If you’re talking Japanese nosh on the Gold Coast, it’s impossible to go past Cha Cha Japanese Restaurant. The Broadbeach institution has been serving delicious salvers since 1994 and with the majority of entrees under $10 and mains around the $16 mark, Cha Cha’s makes for an inexpensive night out. It’s BYO, too, so there’s even more monies left over for food. Slightly further down the road, Neon is dishing up authentic Asian fusion-style street food including dumplings with four choices of fillings, beautifully fragrant baos alongside char-grilled skewers, small bowls and street-style fried dishes including Chicken Karaage and Takoyaki Balls (octopus, in case you were wondering). Neon brings together the flavours of Thailand, Japan and Taiwan but steps it up a notch and uses quality meat cuts and locally sourced produce to deliver a top quality MSG-free Asian dining experience. Another Gold Coast institution is arguably Cheers Japanese Family Restaurant in Nobby Beach. The sizzling hot plates will have you salivating and if your visit happens to coincide with a Tuesday or Wednesday, you can enjoy a two-course dinner for only $25. Cheers is also BYO wine. Nearby, Hachi Japanese Restaurant in Palm Beach and Nobby Beach is plating up a mouth-watering selection of fare including the house special Wasabi Steak and Wasabi Salmon. If you’re in the mood for a Vietnamese feast, Bac to Nam Vietnamese Dining in Miami is a hidden gem. Don’t be fooled by the venue’s unassuming appearance, the Pho soup is a taste sensation and at just $15, is exceptionally well priced. Meanwhile, Slurping Panda Noodle Bar in Burleigh Heads brings together flavours from all the different cuisines of Asia and fuses them with Western cooking techniques. Feast on a fragrant curry, a flavour-packed noodle dish or the crowd pleasing Pork Japchae. Head along on Monday evenings for Bali Hai and for $20 you can enjoy a choice of Nasi Goreng or Lamb Rendang with a Chicken Satay stick and a Bintang.

Step your Asian feast up a few notches and indulge in a beautifully authentic Japanese dining experience at Etsu Izakaya in Mermaid Beach. Sip on some sake as you snack your way around the fanciful menu that includes sushi and sashimi, tempura dishes, salads and teriyaki from the kitchen and finish your meal with some meat and seafood from the Robata grills. Kiyomi at Jupiters Hotel & Casino also offers a cutting-edge Japanese dining experience with delights including the Wagyu tenderloin with charred baby gem and wasabi butter and duck that is served with Sansho, beetroot and jus. For the extra special occasion, Ten Japanese Restaurant at the base of Meriton’s Pegasus building offers a five-course degustation menu for $120 per person but if your budget doesn’t stretch that far, take a trip to Ten’s less indulgent sister venue, Top Noodle at The Strand Coolangatta, which is also part of the Sushi Train group of restaurants. The extensive menu offers 90-odd dishes ranging from small izakaya-type share dishes including takoyaki, gyoza and tempura alongside a stunning selection of mains.

If it’s delicious Asian food you seek, you’re spoilt for choice in Southport. JFX has a loyal fan-base, as does Pho Vietnam and Go Yumcha. For truly authentic culinary creations, take a trip to Fufu House Japanese Bar and order one of the eatery’s signature hot pots. Of course, this is a mere morsel of the sensational Asian fare that is available to us here on the Gold Coast. If your favourite isn’t listed here, head along to our Facebook page and let us know!