Mamasan’s little sister has officially arrived.
Mamasan’s little sister has officially arrived.
If you’ve been wondering where to get your Mamasan fix while the Broadbeach institution undergoes her glow-up, we’re here to tell you to wonder no more. Meet BabyMama—the spicy little sister serving up big flavours and even bigger vibes, now open in the heart of Nobby Beach.
This pop-up isn’t just a placeholder – it’s a whole moment and if you know anything about us, you know there’s nothing we love more than exploring a new feed, especially when it comes from the likes of Mamasan’s pedigree.
Think rich interiors and moody lighting the lend themselves perfect to the intimate dining experience, plus a menu that hits all the right notes (and taste buds). Whether you’re dropping in for a midweek dinner date or rounding up the crew for cocktails and shared plates, BabyMama brings the same soul you know and love from Mamasan, just with a fresh Nobby twist.
Born out of the team’s desire to stay connected to their loyal diners while the OG undergoes a major reno, BabyMama is part homage of what they’ve built in Broadbeach, part teaser for what’s to come.
The menu? A banger. You’ll find Mamasan classics like the Spanner Crab Tortellini Dumplings (hello, old flame), the fan-fave KFC (Korean Fried Chicken, but make it sexy), and that Wagyu Red Curry that dreams are made of. But there are also some seriously impressive new arrivals, thanks to Executive Chef Sebastian Tan – who, by the way, has worked in kitchens like Hakkasan and Crown’s Silks, so yeah, he knows what he’s doing.
We’re talking Sichuan Burrata with chilli crisp and Chinese doughnuts (um, yes please), Scallop & Prawn Brioche Toast (like a seafood hug), and a 72-hour Whole Roasted Duck that might just change your life. Dramatic? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely.
Our recc? Get the gang together and go family style so you can get a taste of everything so you don’t end up with food fomo – works every time!
Gosh, all that eating will have surely made you thirsty so you’ll be happy to know they did not hold back on the holy grail cocktail list – trust us when we say it’s better curated than your favourite Spotify playlist, and we know you see that bad boy as a work of art.
You’ll find some familiar flavours along with newbies like the Wagyu Fat-Washed Old Fashioned (yes, fat-washed – don’t knock it till you try it), a punchy house favourite called Big Mama (no less) or for a new spin on a classic try the Blood Orange Paloma, and of course premium sake options for the true connoisseurs. Bonus points for their wine list, artfully curated to enhance the flavours of the menu AND everything is available by the glass – yep, even the premium drops – thanks to the very fancy Coravin wine preservation system. Boujee.
Owners Lauren and JP Duitsch say BabyMama is all about keeping the Mamasan spirit alive while they build something seriously special in Broadbeach. But judging by the early buzz and full tables, this “temporary” venue is already making itself right at home in Nobby’s bustling scene.
So how long will BabyMama be around? Who knows. But like all good things, don’t leave it too long before you book a table – you don’t want to be the friend who still hasn’t been, or that misses out!
Where: 2/2243 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach
When: Open for dinner Tues – Sun, lunch & dinner Wed – Sun
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski
Images by Mathilde Bouby
Look we’re all partial to a good hat but if you’re a chef, a hat is all that and a bag of chips. Each year, the Australian Good Food Guide awards hats to the crème de la crème in the restaurant world. Although many of our neighbouring states and cities may have once turned their noses up at the GC dining landscape, sir, times are a’changin!
This year, a whopping 26 of our fave local eats destinations scored at least one hat, and we are proud as punch! The AGFG rates each restaurant out of 20. No restaurant has yet achieved the holy grail of a perfect score.
In a twist everyone saw coming, Broadbeach cleaned up with eight venues receiving hats, including BLOWFISH Ocean Grill + Bar, which debuted on the list this year with a score of 13. Social Eating House and Bar (13) also made the list with fellow Oracle Boulevard residents Mamasan Kitchen + Bar, (13), kōst (12) and Orzo (12).
Of course, a couple of The Star Gold Coast’s restaurants collected gongs, including Japanese sensation Kiyomi (14) and Modern Australian go-to for a fancy night out Nineteen at the Star (13).
Rounding up Broady’s winners are grinners list with a score of 13 is long standing steak restaurant, Moo Moo The Wine Bar and Grill.
Moving slightly south to Mermaid Beach and boutique dining superstar The North Room scored a whopping 15, while the beloved Little Truffle has scored 14 and esteemed Japanese restaurant Etsu Izakaya earned a 13.
Euro-inspired newcomer Juju brought a whole new level of fun and flavour to Mermaid in October and made its debut with a score of 12, as did The Oxley’s sizzling new addition, Lars.
Robina’s Eddy + Wolff represented with a well-earned 12. It just goes to show that the ‘burbs can cook up a winner too, not just the Insta-set-favoured pockets. Speaking of, Mudgeeraba’s intimate Japanese (and under-the-radar superstar) Anekawa, earned itself a 14.
Now let’s talk Burleigh and again, there are a few to unpack here. Rick Shores scored 13 for its delectable contemporary pan-Asian cuisine. The Gold Coast highway strip represented with Vietnamese pin-up boy Jimmy Wah’s, Kin and newcomer LIMLAY Thai Street Food & Bar all scoring 12.
Hidden gem, La Bella Cellar also got a well deserved nod (13).
Daniel Ridgeway’s new Palm Beach offering Madame V was shown some love with 12.
Let’s journey back to the central neck of the woods, starting with Surfers Paradise’s Modern Australian superstar Palette located at HOTA, Home of the Arts, who proudly scored 16, earning them the highest score and making them the first three hatted restaurant on the Gold Coast.
The JW Marriott Gold Coast’s seafood superstar Citrique earned a 14, while the QT’s Japanese phenomenon Yamagen and The Langham’s Cantonese gem T’ang Court scored 12.
Neighbouring Main Beach’s modern Australian waterfront venue La Luna scored a 12.
Anyone who still says we’re lacking in the quality eats department here on the Goldie, now is the time to concede defeat because this list of local victories confirms what we already knew – our foodie scene has officially become a force to be reckoned with and there’s plenty more to come…
Words by Belinda Symons
