Dolma's Momo Tibetan Kitchen is now open at Harbour Town!
Dolma's Momo Tibetan Kitchen is now open at Harbour Town!
If you thought dumplings were just a pan-Asian sidekick, think again. The Gold Coast just scored a soulful new spot dedicated to momo – the handmade Tibetan dumplings that are little power pockets of flavour like you’ve never tasted. Say hello (or rather, tashi delek) to Dolma’s Momo Tibetan Kitchen, now open at Harbour Town. And if this all sounds familiar, you may have been one of the lucky ones to stumble across them at the night markets, where their steaming baskets first won the Gold Coast over.
Owners Tenzin Lhakpa and Jerry Fu first started serving dumplings at local night markets as uni students, simply as a way to make ends meet. But what began as a humble side hustle grew into something bigger – enter Dolma’s Momo, where food, culture, and community come together in delicious harmony.
Dolma’s Momo has evolved from a market stall to a fully-fledged restaurant, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. The space is inspired by the warmth and symbolism of Tibetan culture and monasteries, featuring rich reds and golds, as well as sacred motifs, all reimagined with the street-casual energy of the vibrant markets where it all began.
At the heart of the menu are the Momos – handmade Tibetan dumplings, steamed and plump, filled with spiced meat or vegetables. Drooling**. They’re the kind of comfort food that calls for sharing, though this will be hard once you’ve had your first bite. Pair it with their crunchy slaw-style salads and you’ll never look back.
But wait, there’s more than meets the eye here at Dolma’s, or should we say, stomach. For Tenzin and Jerry, this venture has always been about more than food- they wanted to create a space that supported themselves while sharing a piece of their culture with Australia. Now, Dolma’s Momo also gives back, offering support to first-generation Tibetan immigrants who arrive here as refugees and face challenges such as language barriers when seeking employment. It’s a deeply personal mission that turns every dumpling into something more than a meal. Is it just us, or did that make you want to order about 50 more dumplings?
The dining room feels intimate and soulful, already attracting locals and curious foodies alike since its launch in mid-September. This is the kind of place you can swing by for a quick bite between shops or settle in for a dumpling feast with friends.
Whether you’re craving the comforting chew of handmade Momo, curious to try Tibetan fare for the first time, or simply looking for food that feeds both belly and soul, Dolma’s Momo is where it’s at.
Where: Harbour Town, 147-189 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters
When: Monday to Sunday 10am – 6pm. Thursdays 10am – 8pm
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Images by Kirra Smith
Because you only dessert the best!
Are you the kind of person who skips right to the desserts page of a menu? Yep, well, you’re not alone. Taking tactical consideration of what sweet things can and will follow is a clever move by anyone’s standard. Luckily we are spoilt for choice with sweet treats and desserts on the Gold Coast.
Why not seek to fix that sweet craving you have? Here’s our list of the best places on the Gold Coast to grab a dessert, worthy of that extra time on the treadmill!
As if all self-control didn’t already tank at the mere sound of the word Tarte, our reigning pastry queen Chloe Watts is taking over the Gold Coast sweet scene with Tarte in Burleigh and Tarte Beach House in Currumbin #havemercy #we’reweak. Tarte’s trademark goodies taste even better when devoured on the banks of Currumbin’s picture-perfect creek, blowing the bar previously set by our OG dessert darling out of the water.
And just when we thought we had reached peak sweetness, Tarte takes us to new heights with the launch of Tarte Tea Garden in Currumbin, serving up bite-sized pastries, blooms and boujee brews in a high tea paradise. Pinkies at the ready!
Where: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads and 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Inventive, indulgent, and darn tasty in every department: Bam Bam Bakehouse is the goods — period. The line of sweets and desserts are nothing short of mesmerising (even attracting the likes of Margot Robbie and Matt Preston).
With so many mouthwatering morsels on offer, attempting to choose only a couple of them is a challenging feat (as is not allowing ourselves to immediately to scarf down the lot).
Where: 2519 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
For all you night owls looking for sweet treats, swing into a towering swirl of creamy acai, the ultimate soft-serve dream. Each bowl is loaded with fresh strawberries, bananas, and crunchy granola. You can then drizzle on your favourite sauce or get adventurous with something new. Fan favourites? Biscoff, Bueno and Pistachio. Drool!
The acai is a dessert in itself, but there’s also deep-fried ice cream if you want to send that sweet tooth on a home run. We drool again**
Where: 2/32 Davenport St, Southport
Dessert lovers, assemble, Janus Deli is bringing you the sugar-laced playground you didn’t know you needed. These retro-inspired spots are slinging Golden Gaytime donuts, the iconic cookie-donut Dough-kie, and iced Biscoff lattes that are basically dessert in a cup.
Whether you’re vibing beachside at the Surfers Paradise deli or hitting up the OG Molendinar bakehouse, one thing’s guaranteed: your sweet tooth is in for a wild (and wildly delicious) ride.
Where: 12 Hanlan Street, Surfers Paradise & Shop 14, Crestwood Plaza, 458 Olsen Ave, Molendinar
5B2F Ciabatta is Southport’s newest slice of heaven, straight from the legends at Chirn Park’s 5B2F Bakehouse. After a decade of delighting Gold Coasters, owner Moonsun Yoo has dropped this second location to serve up mouth-watering ciabatta sandwiches, dreamy pastries, and cakes that steal the spotlight.
For those looking to celebrate, whole cakes are available daily, with flavours ranging from vanilla chiffon to baked cheesecakes piled high with fresh cream and glistening fruit. Time to plan a party!
Where: 29 Davenport St, Southport
Eastern Europe’s cult-favourite dessert has officially landed at Harbour Town, and yes — we’re completely obsessed! Swieetie is serving up freshly made soft-serve in a swirl of flavours, piled high with fruits, candies, and drizzles to match every sweet craving.
The showstopper? The Dubai Chimney Cake: crisp on the outside, fluffy within and stacked with toppings your sugar-loving heart will thank you for. Freshly baked, seriously indulgent and absolutely worth every bite of the sugar rush.
Where: Harbour Town, 147-189 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters
Husband and wife duo, Jen & Antonio Marchesi are the French maestros behind some mighty salivating goodies at this Robina bakery, and what these folks don’t know about sweet and crunchy European desserts frankly isn’t worth knowing!
Don’t delay. Head along for the shiniest looking caramel eclairs and the flakiest known pain au chocolats this side of the equator — Bon appétit!
Where: Shop 5/361 Robina Parkway, Robina
Is a breakfast dessert a thing? If it’s not, we’re officially calling it. And if you find yourself down by the ever-majestic Tallebudgera Creek dipping in its crystal clear waters, we suggest you hot foot it right away to Custard Canteen.
Get into some great coffee — and a bacon & egg burger to end all burgers — before rounding things off with one of their ooze-tastic cookies or the flakiest of Portugese tarts. YUM!
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
If you live in or around Tamborine, and haven’t yet wrapped your mitts (and tastebuds) around some Franquette… frankly, it’s time to re-evaluate your priorities (unless you’re gluten-free, obvi, in which case, commiserations).
Under the expert eye of master baker Jérôme Favier, Franquette (pronounced Fraen-ket) assuages hinterland hankerings with authentic French-style sweets, rolls and scrolls, and of course, the ever-crescent croissant.
Where: 1/159 Long Rd, Tamborine Mountain
One of the Gold Coast’s game-changing cafes, the level of baked and sweet goods that these guys consistently punch out is utterly jaw-dropping.
If you haven’t treated yourself to several (hundred) coffee dates at one of the cutest mini-Queenslander’s gracing the GC… welcome, you must be new here?! To remedy this immediately, we suggest you get together some of your nearest and dearest and get in on some brunch action before you launch a full-scale attack on the cracker assortment of sweets.
Be sure to try the crowd-fave Biscoff Cheesecake Doughnut or their whopping 1kg Giant Cookie! (Remember, Mum says sharing is caring.)
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
We’ve been giddy over Basque since the gorg new specialty bakehouse-cum-sippery sauntered into Chirn Park in 2023, bearing mind-blowingly good cheesecake and French champagne. Umm, did we just become best friends?! Two of our very favourite modes of celebration under one chic roof – consider us, and our ‘coffee and cake catch up’ standards, spoiled forevermore.
Owners Laura and Zach Guertin devised the dreamy concept in answer to the age-old conundrum, ‘what should I bring?’ – and yeah, we can attest, one taste of Laura’s incredible creations and you’ll forget alll about the box of Favourites.
Luckily for the lot of us, we need not wait for a special occasion to partake in their signature Spanish Cheesecake and Champagne selection, with both available by the slice, and glass – any old time you please to cheese.
Where: 33b Musgrave Ave, Chirn Park
All hail the buttery king-of-pastries, the mighty croissant (controversial? We think not). Chevron’s sweet-snackery, Dipcro Pastry, delivers our sweet fix in the form of artisan baked goods like cinnamon buns, croissants, mille feuille and palmiers. This year, Dipcro went all out to bestow upon us a knockout second site in Main Beach. Talk about double dipping!
The venue’s namesake and signature item (a play on the words ‘Dip’ and ‘Croissant’– à la, ‘Dipcro’), invites us to take the blessed croissant to a whole new level – served with an array of signature toppings & fillings for your dunking pleasure. Oh if we must.
Where: 55 Thomas Dr, Chevron Island and 1/27 Tedder Ave, Main Beach
The very aptly named My Favourite Baker is one beloved among locals as a lifeline for incredible, last-minute cakes (that look and taste anything but).
The GC’s everyday cake heroes ‘crumb’ through with the (baked) goods – delivering same day turnaround on their delectable range of cakes and cupcakes almost every day of the year. Saving our bacon bakin’ from all kinds of sticky, special occasion situations, ‘logistical oversights’ and baking fails – with rave reviews, might we add. Phew! *backs slowly away from the packet mix*
Forgotten occasion? What forgotten occasion?
Only bulk brownie points to be found here (shhh.. it’ll be our little secret).
Where: 4/1 Inventory Ct, Arundel
This gastronomic Graceland has brought all things doughy and delicious to Hope Island Marketplace. Whether you’re vibing something sweet or savoury … or both … this is your one-stop-shop. From loaded croissants to crave-worthy doughnuts, every bite is, yep, you guessed it: dough-licious.
But let’s take a moment to shout out their NYC Biscoff Cookie. It’s so good that it often sells out (as do many of their noms) so get in early to enjoy this crowd-fave Biscoff banger!
Where: 99-103 Broadwater Ave, Hope Island
Need a little fuel to power through your day? This bakehouse is the pit stop your appetite has been waiting for. The beloved southside bakers set up a third location in the heart of Burleigh last year so north Gold Coasters could get a taste a little closer to home. The handcrafted pastries and fresh loaves are carb heaven, it’s no wonder they supply to cafes all across the coast.
Wash a nutella donut or two down with a perfectly brewed coffee and you’ll feel refuelled, re-energised and maybe start to call Fuel your regular.
Where: 1/23 James Street, Burleigh Heads, 44 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters and 39/45 Tweed Coast Rd, Bogangar
This froyo bar is a swirl of endless possibilities. Flipping the script on burgers and froyo, YOMG is serving up stacked, snackable goodness in both Broadbeach and Burleigh. Whether you’re in the mood for fun with friends or to treat yo’self, YOMG is the ultimate pit stop.
From cookies and cream to key lime pie, you can choose your own yoghurt adventure with toppings like fresh fruit, sticky spreads, chocolate and biscuits.
Where: Pacific Fair (opposite Sephora), Broadbeach and 15 Connor St, Burleigh Heads
Don’t let the name fool you — Burnt Croissants is serving up buttery, flaky perfection like no other. Starting as a roadside stall, from 2025, you’ll now find Lucy Davis and her legendary pastries exclusively at various markets around the Gold Coast. This self-taught pastry queen is renowned for croissants and baked goods so good they’re worth hunting down.
Keep an eye on their socials to find out where they’ll pop up next, and make sure to arrive early to snag a taste of the magic!
Where: Various markets including Wednesdays at Evergreen Markets, Robina
A deli-cious addition to Kingscliff, George’s is serving up New York-inspired flavours, infused with Filipino influences and a side of nostalgia. Run by a talented husband-and-wife duo, Johnny Ang and his wife Jerrika, the compact menu consists of hearty sandwiches, fresh salads and charcuterie boards that are almost too pretty to eat.
But trust us – there’s one thing you’ll want to devour immediately, and that’s the handmade donuts! The Ube Donut weaves the distinct flavour of the purple yam into a soft donut sandwich. We’re not saying we’d marry a donut, but…
Where: Shop 3, 106 Marine Pde, Kingscliff
Words by Kellie Leader and Lisette Drew
Save your pennies for the weekend Gold Coasters.
Because Thursdays deserve more than toast for dinner, we’ve rounded up the best cheap eats across the Gold Coast to carry you through to the weekend. Whether you’re chasing tacos, parmis, burgers or a solid steak (with a cheeky beer on the side), this list has your name all over it. From north to south, here we go.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Big in offerings means bigger(a) love for it!
Growing bigger(a) and better every year with a smorgasbord of dining, sipping and shopping spots is the rising star of the northern Gold Coast; Biggera Waters. Nestled right near the sparkling Broadwater, it strikes the perfect balance between laid-back living and lively entertainment with a hearty dose of coastal charm.
Here’s why Biggera locals love their neck of the woods – and why the cool cats from down south are starting to look north with envy.
Harbour Town Premium Outlets
Let’s be real – this spot doesn’t just deserve an intro; it practically wrote the book on where to shop, sip, eat, repeat. With outlets like Coach, Sass & Bide, Sheike, and Camilla, every day is like Black Friday at Harbour Town. Your wardrobe won’t know what hit it, and neither will your arms after hauling your fashion finds back to the car. Who needs a gym when you’ve got retail cardio?
Where: 147-189 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
White Oat Distillery
You know a burb has hit the big league when it lands its own distillery. Enter White Oat, the ‘pandemic progeny’ of three local legends who’ve turned this passion project into a hot-ticket destination. With award-winning distiller Tudor Duxbury at the helm, a fit-out so stylish it practically struts, and a vibe that’s ‘wise with a side of cool and a splash of vintage’, this is one to oat-solutely check out.
Where: 13-14, 211 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
Metro Market
This is the local’s local for all-things grocery and takeaway, also popular for a little pampering sesh and some retail therapy. But if you ask us (and the Biggera crew), there’s another reason why Metro Market is a north-side mecca; it houses the decades-old meat institution and duck’s nuts of butchers, Cav’s Butchery #IYKNK
Where: 33 Hollywell Road, Biggera Waters
Reading Cinemas
All the best flicks? Check. Gold Class for those fancy nights with your love? Check. Fab food, snacks, drinks and friendly staff to boot? Checkedy check check. And the best part? You’re at Harbour Town so pre or post movie retail therapy is basically mandatory. Challenge accepted!
Where: Harbour Town, 147-189 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
Crafty’s
Crafty’s has been flipping the script on sports bars for many a moon, with the perfect brunch to dinner hangout for the whole crew (mini-me’s included). Think fab food, unbeatable specials, cocktails for days, games galore, and weekend DJ beats. From birthdays and events to live-and-loud game nights or dinner with your MVP, Crafty’s is a slam dunk for every occasion.
Where: Harbour Town, 147-189 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
Christmas Galore
Your tree, icicle lights, and elf on the shelf are still going strong but it’s never too soon to start planning next Christmas – and this joint is the absolute yule-timate! The largest Chrissie shop on the GC stocking over 10,000 products, you’ll love the amazing display of stunning trees, lighting, and finest festive decorations from head to (mistle)toe.
Where: 3 Gateway Drive, Biggera Waters
Dublin Docks
Perched on the shores next door to Harbour Town, Dublin Docks has been dropping anchor in locals’ hearts for years. It’s the ultimate spot to rally the crew for a hearty Irish-inspired feast, sip a few cold ones on the deck, and let the kids run amok in the indoor playground. Cheers to a good times and a pot of gold at the end of your pint!
Where: Harbour Town Shopping Centre, Harbour Town Drive, Biggera Waters
Black Hops II
Ahh Black Hops. What’s not to love and the answer is nothing. The runaway success of the original Burleigh Black Hops spurred the unveiling of this upscale production brewery and large taproom. With 16 beers on tap, trivia on Thursday nights, and food trucks up the wazoo, round up your mates, the fam and even your pooch for some award-winning amber ales.
Where: 671 Pine Ridge Road, Biggera Waters
Sushi Train
This is one of the Gold Coast’s original – and largest – Sushi Trains, and it’s still the ‘roll’ of honour for its sibling stores across the region. The iconic chorus of “Irasshaimase!” hits all the high notes here. After just one visit, the brilliant sushi chefs are likely to know your name and order by heart. Talk about service that’ll really ‘maki’ you smile!
Where: Corner Brisbane Road & Oxley Drive, Biggera Waters
Japanese Grocery Go Go Mart
Just a hop, skip, and a sashimi roll from Harbour Town, Go Go Mart is the ultimate treasure trove for all things Japanese. Stocked with Queensland’s biggest haul of Japanese groceries and goodies, it’s your go-to for a taste of the Land of the Rising Sun. From miso to matcha and everything in between, there’s a feast of healthy, authentic delights to discover.
Where: Corner Brisbane Road & Oxley Drive, Biggera Waters
Hound & Stag Brewing Co
Ok it’s technically in Arundel but being across the road from Harbour Town means it also identifies as Biggera Waters. Rocking an old barn style home fit out, the largest taproom on the Northern GC, private function spaces, and 28 beer taps, this crowd fave even has its own kitchen with an extensive top-notch menu. Plus, there’s live entertainment a-plenty making it a bona fide north-side unicorn.
Where: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel
Words by Bianca Trathen
