“Best Asian Food in Adelaide” — a trending Google search in my house most Friday nights. More often than not, I end up with the same order from the same restaurant with the same Pad Thai, Choo-Chee Prawns and Basil Chicken Stir Fry, EVERY SINGLE TIME. Nothing wrong with that, but I thought I’d venture outside my regular Asian sweet spot and come up with a new list for everyone to try.
I’ll just issue with this warning though: some are classy, others are purely for takeaway, and then there’s a couple that are synonymous with boozy nights out.
So, in no particular order, here goes… 13 of the best Asian restaurants in Adelaide.
:: Greenhill Rd, Glenside
Always fresh. Always tasty. And, it has to be pretty bloody amazing because according to my UberEats account, I’ve ordered from here 304 times. Gulp. Worth every cent and calorie though, their food is up there with the best. I’ve never dined in, I don’t even know if you can… this place is all about the takeaway!
2. Mrs Q Asian Kitchen and Bar
:: Gouger St, Adelaide
You’ll find this exciting hot spot where the old Loft Wine Bar used to be, at 128 Gouger Street. The layout is very New York-esque and if your close your eyes while eating, the dining experience is 100% authentic Bangkok! Try the feed-me menu, it will leave you moaning like the scene in Harry Met Sally. Mrs Q is so attractive in appearance, that it also makes for a great party venue!
3. Little NNQ
:: Gouger St, Adelaide
Outrageously good Vietnamese food, in a casual and laid-back venue with outdoor seating if it should take your fancy.
:: Glen Osmond Rd, Frewville
A family fave of mine, and has been for as long as I can remember. You’ll go on a delicious food journey through South East Asia with their next-level selection of street food, share menu, and feed me options.
5. Golden Boy
:: North Terrace, City
If you want to impress, book a table to Golden Boy — and you will definitely have to book because this place gets busy every night of the week. We suggest the Tuk-Tuk option where they feed you for $64 per person. It includes a range of share dishes tailored to your dietary requirements and even dessert. OMG dessert. Yum.
6. Madame Wu’s
:: Norwood Parade, Norwood
Sometimes a gal just needs a giant Laksa, and we’ve ended up here many, many times when we just needed a big warm bowl of Asian soup. They have other things on the menu too — I just can’t go past their Laksa. I often leave crying, because I have a love-hate relationship with chilli and tend to go a little overboard on the spice. I only have myself to blame for that though!
7. Ying Chow
:: Gouger St, City
An Adelaide Institution. Have you REALLY done Gouger Street, if you haven’t ended up in Yin Chow after a night out? I think not! With all your fave Chinese classics, you can’t go wrong.
:: Gouger St, City
Fast, friendly and super comfy, T-Chow is where you go for a good and quick Asian feed. It’s also ideal if you’re after a boozy night with your mates. I mean, drink responsibly, of course.
9. Star Of Siam
:: Gouger St, City
Jasmine puts the star in Star of Siam. She’s been working there for as long as I can remember and is always an absolute delight. The food is ace, the service is amazing, and their duck curry and Sea Stars are to-die-for.
10. Social Street S2
:: Hutt St, City
This one is also high on my Uber Eats go-to options. Sea Stars, Chicken Pad Thai and their Roast Duck Curry get a good work out on my order. I do warn you though, chilli is their jam — so if you’re not into the whole mouth-on-fire thing, make sure you read their chilli rating correctly before ordering — No chilli → mild → medium hot → traditional hot → extreme hot → freakin’ hot!
11. Danny’s Thai
:: Norwood Parade, Norwood
Making fresh and authentic Thai food since the mid-90s, Danny’s has always been a family fave. The thing I love most is that there are always plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options on the menu.
12. Sit-Lo
:: Bank St, City
Best buns in town! Yes, their handmade Baos (steamed buns) are flippin’ tasty! You’ll also find lots of traditional Vietnamese dishes on their menu. Perfect for a lunch date with your work wife.
13. Thai Orchid
:: Henley Square, Henley
A+ for location and A+ for dining experience. With beachfront views, you can feast on an extensive menu full of seafood, chicken, pork, beef, lamb, goat and vegetarian options. Their banquet is also great for larger groups.
