Little Quan 55 brings big flavours to Burleigh.
Little Quan 55 brings big flavours to Burleigh.
Burleigh’s never been short on nosh spots, but only a handful dish up tradition in takeaway form. Now there’s a tiny but mighty grab-and-go joint that is slinging some of the most heartwarming, belly-filling Vietnamese flavours in the heart of this foodie hub. Pho real.
Run by power couple Wynn Huynh and Thanh Tram, Little Quan 55 is the newest addition to their growing food family. You may already know their original spot, Quan 55 and Bar in Chirn Park, which has been serving up punchy Vietnamese eats since before bánh mì was cool.
But Burleigh? This suburb hits different.
“We’ve always loved Burleigh Heads,” said Thanh Tram. “It’s the first place we lived and worked since we moved from Adelaide in 2004.”
In fact, the couple used to run the local FoodWorks here in 2005 and funnily enough, part of Little Quan 55 now occupies that same space. Talk about a pho-circle moment.
While the footprint might be small, with a few seats outside and a bar table inside for those who just can’t wait to tuck in, this eatery will transport you to Vietnam. Designed by Thanh and Wynn, the decor was inspired by their recent trip to Hoi An. The trip had them falling in love with the architecture but also had a deeper meaning too. It was Thanh’s first time returning to her hometown of Tien Giang in 39 years after her family left Vietnam in 1984 as refugees. Her family’s story spans continents and decades, but it finds home in every dish served up at Little Quan 55.
And in every sip too.
Little Quan 55 serves up the silkiest Vietnamese coffee outside the Land of The Blue Dragon. If you haven’t tried traditional Vietnamese coffee, let us phin you in. Rich coffee is slowly brewed through a phin filter, then swirled with a generous spoonful of sweetened condensed milk. Enjoy it hot, or pour it over ice for the ultimate cool-down. Either way, it’s strong, sweet and seriously addictive.
When hunger strikes, you can chomp into a crunchy Banh Mi bursting with moreish fillings like juicy BBQ pork, roast pork belly and Vietnamese ham that are all made in-house. With fresh salad and as much chilli as you can handle, it’s the ultimate lunchtime pick-me-up.
The steaming hot pho is a labour of love, simmered with quality eye fillet and Angus beef brisket, it’s the kind of soul-hugging bowl that warms you from the inside out.
The Saigon Fried Chicken and Crispy Tofu have us coming back for more, but if you’re on a health kick, a Chicken Lemongrass salad bowl or prawn rice paper roll are sure to hit the spot.
So next time you’re looking for a quick bite in Burleigh, remember: lunch shouldn’t be boring, it should be pho-nomenal.
Where: 1A/ 6 West St, Burleigh Heads
When: Tuesday to Sunday 10am–2.30pm
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Mathilde Bouby
Ah, the humble Banh Mi, what a delicious, exotic and highly eatable little bundle of joy you truly are. Fusing the creative baking skills of the French with the fragrant and spice-driven gastronomy of Vietnam, you have been satisfying the tastebuds of the world for over 60 years.
The secret has to be the soft yet crunchy baguette piled high with crispy pork, a dash of mayonnaise, crunchy julienne carrots, fresh coriander and finely chopped chilli. It’s a strong case for IYKYK, but if you haven’t had one of these delights, we strongly suggest you fix that, stat.
We’ve found 10 of the best Banh Mi on the Gold Coast, listed from North to South.
Aussie brekkie that rolls into Vietnamese lunch- yes, please! Pickle n’ Pinch does it all and does it all well! Particularly (and obviously- that is why they are on this list) their Banh Mi. Don’t get away without trying their signature crispy pork Banh Mi with a fried egg! Pair it with a Vietnamese coffee (made with locally roasted Establishment coffee), and you have yourself one satisfying lunch. They also cater- just saying.
Where: 6/8 Grice Ave, Paradise Point
You might swing by for the Blackboard coffee, but you’ll stay for the Banh Mi. This drive-thru gem slings pork and chicken rolls that are top-10 worthy (according to die-hard roll hunters). Combo it up with spring rolls and a frappe, and you’ve just made the best pit stop of your week. Open 5am-3pm Monday-Friday and from 7am-3pm Saturday-Sunday.
Where: 117a Arundel Dr, Arundel
Crunchy baguettes, packed fillings, and mighty reviews- VN Bakery is a must for anyone on a Banh Mi pilgrimage. Their spicy noodle soup also gets a special mention for being soul-warming and delicious. Don’t sleep on this Southport stunner, proudly bringing convenient authentic Vietnamese fare.
Where: Australia Fair Shopping Centre, 18-28 Nerang St, Southport
A Mermaid Beach institution, if you’ve checked this little modest business out before, you’ll know how good it is; and if you haven’t, what are you doing?! Your options are chicken as well as pork, and you have a few Asian style sweet treats to choose from to finish things off! How good?
Where: 2477 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
This family-run fave has been churning out top-tier Vietnamese baked goods for years, with a fanbase as loyal as their crisp baguettes. Choose from crispy pork, caramelised pork, lemongrass beef, chicken, fried egg or tofu, then watch them pile on the daikon, carrot, cucumber, coriander, shallot, mayo, pâté, fried onion and chilli like it’s an art form. Their sister store in Mermaid Waters serves up the same greatness with added pho and noodle salad options. You’ll be back.
Where: 5/1916 Gold Coast Highway, Miami and 64 Karbunya St, Mermaid Waters
Burleigh’s best-kept secret? Quite possibly. My Saigon is a humble lunch spot dishing out freshly made-to-order goodness with plenty of vegan and vegetarian love. The banh mi is the stuff of local legend, backed up by rave Tripadvisor reviews. Add a side of spring rolls, slurp-worthy pho, or a fresh vermicelli salad and you’ve got yourself a cult-status lunch.
Where: 1/45 Taree St, Burleigh Heads
Perfectly positioned on the ever-busy James Street, this welcoming little space packs a punch when it comes to flavour and choice. Choose between traditional pork, beef, chicken and even tofu. And if it’s that time of day for a caffeine hit, be sure to try their on-tap nitro coffee with a generous dash of coconut cream.
Where: 26 James St, Burleigh Heads
A crispy skin pork Banh Mi made from a traditional Hoang family recipe? Sign us up. Tucked inside Treetops Plaza, this bakery does it all with bread, pastries, and cupcakes. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, lunch, or a quick bite, they have something to satisfy every craving. However, the star of the show is their loaded Banh Mi. Made fresh daily, these rolls are generous, authentic, and downright addictive.
Where: Treetops Plaza, Shop 10/7 Classic Way, Burleigh Waters
Banh Mi, but make it luxe. Already a hatted hero on the GC dining scene, Jimmy Wah’s is the go-to for a long lunch that turns into dinner—or a weeknight treat that feels like a special occasion. Their take on bánh mì ditches the pork and ups the ante with tempura soft shell crab, plus all the classic trimmings. One bite and you’ll know: this isn’t your average sandwich… and yes, you will be back.
Where: 1724 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
These guys are quietly serving up some of the best banh mì on the Coast – consistently fresh, ridiculously flavourful, and with that all-important crunchy roll every good bánh mì demands. Add in their rice paper rolls and other traditional Vietnamese bites, all made fresh daily, and you’ve got yourself a one-stop flavour fest.
Where: 83 Cypress Terrace, Palm Beach
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Ahhh Chirn Park, you’re the northern GC’s answer to Burleigh…minus the traffic and with an intimate village vibe. Embracing its increasingly trendy rep, Chirn Park is welcoming more and more cool/interesting/unique businesses to this once underrated neck of the woods.
Being the fans that we are, here are 10 reasons why locals…and not so local locals….are flocking to Chirn Park en masse!
Basque
As it stands, the humble cheesecake is a universally beloved sweet treat that few desserts can rival. And when it comes to rivalries, few can contend Basque’s heavenly cheesecakes. We’re fast approaching two years since this artisan bakehouse arrived in the north city burb, yet they’ve become a fast fixture on dessert plates of locals and passerbyers alike. They do many great things, but pairing cheesecake with champagne may just be their finest idea. Once savoured, you’ll forever be at the mercy of their scrumptious slices. You’ve been warned.
Where: 33b Musgrave Avenue, Southport
Walk Ins Welcome
This double-establishment beauty may just be the coolest hangout on the Gold Coast for tattoo fiends and ink dabblers alike. It’s a bar, adjoined to a tattoo studio by a flash art-lined corridor. The fit-out is like a retro time capsule with pinball machines, classic arcade games and walls filled with artwork and tattoo flash; a collection of the founder and his team’s work over the years. They have a cocktail menu that makes you want to work from top to bottom, coupled with Connect 4 and Jenga available for some light-hearted fun. The allure of yet another tattoo begins to brew once again…
Where: 3/37 Musgrave Avenue, Southport
Quan 55
‘Quan’ is Vietnamese for bar, so no prizes for guessing what this Chirn Park fave serves! Host and owner Wynn serves up the same food as she does at home, even using her mother-in-law’s treasured 20-year-old crock pot! Now that’s authenticity personified! It boasts fabulous food and cocktails and ambience galore, thanks to the awesome interior and never-ending rotation of bums on seats.
Where: 4/55 Brooke Avenue, Southport
Cruize Espresso
It was love at first sight when we spotted the adorable logo alone. With a beautiful soft colour palette, swoon-worthy serve-wear, phenom wall art (Jai Vasicek, we see you…everywhere) and the instagrammable “I love you a latte” neon sign, the menu is as delicious as the fit-out. Think modern brekkie and lunch dishes beautifully presented with pretty-as-a-picture floral garnish, epic coffee, and the friendliest service in the land.
Where: Shop 6/37 Musgrave Ave, Labrador
Little Barista Espresso Bar
Looking for a consistently high-quality caffeine hit, all day breakfast or lunch? Call off the search coz Little Barista delivers all of the above. Perched in arguably the most prominent corner position in Chirn Park, this rustic coastal gem is always buzzing. You can smell the glorious aroma of award-winning brews as you walk up the street, and don’t forget to bring Fido as pooches are welcomed with open arms.
Where: 3/39 Musgrave Ave, Labrador
ATTO
Serving up serious Seoul food (pun intended), ATTO is one of Gold Coast’s newest Korean Cuisine machines. They too have decided to call Chirn Park home…to all y’all Northern residents, we’re starting to get a little envious of you now. At ATTO, you’ll find authentic and elevated East Asian eats and stone cold Sapporo on tap- a fine duo indeed. Sink your teeth into their charcoal grilled free range pork jowl with enoki mushroom, garlic, chives, hot english mustard and soy jus or the crispy eggplant made with sweet n sour doenjang sauce, grapefruit, and sesame seeds….just some recs.
Where: Shop1/55 Brooke Ave, Southport
5B2F Bakehouse
If you’re mad for a bakery, and seriously who isn’t, step this way and tell us you’ve had better! When it’s brought to you by the renowned pastry chef extraordinaire, Moonsun Yoo, you know you’re in for a real treat– classic French pastries and artisan sourdough for days. One look in the cabinet filled with THE most spectacularly crafted baked goodies and you’re sold. Consider us buttered up.
Where: 55 Brooke Ave, Southport
Daark Espresso
It’s known for its exceptional coffee, and as a go-to for the professional brunching set (aka, well worth the queue) is Daark Espresso. The nosh is truly next level, from the Salmon and Feta Croquettes to the Southern Chicken Fried Waffles and everything in between; bagels, crumpets, acai bowls, you name it. Pull up a pew inside this rustic gem, or opt for a table outside on the wraparound balcony. Add a super buzzy vibe and friendly staff and you can why it’s a Chirn Park institution.
Where: 2/41 Musgrave Ave, Labrador
Ground & Sound
Perched at the end of a street-art adorned alley, lies this offbeat café-come-bar, a cosy space combining two of life’s greatest pleasures: music and coffee. By day, they serve up specialty single origin PNG caffeine. By night, a mix of entertainment including local live acts, stand up comedy, music trivia nights, and open mic action for your Sunday sesh pleasure. What a vibe!
Where: 6/23 Musgrave Ave, Chirn Park
Moss n Stone
Moss n Stone offers the freshest and most on-trend blooms, arriving in-store daily. Delivering to all areas of the Gold and Tweed Coast, there are flowers and foliage for all occasions and persuasions. Also stocking an exquisite range of giftware, babywear and homewares, it’s your one stop shop for all things lovely, with a hint of uniqueness.
Where: Unit 4/41 Musgrave Ave, Chirn Park
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Lunchbox icon. Satisfying snack. Celebratory staple. Sandwiches are, quite literally, the best thing since sliced bread. Our infatuation with this blessed bread-based creation is as infinite as the mouth-watering combinations to be found within it’s carb-a-licious confines.
From provolone topped meatball subs to pesto slathered panini’s, Philly cheese steak stuffed hoagies and every gourmet combo in-between – times sure have changed for the humble ham sanga once rattling around in our trusty school bag. Like a good aged cheddar, our love for this lunchtime staple only intensifies with age, and it’s little surprise really, considering the proliferation of tip-top sando joints we are treated to nowadays.
Here are 12 of the Coast’s best sandwiches for when you’ve got bread on the brain.
Tarte Bakery and Tarte Beach House
We will never not be in awe of the world-class deliciousness that Tarte founder, Chloe Watts is capable of whipping up with little more than some basic pantry provisions. A dual location local bakehouse known for some of the best goodies going – with those rows of golden pastries and galettes vying for your attention, do not sleep on the equally salivation-worthy savoury creations. Pick between artisanal sammich vessels such as everything bagel buns, pillowy slabs of sourdough, or warm baguettes, arriving in the form of Five-cheese truffle toasties or Korean Philly Cheese Steak respectively… #SandwichGoals
Our Pick: The Miso Chicken Sandwich is a revelation.
Where: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads and Shop 1 2/4 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Cheese Me Baby
Coffee, charcuterie, vino and toasties – Cheese Me Baby does a handful of things spectacularly well and with the way to our heart well and truly established, we see no reason why they should ever stray from their (cheese)wheelhouse. For sandwich-loving fromage fiends, seventh heaven exists just off Mermaid’s Gold Coast Hwy stretch, with golden, gooey Toasties and open-faced Tartines served hot off the sandwich press seven days a week. Keep it classic, or opt for sensational sweet-salty combos such as the raisin cinnamon sourdough, made with rocket, triple cream brie, prosciutto. Hello, lover.
Our pick: Make it a 3 Cheese W/ Tomato Soup and watch all your troubles melt away.
Where: The Pod, Mermaid Beach Village, 2375 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Side Piece
Side Piece is another star pupil on our eats scene that’s certainly no stranger to a little sauerkraut, swiss cheese and sliced meats action. They’ve just launched a killer new menu and among the array of cafe style suspects and some darn good coffee, you can find a couple of saucy, meat and cheese stuffed morsels that will absolutely destroy any crisp white tee’s in their path #worthit. Start your day with the king of breakfast sandos, a pickle and brown sauce stuffed B+E Toastie, or if you prefer big buns, try the barbecue Pork Roll (which, quite frankly, we’re not above starting our day with, either).
Our pick: Our love for a Reuben knows no bounds
Where: 2 Capital Court, Varsity Lakes
George’s Deli
If classic New York-style is the iteration of carb-based vessel you’re craving, skip the long haul flight and head directly to George’s Deli. Contributing copious amounts of retro-inspired cool factor to Kingscliff’s main drag, Marine Parade’s cute-as-a-button reuben-slinger punches out delicatessen classics and caffeine hits with a side of house-made Filipino-inspired desserts like the signature ube-infused handmade donut. Sando fans can savour top-tier pastrami and pickle laden Toasties along with succulent sammie specials like Beef Birria served by the sea – by George, this one’s a winner!
Our pick: La Cubano – plus requisite donut for ‘Ron, obviously.
Where: Shop 3, 106 Marine Parade, Kingscliff
Joe’s Deli
Sandwich fans, when a specialty sando slinger’s designation is accompanied by the word famous, you know those tastebuds ought to sit up and pay attention. Fusing Italian and American street food influences, Joe’s Famous Deli does classic, cold cut stuffed deli subs, sandwiches and piadinas (Italian flatbreads); all wrapped up with a hearty serving of nostalgia. Founded by Patrick Killalea, an ex chef to-the-stars who dedicated almost two decades to delivering the perfect deli, you’d be hard pressed to find a crew more committed to the sandwich craft than these guys. Situate yourself in one of the cushy New York-style booths and let happiness ensue.
Our Pick: The Lobbie Roll
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach
MC’s Sandwich House
Whether your idea of bread-based perfection is a stacked salad sanga, New Orlean’s style Poh Boy sub, or a perfectly-crisped toasty oozing with multiple types of cheese – whatever you’re craving, chances are MC’s Sandwich House is dishing it up. These sure guys know how to play to their strengths; slinging sodas, Coffee Supreme and a tightly curated menu of next-level sando combinations available till sold out. So if it’s sandwich alchemy you’re craving, no dill-y dallying y’all.
Our pick: Hot Chicken with jalapeño brined fried chicken, house slaw, cheddar and jalapeño honey on brioche… *Chefs kiss*
Where: 83 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads
Scott’s Luncheonette
For deli style bites meets apertivo hour, leave those hankerings in the expert hands of Scott’s Luncheonette. An Italian-inspired panino bar specialising in coffee, specialty sambo’s, and sips, head to Palmy to start your day with authentic espresso served with egg and hash stuffed ciabatta Brekky Sangas. The latter half of the day is also sorted; crushing those cravings with classic combos like Leg Ham with provolone cheese, tomato & in-house pickles; chased with a cheeky tipple, should you wish.
Our pick: Mexican Pork made with crumbled feta & Oaxaca cheese… mmmm.
Where: Shop 1, 1114 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Janus Deli and Janus Bakehouse
If it’s incredible sandwiches you seek, Janus Deli is a local delicatessen concept dishing them up every day of the week. No longer Molendinar’s best kept secret, fans can now get their donut or deli fix straight outta Surfer’s Paradise. Be it sweet or salty, there’s plenty to get your tastebuds around here – purists can quell cravings with cold-cut stuffed classic style subs, tease the tastebuds with Korean-infused creations, or get amongst some truly bun-dary pushing sando combos. Such as the sweet-salty big boss; the Bacon & Egg Sanga, served between two sticky Glazed Donut slabs.
Our Pick: Grab the The J.F.C and the name will become immediately apparent.
Where: Shop 14, Crestwood Plaza, 458 Olsen Ave, Molendinar and 12 Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise
Doughed
Dual specialty snack spot, Doughed, is a delightful newcomer bringing spoils of sandwiches and sweets to the hungry folk of Hope Island. Sweet or savoury, crispy-edged NYC-style cookies or palm-sized packages of pillowy focaccia loaded with cold cuts, carb cravings are well and truly curbed here. If it’s superb sandwiches you have your heart set on (always) there’s plenty to wrap your mitts around, with mouth-watering creations like the three-meat Mortadella Medley, with semi-dried tomatoes, pesto, chilli honey and more. Doughed, where’s my carbs?!
Our pick: The Mortdella Medley
Where: Hope Island Marketplace, 99-103 Broadwater Ave, Hope Island
Juniors Deli
Whether it’s a cheeky midday morale boost or all-out midweek slump avoidance; the medicinal properties of a lit lunch should not be underestimated. Juniors Deli is one such spot delighting Mudgeeraba residents by way of spectacular hoagies, such as the specialty; provolone and ranch laden Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches. If you’re after a hand-held meal that’s a little less siesta-inducing, a fully-loaded salad sanga always goes down a treat.
Our pick: Philly Cheese Steak (for obvious reasons).
Where: 2/51 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba
Piknik
When you’re in the mood for munching or a light meal that just so happens to smash your daily veg quota, Piknik always delivers. If you’re not yet au fait with Burleigh’s resident rainbow snackery, think fresh smoothies, juices and a display cabinet brimming with some of the most colourful, made-daily sarnie combinations going. Tuck into plant based specialties such as the golden Tofu Schnitzel sandwich; all of which come gluten free and dairy free to keep the tum happy, too.
Our pick: The Burleigh Basic (a misnomer, we promise #drool).
Where: Shop 7/3 Deodar Dr, Burleigh Heads
Delightful
If you’re keen to graze the arvo away on all things cured, brined and aged (and when aren’t we?) then Monique and Alisha are your gals; but if you’re in the mood for antipasti and bread, well, they’re also known to bung on a particularly stellar sanga to boot. After several years spent slinging the prettiest picnic boxes we ever did see, the duo branched out with their aptly named brick-and-mortar venture, Delightful. With their feel-good munchery fuelling the Tweed CBD since, swing by for a fresh daily selection of breakfast toasties, classic and fully-loaded deluxe sandwiches and give your laughing gear something to really grin about.
Our pick: Photo finish between Green Goddess on Turkish or Chicken Bruschetta
Where: 25 Stuart St, Tweed Heads
Words by Kellie Leader
