Whether you’re grabbing casual takeaway or tucking into a family feast, it’s time to bao down to the punchy tastes and sensory experiences in Asian flavour town – aka South Bank.

Bake N Grill

Popular for fresh rice paper rolls and perfectly crunchy baguettes, Bake N Grill’s traditional Vietnamese fare is loved by lunch and dinner crowds alike. Choose from quick and easy eats like pho and packed vermicelli salads, and either eat in at the shopfront or make your way to the Parklands for a punchy picnic that doubles as a tastebud getaway.

Southside

Peeking out of the jungle-like gardens under South Brisbane’s train bridges, Southside’s impressive menu takes diners on a tour of east Asian fare with a respectful nod to traditional Chinese cuisine. Creative spin-offs (the truffle potato spring rolls are must-eat) and a comprehensive wine and drinks list make for a good time at this slick, fine dining spot worth revisiting again and again.

Viet de Lites

A Little Stanley Street institution, Viet Delites is a solid contender for one of the most popular Asian restaurants in South Bank for good reason. Open from 11am on weekdays and 10 on weekends, the laidback restaurant dishes out fragrant classics like piping hot pho, light curries and the freshest salads (do not go past the papaya salad) alongside cheery hospitality. With a fully licensed bar, it’s frequented by families and groups of friends looking for a low-key but special occasion dinner and hungry workers saying “no way” to their soggy sandwiches.

Ma Pa Me

From the shores of West Java, chef Alfie Musthafa brings the tastes of Indonesia and South East Asia wrapped up in the nostalgic dining spot Ma Pa Me. Inspired by his grandparents’ (Ma and Pa) love of cooking for others, Alfie brings his classical training to a tidy menu of home-style dishes across small and large plates, sides and desserts. Vegans can get in on the action too with a tasty selection of flavour-forward, plant-based plates that are as memorable as their meaty counterparts. Wash it all down with a cheeky, Asia-centric riff on a classic cocktail and you’ll feel like you’ve flown across the seas.

Siam Thai

Off the main drag, Siam Thai looks out over Picnic Island Green so if you like your authentic Thai food with a side helping of lush South Bank view, then this is the place. You’ll find all the hits here – pad Thai, colourful curries and made-to-order stir fries – and with a daily well-priced lunch special it’s hard to go past this hidden gem on both the flavour and the budget-front.

Harajuku Gyoza

Dumplings – what’s not to love? The pillowy little parcels are flavour bombs that make the perfect bite. Plus you get to sample more of the variety without commitment to a whole meal. Drawing on the boisterous and playful style of Japan’s izakaya culture, Harajuku Gyoza serves up far more than just delicious food. Choose a booth and settle in for some dumpling-filled fun as energetic staff erupt into warm welcome every time the door opens. If dumplings aren’t your thing, don’t fret; there are plenty of sides and other small bowls and plates for those that don’t go gaga for gyoza. And some of them can even be made vegan too! 

Hello Please

Good tunes and good food with good friends is the brief at Hello Please, another Fish Lane restaurant offering up Asian eats with easygoing charm. Leaning heavily on South East Asian inspirations, the share-plate menu is a delight of zingy flavours and crunchy textures you’ll struggle to pick from. If the job of selecting is too much, opt for the ‘feed me’ banquet and let the house make the call. Then your biggest job will be picking a drink to go with it!

Momo Chicken and Beer

Korean fried chicken is one of the country's most-loved exports and South Bank’s MoMo Chicken is dedicated to spreading the K-love even further. Made fresh, the crunchy poultry can be served straight up as a set of boneless pieces (with a choice of scrumptious sauces) or a whole chook. Or take your pick from chicken burgers, chicken and rice, tenders, bites, wings… If you’re feeling less clucky, other Korean classics like bulgogi and bibimbap add a touch of variety to the fried goodness.

Tai Tai

When a restaurant’s food philosophy is ‘live to eat, do not eat to live’ you know you’re in for a deeply passionate dining experience. Honouring Chinese and South East Asian cuisine influences and recipes created by the owner’s great-grandmother and restaurant namesake, Tai Tai, expect a full-flavoured and diverse menu that’s perfect for sharing. Located on Grey Street just behind the Wheel of Brisbane, Tai Tai has great set menus, lunchtime specials and pre-theatre plates. 

San Kai Japanese Restaurant

Missed out on a cheap flight to Japan? Get your midtown Tokyo fix closer to home instead at San Kai Japanese restaurant. Kyushu-born head chef and owner Tetsuo Inoue distills 30 years of experience and a whole lot of passion into dishes that deliver the very best produce from the mountain (san) to the ocean (kai) in a contemporary Japanese way.

P’Nut

Want your street food fix without the cost of an overseas adventure? P’Nut delivers all the heady aromas and mouth-watering tastes of a Thai street stall to your table, using only the freshest ingredients and most authentic flavours. From fragrant nasi goreng to hot, fresh soups and salads that pack a punch, P’Nut is an excellent sub for actually being on the bustling streets of Bangkok. 

Chu the Phat

Treat your senses to a flavour getaway at the hawker stalls of Hong Kong, Korea and Taiwan, in the contemporary cool comfort of the Fish Lane precinct. The light-hearted little sister of the much-loved Madame Wu, Chu the Phat is a far from ordinary dining experience. With exciting flavour combinations, sleek interiors and colourful cocktails, Chu the Phat brings the big-city vibe to South Bank’s streets with all woks blazing.