The Surf Parade site formerly occupied by Daniel Ridgeway’s Rivea Italian (right next door to sibling venue Koi) has been transformed into the pink-hued home of Maggie Choo. Dripping in bright neon lights and faux cherry-blossom trees that fan across the roof, this sassy newcomer is set to be a feast for the eyes as well as your watering mouth. Indonesian chef Sindhu Lunandi heads the Maggie Choo kitchen, delivering a Southeast Asian-inspired menu across lunch and dinner sittings, ranging from quick market-style bites to belly-busting banquets filled with all of Maggie’s favourites.
A ‘raw bar’ section kickstarts the menu with sashimi plates, fresh oysters and wagyu tataki with a ginger-soy dressing and pickled papaya, before venturing into smaller bites like tempura bug-tail rolls with mayo and sweet-and-sour sauce, bush-honey chicken wings with yuzu and furikake, and prawn-and-crab dumplings with abalone sauce and shellfish oil. There a bunch of pillow-soft bao buns to choose from (chargrilled pork belly, crispy chicken, tempura haloumi), as well as moreish plates like the must-try Maggie Cheese ‘cheeseburger roti’ filled with an Angus beef patty, American cheddar, secret sauce, ketchup and pickled salsa. For an ocean fix, opt for dishes like the the heaped black-mussel stir-fry in a punchy XO-laced sambal with green-onion roti, while those wanting to spice up their lives can get around Maggie’s comforting curries, which include twice-cooked duck penang and a tom kha curry brimming with Moreton Bay bugs and prawns.
You’ll definitely want to get your sip on with Maggie Choo. Cocktails are the headline, with the bar team pouring fun concoctions like the Lady Luck (which is sided with personalised fortune cookies where one out of ten sippers wins a free cocktail – excellent odds) and the Not Today Satan – Maggie Choo’s take on a bloody Mary with hoisin, lemongrass and a side of wasabi peas. There’s also a comprehensive collection of sake, Japanese whiskies, wine and Asian beers to keep the thirst at bay.
Ready to meet Maggie Choo? Head to our Stumble Guide for opening hours, contact details and all of that jazz.
