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

There isn’t enough exceptional Chinese food in the world, well maybe not in the world, but there certainly isn’t enough on the Gold Coast.

It is with full, happy bellies we are here to report that one of our fave Broadbeach haunts Grand Dynasty is indeed, some of the best Chinese food we’ve ever tasted.

This delightful venue that will surely awaken the senses of anyone who steps inside. With stunning lanterns string throughout, authentic Chinese ornaments placed throughout and tanks filled with live seafood, it’s a dining experience you won’t soon forget.

It’s the work of chef Ken Zeng, who has spent many a year travelling the world, including our very own beachside city as a child. His smiling face is a highlight of spending time at Grand Dynasty and his passion for hospitality is evident in both the menu and the overall vibe of the venue.

The menu is a mix of yum cha for lunch and a la carte options for dinner and let it be known that every single thing on it is delicious and will have you coming back time and time again.

The yum cha menu is filled with all your favourites including dim sims, MANY varieties of dumplings, minced beef balls, pork pastries, BBQ buns, soft shell crab, san choy bow (love you) and crispy egg tarts. We recommend sampling everything.

At dinner time, well, prepare to have your mind blown.

The Hong Kong Chilli Mud Crab is sensational and one of the tastiest dishes we’ve ever tried. Not to mention it looks too pretty to eat, almost too pretty, that’s not really a thing.

The Lobster with Garlic and Butter sauce, same deal. So much flavour, so very pretty to look at, but did not have a problem demolishing.

You should also sample the Steamed Sliced Abalone with ginger and shallots.

Of course, all the usual favourites are on offer including the BEST Honey Chicken there has ever been (and we’ve sampled a lot), Chicken with cashew nuts, Crispy Duck with plum sauce and Salt and Pepper King Prawns.

The menu is extensive and everything is the goods so, if you have a hard time choosing, the banquet is definitely what you want.

You may choose from Banquet A (which includes Mongolian Lamb in sizzling hot pot, winning) for $50 per person and Banquet B, which includes MANY incredible dishes (including the famous Peking Duck) for $68 person and both are ridiculous value.

So yes, we’re pretty happy to have Chinese food back in our lives. Do yourselves a favour friends, Grand Dynasty will make you happy.

Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach
When: Open from 10.30am until late daily

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

Is it not the best news ever that you can enjoy an island adventure, complete with exceptional eats and a beverage or two, without even having to leave the Gold Coast? You can even hire a little boat to get there should you wish to have an authentic experience.

The island we’re talking about today is, of course, Chevron Island, a little paradise unto itself bursting with exceptional foodie spots and pretty parks to laze about in having consumed all the exceptional eats.

The latest little newbie to grace Chevron Island with its’ presence is Mint Espresso, an intimate, rustically decked out space with both indoor and outdoor seating, painted a cheery shade of green (mint in fact) and lots of natural light flooding in.

It’s the work of a local Gold Coast family who are also the proud owners of the cutest baby French Bulldog there is in the world. Mint Espresso is their first venue and they’ve done quite the impressive job if you ask us.

The menu is made up of breakfast slash lunch eats along the lines of Shrooms on Toast (a favourite) with an array of tasty mushrooms on Turkish bread with grilled haloumi, basil pesto and poached eggs.

The Ultimate Eggs Benedict is also a winner; it’s Turkish bread topped with spinach, hash browns, sausage, bacon jam, poached eggs and truffle Hollandasie and it’s the perfect combination of breakfast goodies.

Everything is filled with flavour and absolutely stunningly presented to both delight your eyeballs and your Insta followers.

The coffee on offer is by the good folks at Byron Bay Coffee Co. and there are also cool, refreshing juices and of course, beloved milkshakes and thickshakes in case your inner child is calling.

Also, there are HOMEMADE baked goodies including brownies that will melt in your mouth and also come with ice cream.

In conclusion, if you’re in the market for a little island getaway complete with delicious brunch time eats and without breaking the bank, Chevron Island and newbie Mint Espresso are the go.

Prepare to be impressed.

LOCATION: 9/37 Thomas Drive, Surfers Paradise
HOURS: 5.30am until 5.30pm daily

Words and photos by Kirra Smith