Chop Chop Chang’s opens in West End
Some will remember it as the dark and moody Music Kafe, while others will recall its original incarnation as a bank back in 1958. But whatever memories are lingering, they’re about to be cracked open with the latest evolution of the 185 Boundary Street space.
High ceilings meet towers of Tsingtao tallies, while the cavity left by the original bank vault offers a space to eat and peek at passing traffic. The restaurant’s namesake – the first chimp to be propelled into space – watches over communal tables from a giant mural overhead.
The fare at Chop Chop Chang’s is just as captivating as the interior. Designed by Paul Blain of Noosa’s Chilli Jam Cafe and Maleny’s Spicers Tamarind fame, and executed by head chef Shauna Stockwell, the Pan Asian menu passes through Japan, Korea and Laos, lingering a little longer in Thailand and Vietnam. The layout mimics a stroll through a typical Asian food market, with stops at the Hawkers Barbecue Stall for market fish with chilli paste crust wrapped in banana leaf with coconut cream and basil, moving through the Bowls section for delights like crispy roast pork, and finishing at the Sweet Stall for black sticky rice or sago with coconut ice-cream and caramel popcorn.
Of course hot Asian nights also call for liquid respite, so order a jug of drunken peach iced tea or a bottle of Sapporo beer. Designated drivers can enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk or Chop Chop Chang’s very own blend of Cartel tea. The restaurant also shows its charitable side by inviting patrons to donate a nominated amount per ‘karma’ fortune cookie, and at the end of each month the funds will be pooled together and Chop Chop Chang’s Facebook followers will decide which charity will benefit.
Chop Chop Chang’s
185 Boundary Street, West End
Ph: 07 3846 7746
Open: Monday to Sunday 11:30 am to 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm to late
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