Sweet Summer at Chinadina
Whether you’re sipping on a creative cocktail or diving into a one-of-a-kind dessert of your dreams, Chinadina is the place to satisfy your sweet tooth this summer, writes Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer.
A Chinese fusion restaurant might not be the first place you think of when you’re craving a sugar hit – but those in the know are flocking to Chinadina to try their clever cocktails and decadent desserts with a twist!
Proudly perched on Mary Street, this stylish spot is loved for its gorgeous décor, friendly team and vibrant Asian-fusion menu. Since opening three years ago, it has built a loyal following thanks to flavour-packed dishes crafted by chefs who are passionate about authentic Asian flavours and sharing them with the Noosa community.
This summer, they’re taking it up a notch with a dessert and cocktail lineup designed to keep things icy-cool as the mercury climbs.
Whether you’re slipping into the atmospheric bar for a quick sundowner, grabbing a cheeky drink while waiting for takeaway, or kicking off your meal with an aperitif in cocktail form, their brand-new frozen cocktail range is impossible to resist.
The Frozen Toblerone is pure indulgence – a dreamy blend of chocolate, honey, Bailey’s, Frangelico and Kahlua, drizzled with sauce for that smooth, velvety chill. And if you like a little spice with your ice, the Frozen Chilli Margarita balances zesty lime and tequila with a bold chilli kick.
Prefer something classic? The Aperol Spritz is a veritable sunset in a glass: bright, bubbly and bittersweet with a burst of orange zest. And non-drinkers aren’t forgotten either, thanks to the crisp, cool and endlessly refreshing Cucumber Mojito mocktail with cucumber, mint, lime and sparkling soda.
On the dessert front, the star of the show is the Halo-Halo Special – a Filipino favourite and the perfect hot-weather treat. Layers of creamy shaved ice and milk are topped with sweet beans, corn, caramelised banana, jellies, jackfruit, ube and leche flan, finished with a scoop of ice cream and a sprinkle of summer happiness. Choose Kids, Solo, For Two or Sharing sizes depending on whether you feel like keeping it all to yourself or competing for spoonfuls with your dining companions!
The rest of the dessert list is equally tempting. Chinadina’s legendary Fried Ice Cream arrives drizzled with warm butterscotch and topped with black sesame and fairy floss – pure joy on a plate. The Pandan Crème Brûlée with coconut ice cream is a silky, gluten-free delight with the subtle perfume of pandan and the gentle sweetness of toasted coconut.
Banana Fritters are taken to new heights here: crisp, golden and drenched in caramel sauce with nuts and vanilla ice cream. And if you want to be transported somewhere tropical, the Mango Sticky Rice with coconut chips seriously delivers.
Of course, there’s more to Chinadina than drinks and desserts. Their savoury menu is packed with bold, satisfying dishes that hero fresh ingredients and vibrant Asian flavours. Crowd favourites include their flavoursome noodles, fragrant curries and signature set banquet menu – the kind of food that makes every day feel like a special occasion.
If you’re nearby at lunchtime from Friday-Sunday, don’t miss the all-you-can-eat Yum Cha – dumplings, prawn toast, spring rolls, pork siu mai, honey chicken, salt and pepper tofu, special fried rice and more for just $49 per person, or $75 with bottomless drinks.
December marks three years since Chinadina first opened its doors, and to celebrate the milestone they’re treating diners to something extra sweet! For the first three weeks of December, buy any dessert and get another free – it’s the perfect excuse to try the Halo-Halo Special (you know you want to!).
Then in February, keep an eye on their socials for details of their Chinese New Year celebrations from 17 February to 3 March with an abundance of festive energy and a special menu to ring in the Year of the Horse in delicious style.
With talented chefs, a passionate team and a menu that always surprises, Chinadina is the perfect place to sip, settle in, and savour the season.
See you at the bar!
Three Years of Chinadina!
To celebrate three amazing years, the Chinadina team is running a special offer for the first three weeks in December: buy one get one free on any dessert!
There’s also a special banquet menu coming soon, plus Chinese New Year celebrations will be in full swing – keep an eye on their socials for all the delicious details.
And don’t miss all-you-can-eat lunchtime Yum Cha from Friday-Sunday for $49pp / $75pp with bottomless drinks.
For menus, to order takeaway, book a table or give the gift of ‘yum’ with a Chinadina
gift card, visit www.chinadina.com.au
