Thirteen Spices at Chinadina
Nicole May uncovers the secrets behind Chinadina’s mouth-watering Curated 8 and the flavours of the signature roasted duck.
Walking into Chinadina in Noosaville, the first thing that reaches you is the heady spiced aroma of a signature duck that’s been 24 hours in the making. This is a place where the tables are purpose-built for the hum of conversation and the easy flow and conviviality of shared experiences.
It’s a destination where Chef Silverio is preparing Cantonese and Filipino dishes with Asian fusion that Noosaville hasn’t seen, and where Manager Luchan and her team pride themselves on creating a soulful place to dine. It’s difficult to focus conversation with Luchan and Silverio as the dishes arrive, enticing me with the aromas that make up The Curated 8 banquet.
“We wanted to create an experience where people don’t have to choose,” Luchan explains, gesturing to the spread. “It’s about bringing the best of our kitchen to the table in one seamless flow.”
First out is the classic Chicken and Sweet Corn Soup, which is velvety, warming, and exactly what you want to start a meal. But then, the dumplings arrive, and the conversation has to pause. These aren’t your average dim sum. The handcrafted Pork and Prawn Sui Mai are topped with pops of caviar and the steamed Prawn Har Gow follow, looking nearly translucent and perfectly moulded.
“We crop the Sui Mai here in the house and mould it so that it almost looks like a shell,” Silverio says, pointing to the delicate pleats. “We want it to look more perfect every time.”
Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls round out the opening act of The Curated 8 and set the scene perfectly as we move into what the team refer to as The Main Act, served straight from the roaring woks.
Starring Aromatic Chicken and Scallions with sizzling ginger; and Chinadina Crispy Pork Belly. The pork belly steals the show and is a local favourite for a reason – the crackling is divine. Served with Wok-Fried Seasonal Greens and Steamed Jasmine Rice to soak up the flavours.
This eight-dish Asian fusion banquet for just $49 per person is amazing value, particularly when it includes a free glass of house wine when pre-booked online. With generosity, Luchan also wants me to try something new, something close to her heart.
“You have to try the Adobo,” Luchan says, her eyes lighting up. “It is a new dish at Chinadina and originated in my country, the Philippines.”
The Chicken Adobo – or soy vinegar chicken stew – is a revelation. The flavour is deep, savoury, and perfectly balanced by the tang of the vinegar and the chicken practically melts in your mouth.
“The secret is the marinade,” Silverio explains. “We soak it overnight, and then slow cook for one hour so the flavour infuses the meat.”
I understand why Luchan is so proud. It’s a soulful dish that adds a delicious new dimension to the Asian fusion experience that Chinadina offers. We can’t talk about Chinadina without mentioning the king of the menu – Cantonese Roast Duck with Hoisin Sauce.
“It has become so popular because Silverio has poured so much time into perfecting the flavour,” Luchan says.
The signature roasted duck is a sight to behold. The skin is burnished to a perfect mahogany, and the aroma is intoxicating – a complex blend of 13 different spices. Silverio explains that the process is anything but fast.
“We don’t just marinate it; we dry the duck first, then blanch it with red wine vinegar,” he says. “They actually sew the spices inside the duck,” Luchan adds. “Then it sits for 24 hours before being roasted for about 45 minutes to an hour.”
The result of this work, quite simply, is the best duck I’ve ever tasted. The texture is incredibly tender, the meat pulls away and it is full of flavour. The restaurant has also recently introduced karaoke nights on Wednesdays and Sundays during dinner service to add a layer of communal fun to the dining experience.
“It’s for all ages – we love to see kids dancing and singing, and the adults too,” Luchan says. As I head out into the sunshine with a full belly and a full heart, I see a furry friend sitting happily with its owner at an outdoor table. “We are also very dog-friendly!” Luchan laughs.
Whether you’re coming for the $49 Curated 8 – which comes with a free glass of house pours if you book online – or just dropping in for that incredible duck, Chinadina delivers an experience that is better shared with loved ones.
THE CHINADINA EXPERIENCE
• The Curated 8 is an 8-dish Asian fusion banquet for $49 per person. Minimum two people. Book online and receive a free glass of house wine.
• Try the signature Cantonese Roast duck or the new Filipino Chicken Adobo.
• Family-friendly and dog-friendly.
• Karaoke nights on Wednesdays and Sundays.
• All you can eat Yum Cha Lunch Friday-Sunday.
Visit www.chinadina.com.au for menus, bookings and more!
