Smiling Dumplings & Noodles has got buns, hun.
Smiling Dumplings & Noodles has got buns, hun.
If the very thought of slurping back oodles of pillowy bao, glistening prawn dumplings and piping hot soup noodles puts a smile on your dial – prepare those pearly whites to be positively beaming. Because Smiling Dumplings & Noodles, the aptly named new kid on Robina’s block, gives us plenty worth grinning about.
Now, if like us, you consider yourself a discerning dumpling connoisseur, you’ll likely also be in full Cheshire Cat mode over the prospect of this delicious new dining development. Luckily for fans of these delectable morsels, our gleeful grins are entirely warranted. With bonafide bao experts Louie John Zhang and Nina Zheng at the helm, Smiling Dumplings & Noodles is now serving up house-made, handcrafted bites like spicy, steamed Soup Dumplings and Shanghainese style Noodles daily.
Quietly sliding into Robina Town Centre’s flagship foodie precinct, The Kitchens in recent months, the newcomer is yet another absolute W for Robina residents. Off the back of recent additions, Charcoal Charcoal Yakitori and Hwaro92, Smiling Dumplings & Noodles adds casual yet authentic Chinese eats to the locale’s budding nosh scene.
Greeting diners with a glowing, neon-lit facade, the cheery yellow fitout is one you couldn’t miss if you tried. The space, led by Darren Kong, is flanked by a central, open-plan kitchen tucked behind a tiled, wraparound counter. So you can watch on in awe as the culinary magic unfolds (or folds, as the case may be).
While SDN might be the new kid on Robina’s block, it’s certainly not the first (or even third) rodeo for Louie and Nina – who now boast an impressive four restaurants in their repertoire. Originally hailing from Sydney, it seems the restauranteur gene reigns supreme in this fam, with their mother Jennifer Du, the proprietor of the East Coast’s 9-strong Taste of Shanghai franchise… talk about a role model!
From humble beginnings, slinging their signature handmade delicacies out of a hole-in-the-wall style haunt in Burwood Chinatown, the pair have forged their own, slightly more relaxed style take on quintessential Chinese-Australian fare. Like many southerners who have set their sights on the sunshine state in recent years – for their fourth venue, Louie and Nina were drawn to the GC for the ‘great weather and people’ – go on guys, butter us up why don’t you.
And sure, flattery will get you far, but surely Char-siu pork buns and crispy Pan Fried Pork and Chive Dumplings will get you way further (like, honorary BFF status).
Alongside the succulent, steaming-hot dumpling specialties, the menu offers an irresistible array of wok-fried and grilled goodies to wrap the ‘ole laughing gear around.
Dishes like saucy SDN house noodles, tender, seared Chicken skewers and Prawn and XO fried rice are all equally befitting of a banquet – which, if you ask us, is absolutely the only way to go when you’re spoilt for choice with a spread like this.
Our tip? Just don’t forget to leave room for the Mango Pancakes to finish.
Where: Shop 4248A/19 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
When: Monday-Wednesday 10:00am-5:30pm, Thursday 10:00am-8:00pm, Friday-Saturday 10:00am-5:30pm, Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
Appetites at the ready, grill gang! Hwaro92 enters the chat.
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a username belonging to some rando causing a ruckus in the comment section? No, it’s Hwaro92 – a brand new, Korean BBQ flavour sensation – the latest to join Robina Town Centre’s ranks amid its elevated The Kitchens precinct.
Serving authentic flavours designed to transport you to the streets of Seoul, Hwaro92 delivers the traditional, Korean style of barbecue. A hands-on – and addictive – experience, where, with your choice of high-quality cuts at the ready, you converge with your crew around a glowing grill to char your mouth-watering selections to perfection (and attempt to keep the salivation levels in check).
Also known as “Gogi-gui”, the classic Korean method of cooking is complemented by a selection of specialty dishes from the kitchen such as tender and sweet beef Bulgogi Bibimbap, Kimchi Fried Rice and Spicy Soft Tofu Soup. So, yep, there’s plenty worth getting fired up over, here folks.
And if there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to take food to a whole new level of delectable, it’s some smoky, barbecue goodness. Sear-iously – we challenge you to come up with even one ingredient that doesn’t benefit from being slapped across smoking hot grill.
So, whether you’re an old hand at the art of self-seared, melt-in-your-mouth meats, or totally new to the tantalising wonders of Korean fare, Hwaro92 should have the ‘ole tastebud alarms well and truly sounding.
Owner Allan Park can certainly stand the heat in this kitchen – his experience doling out East Asian eats already extends to two venues, including Chermside’s Bulgogi Bros. A grill-focused venture has been a long-term goal driven by Allan’s enthusiasm for carnivorous eats, ‘I love to handle and eat meats’ – and hey, who doesn’t – adding, ‘I’m always buying big cuts of meat… trimming and boning it to get a better cut and different texture’.
Of course, at a venue like Hwaro92 it’s the kitchen crew doing all the heavy lifting – so we can swan in and take all the grill glory, Steven Bradbury style. Enlisting the expert skills of Sangbong Seo, a gun, Korean culinary graduate head chef with whom Allan shares a lengthy hospo history. Diners are in excellent hands here.
With a fit-out flanked by the ubiquitous sight of grill-adorned tables throughout, the roomy 80 seater is more than equipped to handle the onslaught of flame-licked fare fans. Bedecked in classic black marble and oak finishes, the space – delivered by Yura Choi and Yoon Kang – also includes a 12 pax private area for those looking to gather a group for a delicious, grill-studded celebration.
So whatddya say, Gold Coast? Time to get in on some mouth-wateringly good GIY (grill it yourself) action? We thought so.
Whether you’re not yet familiar with the flame-kissed wonders of Korean BBQ or a keen connoisseur of the trademark, melt-in-your-mouth marinated meats – it’s high time we all met Hwaro92.
Where: T5037/19 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
When: Daily, 11am-3pm, 5pm-9pm
Instagram: @hwaro92_robina
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
Charcoal Charcoal Yakitori is sssmokin’.
There are few scents so instantaneously mesmerising that they can stop you dead in your tracks – but the aroma of charcoal-cooked fare sizzling away on the open coals is absolutely up there with the best of them.
If sudden hunger pangs have struck as the distinct hint of char fills the air around Robina of late, chances are you’ve caught the aroma of their new resident skewer-slinger, Charcoal Charcoal Yakitori.
The brainchild of husband and wife duo, owner Harper Sun says Charcoal Charcoal Yakitori is their answer to the locale’s somewhat lacking late night offering, noting that tasty fare can be hard to track down in Robina after 8pm.
Marrying authentic Japanese methods with Western influences – the new Asian fusion haunt brings glistening bowls of Ramen, Sashimi, and the requisite assortment of juicy skewers – threaded with tantalising combos like M8–M9 Wagyu and lychee before being given the Binchotan charcoal grill treatment.
Traditional Binchotan, a Japanese white charcoal coveted for its smokeless and long-burning properties, is widely accepted as the secret to what makes the flavours of live-fire Yakitori methods just so special. So basically, if you’re craving juicy morsels charred and caramelised to perfection (and when are we not) Binchotan’s the best, chuck out the rest.
Of course, hankerings of the grill variety are not the only ones Charcoal Charcoal Yakitori is now handling. The cosy 50 pax venue, which joins the smattering of fast-food style eateries fronting Robina Town Centre Drive, also boasts a curated array of Japanese-style sips alongside the specialty eats.
To wash it all down, bespoke beverage list includes a some of the finest brews from across the Pacific on tap, yuzu and peach infused Sake and a curated Japanese Whisky selection.
The good vibes are also flowing plentifully at Charcoal Charcoal Yakitori, whose inviting interior proudly showcases furniture and hand-crafted wine racks, repurposed from recycled timber. With the focus on natural materials carried throughout, this friendly neighbourhood nosher really is embracing its wabi-sabi era. Adding to its warmth, wood surfaces are complemented by floaty fabric canopies suspended from the ceiling, while the softly-lit paper lantern pendants infuse the space with ambience a’plenty.
An exciting addition to Robina’s eats scene, the charming and top notch Yakitori spot is impressive, but not surprising when you consider the duo’s credentials. Together with the biz-smarts of her other half, who formerly owned several venues abroad, Harper, a Commercial Cookery graduate, is currently also furthering her studies in hospitality. So, these guys are certainly no stranger to slinging tasty eats – and it shows.
On the menu, smoky and succulent grill-kissed skewers of Pork belly & prawn and Garlic soy sauce spiked Scallops mingle with mouthwatering cuts of marbled Waygu. For those feeling daring, there are also some often overlooked culinary deep cuts to be discovered, such as the Chicken diaphragm, tail, and tender oysters, plus classics like wings and thighs.
To complement the seared selection, comforting helpings of 10-hour slow-simmered Ramen, served with rich slices of Pork char siu will certainly be high on rotation with the return of the cooler months.
Whatever you opt for, pair it with a pint of frosty Asahi and you’re golden! Kanpai!
Where: 126/128 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
When: 5:30–9 pm, daily
Website: opentable.com.au
Instagram: @charcoal_charcoal_yakitori
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
There’s a lob to love about the beloved bug roll.
Hands up if you grew up with the Moreton Bay bug making its once-a-year cameo on the Chrissy Day spread (one we were actually excited about, unlike the trifle…). Fast forward to now, and bug rolls are no longer an annual event, popping up on menus all over the Coast. And we are here for it.
Being able to wrap our mitts around these pint-sized parcels of seafood-stuffed deliciousness any day of the week is something we’ll never take for granted. Our willpower, however, is consistently #MIA in their presence.
If you needed proof this roll of the moment isn’t going anywhere, we’ve rounded up a list of GC spots serving up boujee bug (and lobster and prawn) rolls with zero effort required. Not a seafood fan? You may want to sit this one out and check our alternate list instead: 10 ways to be sad #justsquidding #moreforus.
Here are 9 places to get your bug (and lobster) roll fix on the GC.
The OG home of bug rolls- we will forever be indebted to the culinary masterminds at Rick Shores for our introduction, and resulting obsession with the now ubiquitous shellfish slider.
The famous Rick Shores Bug Roll has remained a staunch cult favourite that the entire GC (and beyond) has been going cray-sea for ever since.
Their signature combo of golden Beer-battered Moreton Bay bug with sriracha and Bug mayonnaise – yes, their boujee secret weapon whereby chopped bug is incorporated into the mayo for extra sweetness and deliciousness – all sandwiched in a brioche bun…undoubtedly the one to beat.
Where: 3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
We’re yet to meet anyone who hasn’t been absolutely smitten with this hot spot (hence – hot spot). This sprawling stunner of a super-venue has been setting hearts ablaze ever since they sauntered onto Broady’s eat scene, along with literally anything they can throw on their signature charcoal wood-fire grill.
It should come as no surprise to anyone that the most boujee sando of the moment can also be found here: Australian Bay Lobster meets Mooloolaba King Prawns, topped with soft herb mayo and native lime. Take it up a notch by adding 5g of Kaviari Caviar – strongly advised.
Where: 135S/3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
With the level of luxe La Luna is dishing up daily, it’s absolutely no surprise there’s also a cameo from our beloved bug roll gracing its menu. The swanky, euro-chic vibes are immaculate, as is the Crispy Tempura Moreton Bay Bug in a milk bun with Bug mayo and sweet + sour sauce.
Whether you’re luxuriating poolside in one of the sun-drenched La Luna cabanas, or sidling up for the full winning and dining experience at Mare Restaurant, one thing’s for sure, when you’re surrounded by yachts, superb sips and noshing on bug rolls, life is good.
Where: La Luna Beach Club Pool Pontoon, 74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Sitting right on the NSW/QLD border lookout at Point Danger, this breezy beachside fave has become a go-to for post-swim feeds and coffee with a view that seriously shows off. It’s all about easy, coastal eats you can grab and wander with, while pretending you’re on a permanent seaside holiday.
The Bug Bagel is the star catch: Moreton Bay bugs layered into a toasted bagel with crisp baby cos and a punchy hit of sriracha mayo. It’s fresh, a little spicy, and basically tastes like summer in sandwich form.
Where: 1 Tweed Terrace, Coolangatta
Blowfish has never been one to shy away from a seafood-focused delicacy, and their Moreton Bay Bug Roll is no exception. This luxe little number features sweet bug meat layered with iceberg lettuce, savoury remoulade and pops of flying fish roe, all tucked into a soft bun.
The Signature Spring Rolls deserve an honourable mention too – a playful, Blowfish-style remix on the classic bug roll that proves they’re not afraid to bend the rules in the name of #delish. Add prime people-watching and Broadbeach buzz, and you’ve got yourself a very convincing reason to stay for dessert.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
If by now you’re wondering whether the limit of seafood-laden sliders exists (it doesn’t), the professional sanga slingers at Joe’s Deli are here to throw their unique blend of American diner-style and Italian-inspired eats into the mix for your culinary consideration.
Joe’s crew are renowned for their ability to put together a next-level sandwich, and the Lobbie Roll delivers on that promise (and then some), made with lobster, crab, kewpie mayo, shredded iceberg lettuce, chives, black caviar and lemon. So much yes.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, 2 Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach Waters
Never one to do anything by halves (unless it’s literally to cut one of those stacked signature NY Bagels in two), when our beloved Tarte takes on the lobster roll, of course, it was never going to be anything other than next level.
The Tarte Beach House offering includes real-deal Southern rock lobster, loaded in hot butter, celery, chives, and lettuce, all wrapped up in the most perfect of packages – a toasted house-made brioche. If you need us, we’ll be scoffing these buttery bug boi’s creek side allll summer long.
Where: Shop 1 2/4 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Perched right on the Cooly waterfront, this polished coastal favourite is the kind of place you come for a “quick lunch” that somehow morphs into sunset drinks (zero regrets).
While technically a prawn roll rather than a bug, we’re letting it slide because it’s that good. Think crispy prawns, pillowy bread and a luscious tarragon aioli doing the heavy lifting, all best enjoyed with sparkly water views and a glass of something cold in hand. Honestly, the vibes alone deserve a seat at this table.
Where: 275 Boundary Street, Coolangatta
Nestled in Mermaid Waters’ Q Super Centre, The Blue Lobster isn’t your average fish-and-chips pitstop, it’s a full-on seafood celebration. Their lobster roll stars cooked Western Rock Lobster tossed in herbed Kewpie mayo, topped with green oak lettuce and a sprinkle of Tobiko caviar, all nestled in a lightly toasted brioche roll.
Not in a lobster mood? Their prawn slider hits just as hard: a crispy Patagonian prawn cutlet on brioche with Kewpie mayo, green oak lettuce, and a hint of paprika. Fresh, decadent, and just the right kind of fancy for a casual lunch.
Where: Q Super Centre, Shop 7C/14 Allandale Entrance, Mermaid Waters
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
