Most popular cuisine in Cairns is to-Thai-for
FAR Northern residents can’t get enough of the sweet and spicy flavourings of Thai food, according to new data released by website Chef’s Pencil.
Based on Google Trends data, Cairns is the second-most popular city for Thai cuisine in Australia – with only the Sunshine Coast being more popular.
One restaurant that is pleased with the news is Tia’s Cafe on Sheridan St.
Owner Arisa Kaewwangsan said people enjoyed Thai food because it was healthier than its Asian counterparts.
“I’m very proud of Thai food,” Ms Kaewwangsan said.
“It’s really popular at the moment – it’s not too oily.”
Her restaurant is proud to use only fresh ingredients, and it’s reflected in the increasing popularity of the cuisine.
Ms Kaewwangsan has noticed this trend ever since she opened the store in 2013.
Popular dishes her regular customers order include pad thai, tom yam and crispy pork.
She hoped more people would embrace Thai food.
“I love Cairns because it’s like Thailand – I can get everything from here (rather than importing them),” Ms Kaewwangsan said.
Testament to the popularity of Thai food in the Far North, three restaurants were crowned the best Asian restaurants in FNQ in a Cairns Post online poll in October.
Songkran Thai, Thai Coins and Samgasat Thai Cuisine were crowned first, second and third.
Chef’s Pencil also looked at other popular ethnic cuisines in the Far North.
In comparison to the other major centres of Australia, Cairns is the ninth most popular place for both Indian and Japanese food.
Melbourne had the highest number of people searching for Indian and Japanese food.
Mexican cuisine is popular in Geelong, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.
SHOPPERS at DFO Cairns from next week will be able to make donations to help Queensland charity Zephyr Education help children in domestic violence shelters make a smooth transition to their new school. A donation point will be set up near Coles and across from Hairhouse
Warehouse for customers to drop off school items such as lunch boxes, water bottles, stationery, activity books, toiletries, pyjamas and underwear.
Be kind to your mind
HEALTH officials have warned the holiday season may be a time of disappointment, stress, anxiety or loneliness for many.
Northern Queensland Primary Health Network has launched its Be Kind To Your Mind This Christmas Time social media campaign, which provides links to 24-hour crisis support services, counselling support services and community service organisations. The services are readily available to listen to any concerns and to provide support and assistance .
Motorcyclist hurt
PARAMEDICS were called to a motorcycle crash at Kuranda yesterday morning. A rider was taken to Cairns Hospital in a stable condition at 11.45am after the single-vehicle smash.