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Asian eats on the Beaches aren’t just meals, they’re moments. The quick banh mi run that becomes a ritual, the fusion bowls that brighten your day, the Thai dishes that hit every craving. This round-up dives into the spots serving fresh, punchy flavours and the kind of food locals return to again and again.
Harry Gatos
Funky, retro and unashamedly cool, Harry Gatos has carved out its own lane on the Beaches, serving up a dining experience that is equal parts playful and seriously tasty. The heart of it all is their DIY Asian-style BBQ, a weekly ritual that turns dinner into an event. Every Thursday, the tables fire up, the sizzling plates come out and you become the chef. Slap wagyu on the grill, pile on mixed veggies, drizzle on their addictive sauces and settle in for the kind of night that always runs longer than planned. It’s interactive, communal and ridiculously fun, especially with a round of soju shouts.
The menu brings an Asian-infused twist to comfort food, and nothing represents that better than their prawn toast. Crispy, golden and packed with flavour, it has become a cult favourite, delivering a hit of nostalgia with a level-up of technique. The rest of the menu leans bold, vibrant and share-friendly, made for groups, mates’ nights or a breezy summer feed.
With weekly specials, big energy and a dining room built for good times, Harry Gatos is the spot to hit this summer. Come hungry, bring your crew and get around the DIY BBQ.
Harry Gatos | Village Plaza, Shop 8/ 1-3 Moore Rd, Freshwater | (02) 9129 4569 | @harrygatosbar | www.harrygatos.com
Saigon Supper Inn
Found inside Manly Wharf, Saigon Supper Inn has built a quiet cult following, the kind of place locals whisper about because they secretly want to keep it for themselves. It brings a hit of streetside Vietnam to the Beaches, serving food that is fast, flavour-loaded and always hits the spot. The smell of freshly baked banh mi rolls drifts out onto the concourse, pulling people in before they even realise they are hungry.
The banh mi is the hero, crunchy and packed with perfectly cooked crispy pork, layered with pickles that land with just the right zing. But the menu goes deeper. Think vibrant Vietnamese bowls like Bún Chay, comforting street-food favourites, and spring rolls that deliver that essential crackle with every bite. Pair any of it with an iced Vietnamese coffee and your day levels up instantly.
Fast service, great flavour and authentic technique make this a standout takeaway option. Yes please!
Saigon Supper Inn | Inside Manly Wharf, Esplanade, Manly | @saigonsupperinn
Fat Pomelo: Bao, Bugs & Big Bold Flavours
The dream team behind Paddo’s Chubby Cheeks and Mona Vale’s Armchair Collective have done it again – say hello to Fat Pomelo. Songpol and Lyn Manoonpong have sprinkled their magic with flavour and flair and the interiors hum with nods to Asian culture that channel joy into every corner. Yep, lucky old Narrabeen just levelled up.
Welcome to Fat Pomelo – the new South East Asian hotspot on Ocean Street, Narrabeen. With former Mimi’s star Julian Luczyc-Wyhowski teaming up with James Sombunpeng from Chubby Cheeks, expect big flavours, bold vibes, and serious kitchen skills all under one juicy roof.
Serving up a daring, beachy spin on modern Asian, think Vietnamese, Indonesian, Malaysian, and a few cheeky surprises. It’s East meets West, local meets luxe, and it’s absolutely rocking it.
Naturally, we legged it there on a Saturday afternoon faster than you can say “crackling pork bao,” along with half the postcode. This place is pop-u-lar. Humming-with-energy and packed-with-people kind of popular.
From the minute you walk in, it hits you. The warm glow from the dreamy sculptural pendants is like drifting down the Mekong at dusk… if the Mekong served cocktails, bao, and a DJ-worthy playlist. It’s got that hawker-market hustle with a laid-back Beaches twist.
And the bar is where the fun starts, shaking up tropical flavours, clever spins on classics and cheeky surprises that’ll have you ordering “just one more” (three times over). It’s fresh, zesty and dangerously easy to settle in.
The drinks here are as vibrant as the food – spicy, citrusy, herbaceous, sometimes fizzy, and always fabulous. Whether you’re sipping a yuzu margarita at the bar or diving into a kaffir lime spritz with dinner, the cocktails don’t just match the menu. Instead, they elevate it. Our advice? Leave the car at home.
A Party On Your Plate
Now, onto the main course. The menu is punchy, saucy, and fresh, basically all the good adjectives rolled into one delicious mouthful. And the portions? Fat Pomelo doesn’t do dainty dollops dressed up for Instagram. These are hearty, roll-up-your-sleeves, dive-right-in kind of dishes. No precious plating, just big servings made with heart and hunger in mind.
Of course we ordered the Fat Pomelo Feast because… we’re not rookies. It was glorious and we left our table a cacophony of herbs, spices, and flying coriander. Forks clashing, mouths full, and shame nowhere to be seen.
The set menu is a total no-brainer. At $52 per person, it’s outrageous how much food rolls out. Dish after dish of goodness that just keeps coming. Crispy bites, saucy mains, dreamy salads… every plate is all killer and no filler.
Special shoutout to the Crackling Pork Bao – crispy, juicy, and five-spiced perfection. The Pomelo Salad was a zesty, herby knockout, and the kids went nuts (pardon the pun) for the Satay Chicken. Yep, we all left stuffed, happy, and booked another visit on the way out.
Fat Pomelo, welcome to The Beaches! If you haven’t checked it out yet, what are you waiting for? Go, eat, and enjoy. That’s an order.
16 Ocean St, Narrabeen 2101 | (02) 9477 4931 | @fat.pomelo | fatpomelo.com.au
Manly Thai Gourmet: Your New Thai Obsession
Manly Thai Gourmet is where the chill vibes of Manly Beach meet the bold, exciting flavours of Thailand.
This local favourite has been serving up mouth-watering Thai cuisine since 2008, and it’s easy to see why people keep coming back for more.
The masterminds behind Manly Thai Gourmet are Chef Nat and Owner Sam Noiwangkhang, both bringing a wealth of experience from their native Thailand. Chef Nat in particular is all about quality and authenticity. He handpicks the freshest ingredients from local markets each day and regularly scours Sydney’s Thai Town for the finest herbs and spices.
Inside, modern décor and Manly Beach views set the scene for seriously good food and an easygoing vibe.
Let’s be honest, we can’t get enough of Thai food, and apparently, neither can you. According to a recent survey, our nation's most ordered dishes are Massaman, Pad Thai, and Tom Yum. We’ve tried them all
at Manly Thai Gourmet, and trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
The menu at Manly Thai Gourmet is a feast for the senses, offering a mix of traditional Thai favourites and Chef Nat’s inventive specials. Start your meal with some crispy Vegetarian Spring Rolls or the Prawn Rolls, filled with fresh king prawns and spices, wrapped in golden-fried pastry. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Satay Chicken skewers with homemade peanut sauce are always a hit.
When it comes to soups, the Tom Yum Prawns are a must-try. This national dish of Thailand features prawns and oyster mushrooms in a hot-and-sour broth, flavoured with Kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass. For something richer, the Laksa Noodle Soup combines creamy coconut chicken broth with egg noodles and fresh bean sprouts. It’s a comforting bowl of goodness.
Chef’s Specials are where Manly Thai Gourmet really shines. The Banana Flower Salad is a unique dish that combines finely chopped banana flower, tender chicken, and an exotic blend of spices, all drizzled with coconut cream. The Mango Duck is another stand-out, pairing the sweetness of fresh mango with rich duck meat in a sauce that’s out of this world. And don’t miss the Herbal Barramundi, lightly fried and tossed with fresh ginger, cashews and lime. It's an exotic combination that captures the essence of Thai cuisine.
If you’re in the mood for something more familiar, the Pad Thai is a crowd-pleaser. This traditional Thai flat-noodle dish is tossed with chicken, egg, and bean sprouts, topped with peanuts, and finished with a dash of fresh lemon juice.
And our favourite, the Massaman Curry, is a must-try with slow-cooked beef with potatoes, topped with peanuts for a bit of crunch.
Manly Thai Gourmet also offers a variety of stir-fries, like the Cashew Nut Stir Fry with crunchy water chestnuts, capsicum and crispy cashews, or the Basil and Chilli Stir Fry, with its distinctive flavour of Thai holy basil with crisp snow peas and chilli.
With an ever-changing selection of Blackboard Specials and a menu packed with flavour, there’s always something new and exciting to try at Manly Thai Gourmet. The friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere make it the perfect spot for a casual lunch
or a fun dinner with friends.
Whether you’re dining in or staying home, Manly Thai Gourmet has you covered. Order ahead via phone or online for easy pickup, or jump on UberEats for delivery straight to your door. Open daily for lunch and dinner, it’s always a good time to settle in and enjoy Thai goodness by Manly Beach.
1/33 S Steyne, Manly NSW 2095
0431 334 788 or 0478 027 998
@manly_thai_gourmet | manlythaigourmet.com
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