5 OF THE BEST

FLAVOURS OF THE COMMONWEALTH

MALAYSIA PAPPARICH

33/34 CHEVRON RENAISSANCE SHOPPING CENTRE, 3240 SURFERS PARADISE BLVD, SURFERS PARADISE

The succussful PappaRich chain of Malaysian restaurants added a Surfers Paradise venture less than six months ago and it’s flying the flag for Malay cuisine. Owner Nick Ong has launched a Games promotion — order any dish with the word Pappa in front of it and you’ll get it for $15 plus a free drink. “And if the table spends more than $100, there’s free banana ice cream,” he says. PappaRich has already hosted some early Malaysian athletes and is extending opening hours for the Games, serving breakfast from 7.30am and trading until midnight. “We are very excited for the Games,” Nick says. “I invite everybody to enjoy the atmosphere and try some traditional Malaysian food.” Think laksas, satays, creamy curries, 22 varieties of noodles and specially baked Hainan bread, best served with Pappa white coffee.

AFRICA FREE RANGE CHICKEN SHACK SURFERS PARADISE BLVD & ELKHORN AVE, SURFERS PARADISE

Patrick Iwobi from west Nigeria has been mixing spices for 20 years and says he’s perfected the ultimate African flavour using 16 spices. Order the chicken specialty roasted, barbecued or fried. Patrick learned to cook as a child and serves a mean jollof rice, a West African staple using tomatoes and herbs. “African food is healthy and simple and Australians appreciate that.”

SINGAPORE PANDA IN THE KITCHEN 5 LAWSON ST, SOUTHPORT

This Southport staple has all its Singaporean specialties on the menu for Games visitors – traditional chilli mud crab, Hainan chicken rice and a vast array of noodles. It’s difficult to separate Singaporean cuisine from Chinese so there is a nod to both on the menu. Owner Coen Yang recommends the Panda ribs, sold in 1kg portions, with a special house sauce described as sweet, sour and tangy.

INDIA GOA INDIAN FUSION 5/17 TEDDER AVE, MAIN BEACH

This is the place to go if you want to rub shoulders with Indian VIPs, athletes and visitors. Owner Push Oberoi has juggled five Indian restaurants on the Coast over the years but this Main Beach favourite is now his only one. Push has been named a Community Ambassador for the Games and has already hosted the Indian Ambassador and Miss India. “There will be special Indian banquets,” Push promises.

JAMAICA JAMAICAN COMMONWEALTH MANOR HELM BAR, 30-34 FERNY AVE, SURFERS PARADISE

Helm Bar in Surfers Paradise will be rebadged as Jamaican Commonwealth Manor for the duration of the Games. The Jamaican Olympic Association is flying in internally renowned chef Karl Thomas whose brief is to introduce Australians to the culinary delights of Caribbean food. The bar will be serving Jamaican cocktails to sip while soaking up the water views.