Adelaide’s cultural food hub Gouger Street has a new force to be reckoned with. Asian Kitchen and Bar Mrs Q has joined the masses by opening a restaurant in a breathtaking historical loft. Actually, you might already know the place as Loft, but the bar has recently expanded into a glimmering restaurant and we’re also lucky enough to have a celebrity chef in our midst.
Through the ballroom-like atmosphere and art deco ceilings, the setup makes you feel like a million bucks in New York City while you also indulge in the best of Asian cuisine. The building manages to achieve a warm intimate setting in the open space of the loft. The walls catch our eye as we’re met with vibrant paintings, colourful plate decorations and an aesthetic feature wall.
The part that really makes Mrs Q shine most of all has to be the dishes: authentic meals inspired by Thailand with elements of Vietnam and Malaysia, all tweaked in order to achieve a spectrum of versatile flavours. Such dishes would not be possible without star chef Nu Suandokmai, who has brought his burning passion for vibrant dishes to Adelaide from Bangkok.
Nu began is career by working at his family restaurant in Ayutthaya, which is just north of the city. His artistry has taken him to many renowned places, such as famous hotspot in Gin Long, Bali’s Intercontinental, the Ritz Carlton in Jakart. Mrs Q isn’t his first run in Australia as he’s also going strong with Nu’s at McMahon’s in Sydney and Nu’s Thai – which used to also be at Gouger Street here in Adelaide!
Chef Nu Suandokmai
The menu has gathered the best meals from Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. As of this week, Mrs Q is implementing new dishes into the menu that delivers innovative flavours to classic chicken, pork, duck and vegetarian meals.
The new entrées serve to be small teasers of the mains to come. With each bite, there is a curious arrangement of flavours that work together completely. When you’re there, make sure you try the Sweet Corn Chicken Balls: tender chicken and corn encrusted with a golden brown batter that will leave you wanting more. Get a try of the Coffee Duck also – and yes, coffee and duck work together like a charm.
Sweet Corn Chicken Balls
Coffee Duck
The mains give new meaning to chicken, pork, salad and barramundi. The Banana Heart Curry Pork is perfect for those who love a bit spice but don’t worry, this dish doesn’t go overboard with the banana. It is actually made with the heart of the banana tree, so you’re really getting that slight banana undertone amongst the array of flavours caused by the pork and the red curry.
Banana Heart
Banana Heart Curry Pork
I’m also going to give a honourable mention to the BBQ Chicken, which has raised the bar as far as chicken goes. The meat is cooked perfect to the point where chewing is absolutely effortless. It’s cooked with BBQ herbs and spices to give you a tangy kick while also being topped with fried shallot and chilli. If salad is up your alley, then give the Papaya Salad a go for some tropically sweet and spicy goodness!
BBQ Chicken
Papaya Salad
Dessert was something else. The Sticky Rice w Mango’s presentation was a true reflection of the ensemble of flavours that fellow sweet-tooth’s will surely appreciate. This cake of sticky rice pudding, topped with quality vanilla ice cream is surrounded by mango strips, petals and pomegranate seeds. If you want to be the person instragramming their food in the restaurant, then now is the perfect time.
Sticky Rice w Mango
There you have it. Indulge at Mrs Q Asian Kitchen and Bar at 128 Gouger street for an experience like no other.
