James Brady

Rick Shores, Gold Coast

Hidden away in an old arcade in Southport on the Gold Coast is this low-key, traditional Thai restaurant I’m obsessed with. From the outside, Kua Thai Isan (Sungold Arcade, 153C Scarborough Street, Southport; 07 5655 0639) offers little to suggest anything special but the food is so tasty. When I’m feeling flat, the Thai boat noodle soup with a generous amount of braised duck breast is just the lift I need – sipping that broth will always bring a smile to my face. My favourite dish is crisp pork belly and gai lan, the sauce a fine balance of oyster and rendered pork fat.