Authentic Chinese at The Oasis is serving up yum cha and more.
Authentic Chinese at The Oasis is serving up yum cha and more.
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
It’s a seafood extravaganza at Beachside Pavilion, the latest addition in a long line of recently revamped spaces in the Broadbeach Mall.
Formerly Alto Cucina & Bar, at the beach end of the foodie strip, the restaurant has been transformed into a bright, airy eatery with a street side terrace area and decked out in suitably cheery beach theme.
With an emphasis on fresh seafood, Beachside Pavilion has brought a unique menu to Broadbeach inspired by their close proximity to one of our most popular beaches.
To start, try the cooked-to-perfection Oven Baked Scallops on the shell with spiced tomato cream, wakame, sesame seeds and fish roe. If you love raw fish go for the Hiramasa Kingfish Ceviche with rockmelon, coriander, red onion, lime and radish.
For a lighter main the Ocean Trout Poke Bowl with quinoa, avocado, radish, sesame seaweed, edamame, red onion, spinach and kewpie is perfectly fresh and oh-so good for you.
Of course if you’re after the cooked variety, there are plenty of options. Try the Baked Whole Snapper with lemon, mustard, olive oil, dill, chips and a mixed leaf salad or Squid Ink Orzo Pasta with blue swimmer crab, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, scampi bisque and chilli.
If you’re out for a special occasion don’t think about ordering anything other than Beachside Pavilion’s Signature Chilli Mud Crab. It’s served with tomato, coconut cream, egg, coriander, special tomato chilli sauce and charred sourdough. It’s everything good about going out for dinner.
Beachside Pavilion is the perfect casual dining space, just a short stroll from the beach and with a soon-to-be-opened takeaway area, perfect for when you need a quick bite before heading back to the sand.
HOURS: 7am until late every day
LOCATION: The beach end of Oasis Shopping Centre Mall, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Like a fine wine, some venues only improve with age. Such is the story of Madison’s Café, a Broadbeach institution boasting some of the most beautiful baked creations the Coast has ever seen.
Founded in 1984* (which was a year many great things were founded as it turns out), Madison’s has occupied a corner space in the Oasis Shopping Centre, overlooking the mall and drawing in huge crowds every day of the week. If you’ve ever sauntered past the display cabinet, you’ll understand why. Filled with a myriad of colourful cakes, slices and pastries that are more akin to art than food, it’s no wonder the place has been adored for so long.
First and foremost, lets discuss the cakes. Although cakes doesn’t seem like a fitting word, let’s say masterpieces. So the masterpieces come in many a delightful form and for any possible occasion you might need such a thing. Think multi-layered, with edible adornments, fresh flowers, topped with fruit, handmade shapes made entirely of sugar and even the most incredible of gingerbread houses. You name it, they can make it and you can be sure it’ll be the epitome of next-level.
Next up are the custard slash fruit tarts, which are made on a shortbread base with the creamiest of custard, glazed fruit and in the most vibrant of colours. Almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
Madison’s also create everyone’s latest favourite, the cruffin plus an absolutely mouthwatering array of slices, muffins and cronuts. Everything is made on site and of course, the crew caters for both small and large events.
Besides all the sweet things though, you are also able to indulge in the yummiest of breaky, lunch and dinner menus.
Go for the Avo on Toast for breakfast, which is smashed avo mixed with feta and drizzled with balsamic vinegar and a poached egg on top. SO MUCH AVO!
For lunch the Moroccan Chicken Salad is something else with olives, chickpeas, a magical dressing and made up of all the Insta-worthy colours.
The place is pretty much a one-stop shop for all things delicious and beautiful.
We highly recommend getting in there ASAP to sample one of everything.
LOCATION: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Surf Pde, Broadbeach
HOURS: 5am to 9pm daily.
Words and photos by Kirra Smith* (founded in 1984).
