After a long day in the surf, there is nothing we want more than an ice-cold acai bowl to cool down and refuel. I guess you could say it’s an acai for sore eyes – see what we did there?

Okay, but does anyone really remember life before acai? That delicious little berry from the Amazon has been a breakfast, lunch and snack staple for Gold Coasters for years and because we take our jobs very seriously, we’ve done the heavy lifting (see: eating) so that you can kick back and chow down. Don’t mind us while we add acai aficionado to our resumé.

Cardamom Pod
Maybe some of the most instagrammable bowls on the GC, Cardamom Pod’s bowls are truly a work of art. Loaded with colourful toppings and flavours like mango mousse, blue spirulina crème and a protein ball, the colourful mermaid tail finisher makes it feel almost too pretty to eat… Almost.
Where: 3/3 Brolga Ave, Southport

Blendlove
If you’re in search of acai perfection, look no further than Blendlove in Southport. The team behind this plant-based haven have been mastering the art of the perfect bowl for years and no surprise, it’s one of our faves on the Coast. Top yours with seasonal fruit, flaked coconut buckinis and it’s like summer in a bowl.
Where: 1/253 Ferry Road, Southport

Yo-Chi
You probably already know them for their frozen yoghurt and if you don’t, then where have you been, honestly? Now they’re swirling up acai at both their Gold Coast locations and want to know what the best part is? You can swirl as little or as much as your tum desires AND build your perfect bowl with all of the iconic Yo-Chi toppings you know and love.
Where: 11/3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise and 89 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Goji Granola Bar & Café
Taking the classic acai bowl to a whole new level, Goji Granola Bar is the place where locals flock and celebreties are spotted when visiting our beachside haven. Anything but your average acai bowl, Goji’s signature Coco Fluff vegan ice cream is the hero topper of course with flavours changing weekly. Add fruit for something fresh or a churro if you’re keen to indulge.
Where: 7/60 Santa Cruz Boulevard, Clear Island Waters

Little Mermaid
This corner-side hangout spot has long been the locals’ favourite place to grab a coffee and a bite post-swim/surf – and it’s easy to see why. Dreamy décor and fantastic breakfast and lunchtime menus mean this is the kind of place you want to visit on the regular with salty hair and sand between your toes.
The pick: Get the Beach Lover Acai Bowl and don’t look back! All of the bright and zesty additions you’d expect but with a healthy dollop of peanut butter as its crown of glory.
Where: 2557 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Oakberry
Okay, so you know it’s going to be good when they literally only make acai. Popping up all over the Coast, Oakberry has locations in all your favourite spots, so a bowl is never far away. What do we love most about the Oakberry acai bowl, you ask? Probably that no two are the same. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure vibe with bulk flavours, textures and toppings to create your custom flavour. We’re also low-key big fans of the fact that they come in cup-size containers too. No more praying your acai bowl won’t spill in the car on the drive home.
Where: Pretty much everywhere – Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads, BSKT at Nobby Beach, Broadbeach, Pacific Fair, Coolangatta, The Pines, Robina and Paradise Point

Sunkist
The newest addition to the acai scene, Sunkist Eatery has recently joined the fold at The Oxley and they’re serving up bowls until 5pm. Yes, you read that right. Bowls until 5pm because apparently they’ve felt our pain of having a mean craving in the arvo with no one to save us. Their signature bowl has all the goodies you want to create an epic bowl – think fresh fruit from the Oxley Grocer, crunchy granola and a drizzle of honey.
Where: The Oxley, 17-19 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach

Nobbys Shack
As classic as they come, Nobbys Shack has the traditional acai combo you know and love or another with a cheeky twist. Try the Jungle Bowl for a tropical flavour sensation with acai, cupuacu, banana and coconut water topped with museli, coconut, banana and fresh fruit – tastes like summer in a bowl.
Where: 2241 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Tugun Fruit and Flowers
Your one-stop-shop for all the significant essentials you need, and of course, some pretty darn good acai bowls! Whilst you wait for the bowl of your dreams, you can grab yourself some super fresh fruit, a candle or two, or even an epic-looking dried flower arrangement to spruce up a space at home.
The pick: The Choc Acai Bowl for us – this overflowing bowl is blended with raw cacao and almond milk and is topped with ALL of the seasonal fruit imaginable.
Where: 4/467 Golden Four Drive, Tugun

Niche & Co
You could say this superfood café have found their niche, think healthy food, good vibes and acai bowls that are anything but average. Our flavour of choice? The Snickers Acai Bowl for the perfect blend of fresh and full of flavour, it’s served with vegan granola, coyo salted caramel mousse, cacao nibs, house peanut butter, activated choc buckinis and salted caramel – it’s almost too good to believe it’s good for you!
Where: 4/449 Golden Four Drive, Tugun

The Salt Mill
If you like big bowls and you cannot lie or you’re a southern Gold Coaster looking for your acai fix then you really don’t need to look further than The Salt Mill. Located in the perfect spot in Currumbin for you to pop in post swim and cool down with a bowl of icy goodness, all while soaking in epic beach front views – yes please!  Trust us when we say the bowls are BIG, they’re loaded with crunchy goodness, fresh berries and passionfruit , plus a scoop of peanut butter if that tickles your fancy.
Where: 784 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.

When you think about it – what is there not to love about Thai food? It’s fairly healthy, extremely delicious, group friendly and not to mention, the perfect accompaniment for that hard-earned night of Netflix on the couch.

We all know finding ourselves on a deserted beach in Thailand is not going to happen anytime soon. And yes, we’re fairly upset about that too. So why not experience the next best thing?

As Autumn has arrived this week, we suggest you get yourself cosy at home or venture out and treat yourself to some of the tastiest Thai flavours from one of these epic Gold Coast Thai restaurants.

Chong Co Thai
It’s hard to believe you’re inside a shopping centre when dining at Pacific Fair’s upstairs food court (you could even bring your Tinder date here). It’s the epitome of a sweet little Thai restaurant you just have to visit. They offer all the classics which will surely fill you up whether it’s for your monthly bestie-catch up or for a quick meal before catching a movie at the cinema.
Where: Pacific Fair, Broadbeach

House of Siam
You know the saying – location, location, location! House of Siam in Hope Island is right on the marina and overlooks the pier and million-dollar yachts, offering a great atmosphere accompanied by oh-so-delicious food. You might want to reconsider getting takeaway from here since the ambience of the restaurant is half the experience!
Where: Marina Shopping Village, 5 Santa Barbara Road, Hope Island

Mamasan Kitchen & Bar 
While not a Thai restaurant per se, Mamasan’s incredibly indulgent menu includes some Thai specialities you need to try ASAP. For example, the Oysters with Thai green chilli, nam jim and finger lime followed by the Thai Chilli Jam Prawns with kaffir lime, dehydrated pineapple and cucumber ribbons. Be sure to finish things off with the Ginger and Lemongrass Cheesecake with kaffir lime, mango and Asian crisps. You’ll surely ‘thai and go to heaven’ (sorry).
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Little Malaya Tweed Heads
Don’t let the name deceive you. In addition to the traditional Malaysian cuisine, you will find an array of Asian signature dishes including Thai! We’re big fans of the Tom Yum soups and Pad Thai, but while you’re there, give the Coffee Pork Ribs a try, two of our great loves combined.
Where: 32 Bay Street, Tweed Heads

Basil Thai
Tucked away along Nobby’s cute little food strip is Basil Thai, a cosy, no fuss Thai restaurant bringing you everything you’d expect from your local! The portions are huge, so it’s a great place to take your friends and share a couple of dishes. They’re also BYO and have takeaway options – what more could you ask for?
Where: 2243 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach

Nahm Thai
This is the contemporary styled Thai restaurant you just have to visit in Coomera. With gorgeous aesthetics and jaw-dropping food, the flavours and authenticity here are truly a one-off. Offering set menus for couples and families means you can relax and know Nahm Thai is going to deliver nothing short of a taste sensation. The soft-shell crab Papaya salad is likely to blow your mind.
Where: Shop R001 Westfield Coomera, 109 Foxwell Road, Coomera

Zabisan
It’s annoying, but it’s always a good sign when you can’t score yourself a table at a restaurant on a quiet weekday night. So, be sure to book ahead when you decide to pop in at Zabisan on the Gold Coast Highway in Burleigh. They bring you the best dishes North Thailand has to offer, but be warned, they can be a little bit spicy! We highly recommend the Pineapple Chicken Curry, eat in or take away!
Where: 1742 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Oz Thai
It’s safe to say the cat’s out of the bag when it comes to this Palm Beach favourite. Cherished by locals, Oz Thai serves up simple but delicious Thai food at very reasonable prices. All your favourite dishes are on offer but keep your eyes open as there are often unique specials you won’t want to miss.
Where: 1/1389 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Sunshine Thai Restaurant
Sunshine Thai Restaurant in Coolangatta has been serving up stellar Thai food for over 16 years. Their philosophy is to create authentic flavours using only the freshest Australian sourced produce — and we love everything about it! Offering all your favourite Thai food classics and then some.
Where: 152 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Chiangmai
Found in a prime position on the Gold Coast Highway in Broadbeach, Chiangmai Thai is a much-loved spot amongst the locals. The chefs here really know how to create the perfect balance between sweet, sour and spicy – so expect only the best. And if you’re feeling spoilt for choice and can’t decide what to get, try the Massaman Beef Curry (trust us on this one).
Where: 2779 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach and second restaurant located at 5-19 Palm Avenue, Surfers Paradise

CocoHut Taste of Thailand
Serving up rich, full flavours, CocoHut’s menu features mouth-watering starters and main dishes that’ll tickle those Thai-loving tastebuds. A must-try is the Coco Tomyum Soup and Noodle, made from fresh ingredients including lemongrass, Kaffir lime leaves, galangal, lime juice and fresh chilli that all combine to create a healthy and soothing broth that is so very tasty. Who said healthy and tasty was an impossible feat?
Where: 3114 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Thai I Am
Situated at Miami One Shopping Centre, this is a team favourite for us here at Inside Gold Coast. Mostly a takeaway spot (they do have a couple of tables to eat in), these guys serve up authentic Thai dishes with beaming smiles — after all, they do say Thailand is the land of a thousand smiles! Stuck for lunch? There’s a daily lunch-special menu available from 12pm – 3pm too.
Where: Miami One Shopping Centre, Miami

Words by Alex Mitcheson

Stick your hand up if you have a love for Chinese food! And who can blame you, being one of the richest and most diverse collections of foods you can experience — and on any night of the week for that matter! The most important aspects that make Chinese food so enjoyable are the abundant use of lavish and vibrant ingredients, creating diversified colour palettes and aromatic flavours which are impossible not to enjoy.

With a myriad of sub-styles and particular regions of China, all having their specific dishes, it equates to so many options for you, the diner. Therefore, claiming you don’t like Chinese food might imply you merely haven’t given it enough of a chance!

Whether you’re a seasoned Chow Mein fanatic or an amateur Peking Duck lover, our rundown of the best places to find Chinese cuisine on the Gold Coast will arm you with serious options next time you feel like pulling out your chopsticks.

Mr Hizolas
This street-side eatery is an informal affair and right at home on the bustling Gold Coast Highway in Burleigh Heads. The share style menu showcases delicious flavours which can be enjoyed by everyone — no food envy here. The menu is cleverly constructed with the offerings grouped under small dishes, big dishes, dim sum, noodles & rice. So very handy when you need to single out exactly what you are after, especially when your waiter is there with pen in hand! Having difficulty choosing? Choose the Emperor’s Feast and let them take care of it all for you.
Where: 1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Ally Chow
If you ever needed proof of Nobby Beach’s budding restaurant scene, then Ally Chow is a staple part of that motion. Stylish décor and a delectably distracting drinks list aren’t the final say here; you’ll find a moreish modern twist of Chinese (along with other Asian cuisines) with such plates as the Tempura Moreton Bay Bug Bao and Kingfish Ceviche on Betel Leaf, which are both sure to blow anyone’s tastebuds away.
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach

Mei Wei Dumplings
It’s no surprise to learn Mei Wei translates to delicious after you’ve taken your first bite at this quick and easy dumpling restaurant. A more straightforward affair than The Imperial, this place packs some seriously incredible flavours. Watch your chefs work their magic through an open-style kitchen before devouring heavenly dumplings. Our pick are the Shao Mai prawn and pork dumplings — or any of their other wok or BBQ dishes for that matter. Plus there’s a scrumptious selection of bubble teas available!
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach

Grand Dynasty
Genuine yum cha eats await you at this Broadbeach favourite and you don’t have to wait until later in the day either, as they serve up lunch and dinner five days a week! Settle in and start things off with authentic dishes such as Sang Choy Bow before taking on Pork Spare Ribs with Peking Sauce or a Mongolian Beef Hot Pot. Do yourself a favour, though and save enough space for dessert: Banana fritters and Deep-fried ice cream, anyone? Done and done!
Where: 54 Victoria Avenue, Oasis Shopping Centre, Broadbeach

Yum Cha Cuisine
This award-winning franchise has you and your gang fully taken care of for Chinese delights when you find yourself on the go. With locations at Robina Town Centre, Pacific Fair, and Harbour Town: fuelling yourself up on Cantonese style small plates has never been so easy, and you can be sure it will help you carry on your (very deserved) shopping spree!
Where: Various locations

Hideaway Kitchen & Bar
It’s tough to look past this central Gold Coast venue as not one of the finest go-to places for guaranteed good food and top tipples. Although they are pretty upfront in being an Asian-fusion style restaurant, this doesn’t stop China’s tasty flavours from finding their way onto your plate. Need proof? Look no further than their Duck Breast Pancakes with Canton Sauce or the Szechuan Lamb Zian-Bing dumplings. You’ll thank us later.
Where:  2657 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

Miami Rice
One of the Gold Coast’s most highly revered Chinese restaurants — literally for decades! Ran by father and daughter duo Alan and Shoko Yap, this family business has an extensive collection of regular locals dropping by to be spoilt with mouth-watering Chinese and Malaysian-inspired dishes such as Sambal King Prawns and Malaysian Butter Chicken. So many people can’t be wrong, right?
Where: 2007 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Dragon Cove
Situated in Sanctuary Cove’s Marine Village and with marina-side views, Dragon Cove ticks all over the boxes when it comes to an elegant fit-out and refined atmosphere. It doesn’t stop here though. A thoroughly flavour-packed menu has Chinese classics dished up with a side of contemporary style. You MUST try the Teppan Black Pepper Beef – it’s simply incredible. Overall you’ll find a variety of dishes to satisfy any level of hunger and deciding when to drop by shouldn’t be an issue as they serve lunch and dinner six days a week.
Where: 1 Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove

Words by Alex Mitcheson.