a sensory journey.
Owner Rachael Nguyen’s flavour-packed reputation precedes her from New Zealand. Having run successful venues there, she’s brought her expertise and enthusiasm across the ditch for her first Australian venture. Known for her hands-on approach, Rachael became a regular at the construction site and at the local Bunnings, ensuring every element of Pokkoi met her vision.
All those Bunnings trips were well worth it, because the venue itself is a feast for the eyes. Think vibrant ferns and emerald-hued furniture that evokes the enchanting jungles of Vietnam. The outside dining area sparkles with fairy lights, while the interior offers a cosy yet chic space for up to 120 guests.
Helming the kitchen is Rachael’s friend of six years, chef Cameron Knox, whose culinary journey is as rich as his signature curries. Cameron’s love affair with cooking began at Fourteen 7 in Western Australia, where he discovered not just his talent but also a passion for Asian flavours. From those humble beginnings, Cameron’s career skyrocketed him to London, France and even a superyacht.
For two decades, Cameron followed the flavour trail, soaking in techniques, ideas and a whole lot of inspiration. He eventually returned to his homeland of New Zealand, crafting vibrant dining experiences at TOK TOK and Xoong, where his culinary finesse wowed diners, including the owner of Pokkoi. He stole the show at the Taste of Auckland, wowing celebrity chef judges George Calombaris and Marco Pierre White with his red fish curry and signature tacos to win the prestigious Best in Taste Award.
Rachael wouldn’t settle for anyone else to create this restaurant with her, and for Cameron, it meant a return to Australia, where his love of cooking began. The duo have created a menu that is a treasure trove of creativity and bold flavours.
Prep your palette with a refreshing Hiramasa Kingfish, perfectly balanced with nam jim, citrus and turmeric coconut.
For the adventurous, you can’t go past the indulgent Beef Rendang Donut, paired with coconut cream and peanut. It’s a party for your taste buds.
Those looking for a heartier dish, the Crispy Barramundi Dry Red Curry, topped with pickled chili, herbs and cashews will satisfy the hungriest of diners, while the Whole Burrata served with heirloom tomato, chilli oil, Viet mint and roti is the Asian fusion we’ve all been craving.
Suffering from menu anxiety? Can’t decide what to devour from these mouthwatering dishes? You’re not alone. Pokkoi offers a Taste Me menu at $100 per person, which includes a ten course degustation selected by the chef.
Pair your plates with satisfying tipples from the curated cocktail and wine list. We recommend the Thai Tea Cocktail, a sweet and creamy concoction that promises to be a crowd favourite.
Ready to enjoy a flavour-filled feast at Pokkoi? Wok this way! Just don’t forget to leave room for the Popcorn Cheesecake to finish.
Where: 52-58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
When: 4pm until late Wednesdays to Sunday
Instagram: @pokkoi.kitchen
Bookings
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Mathilde Bouby
STORY SPONSORED BY POKKOI
Hanks brings European coastal cool to Kirra.
There are few things better on the Gold Coast than a perfectly put together coastal European-inspired venue overlooking the ocean in Kirra. Throw in the fact that said venue is named after a beloved family pup and that it has been created by the clever team behind Siblings (also in Kirra) and there’s nothing better.
Introducing Hanks. This sophisticated newbie is a delightful addition to the Southern Gold Coast’s growing dining scene, taking over the corner space on Musgrave Street in Kirra where Bread and Butter once lived.
Of which Hanks owners Peter, Tracey and TJ Cianci along with Jarrod Kyle are no strangers. All in all they have been the previous owners of Edgewater Dining and Fish Emporium and of course, current owners of Siblings Kirra. As usual, they’ve created something very special that we expect will become a firm favourite for everyone who has the pleasure of visiting.
Inside Hanks is a designer’s dream come true thanks to Zero9 and Space Cubed Design Studio with an absolutely stunning Sovrano marble bar as the centrepiece, low hanging pendant lights, windows on every side, an open kitchen and a private dining space you’ll want to book for every event for the rest of your life.
As we mentioned, all of this is just steps from the ocean creating the relaxed, seaside ambience you thought you’d only ever find in the Euro summer you’ve long been dreaming of (same).
The cuisine has been stamped as ‘coastal European’ which suits us just fine thank you very much and the team have created the menu around the concept of the table being the platter. Which means everything is for sharing and you get to sample more than you otherwise might. Lucky for you.
The menu is crafted around fresh ingredients, sourced daily including homemade pasta, sliced meats, fresh seafood and Tuscan Schiacciata bread. You’ll find dishes like ‘Cacio e Pepe’ arancini to start, small dishes like Crudo of Fraser Island scallops with finger lime dressing and Burrata with caramelised honey, fennel seed. Fresh handmade pasta dishes include Bay Lobster spaghetti with cherry tomato, chilli, garlic and lemon and Cavatelli with pork & fennel sausage, broccolini and pangrattato.
On the grill, there are Ballina king prawns with green garlic butter and lemon and Chargrilled spatchcock with nduja butter and charred lemon.
Desserts are all made in house too. Expect tasty bites like Pistachio Cannoli and Hanks New York Cheesecake plus liquid desserts like a Screwball Delight involving Peanut Butter Whiskey.
To sip, the Mango Margarita is a must and there are a further 29 specialty cocktails to make your way through too, with several incorporating locally distilled spirits such as Familiar Spirits and Six-Tricks.
Most importantly, via all of that aforementioned goodness, the team hopes to deliver the Gold Coast the same level of joy their boy Hank brought to them and though those are no doubt big shoes to fill, we think they’ve got it covered.
Now go. Treat yourself to some time at Hanks.
Where: 76 Musgrave Street, Coolangatta
When: Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – late
Harahetta Ramen brings Japan to your plate.
Authentic Japanese food is one of life’s greatest pleasures, particularly when it can be enjoyed without hopping on a plane and with a side of salty ocean breezes. Which makes anyone who has ventured down to Coolangatta to sample brand-new Harahetta Ramen recently, the richest of Gold Coasters.
It’s pho-real the newest hotspot for authentic Japanese cuisine. See what we did there?
Located in Coolangatta’s foodie precinct where Baskk and Bar Evelyn also reside, this new ramen joint is the miso happy place you’ve been looking for, and it’s already a hit with those of us who appreciate flavour-filled dishes created by people in the know.
So who are the culinary geniuses behind our new fave ramen joint, you ask?
Harahetta Ramen’s roots trace back to Goukai Ramen, the beloved Burleigh gem that established a devoted following thanks to its delicious broths and exceptional service. Owners Hiroshi and Sarah Takeyama who are Tweed locals, sold Goukai Ramen in February when they saw an opportunity to create their dream venue in Cooly.
Hiroshi trained to be a Ramen Chef in Tokyo and has created a signature broth for the ramen dishes that must be sampled to be believed.
The talented pair have brought the same attention to detail and signature touch to this new venue, building on the strong legacy that Goukai Ramen set to deliver a modern twist while maintaining the rich, satisfying flavours that put their name on the map.
Sarah’s dad, Peter Arnold, designed the fit-out and was project manager. Hiroshi and his friends built the space, which is low-lit and moody with exposed ceiling beams, a textured bar, and glossy black tiles that’ll transport you straight to the bustling streets of Japan.
Now let’s talk food. The menu begins with a choice of eight ramen dishes and please, allow us to indulge you for a minute.
The Original Ramen is made up of half a marinated egg, shallots, wood ear mushrooms, two slices of pork chashu and seaweed. Perfect.
Then there’s a Spicy Ramen, Black Garlic Ramen, Shio Ramen with a Yuzu flavour, Maze Soba (brothless) and, of course, both a veg and vegan option. Obviously, you can (and should) add extra toppings.
If you feel like something a little different, there are Rice Bowls with options like Teriyaki Mayo Karaage, Sweet Chilli Karaage, Nanban Japanese Tartar, and Ponzu Radish. You can also snack on burgers, Gyoza, and Karaage Chicken too. All of which is a true delight for the taste buds.
To drink, there is beer, wine, and spirits, but we highly recommend sampling the Lemon Chu Hi—a popular Japanese sip that is fresh and zingy and the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of ramen.
All of this plus a balmy beachside location. What more could you want? Make your next dinner out an authentic Japanese one at Harahetta Ramen.
Where: 3/ 52-58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
When: Monday – Saturday 5pm -9pm, last orders at 8.30pm
Instagram: @harahetta_ramen
