Fu Manchu Oriental

Fu Manchu Oriental raises the bar on Chevron Island

And you just have to experience it to believe it.

Now we’re all a sucker for an Asian fusion restaurant and friends, this one has its finger on the pulse of food, drinks, ambience, and totally instagrammable! From the presentation of the dishes to the perfectly executed oriental opulence meets British colonial plantation vibes, Chevron Island’s Fu Manchu Oriental doesn’t miss a beat.

This dual level Lolita combines the best of South East Asia and European cuisines to create a tantalising and flavour-rich experience for intimate date nights, celebrations, corporate and special events. Or just because…

First opening in 2016, Fu Manchu has since undergone a stunning makeover to reinvent and reinvigorate the venue. Owner, Malaysian born Melbournian-come-Gold-Coaster Zuraya Hamilton, has created a warmer and more feminine aesthetic, starting with the black London shopfront which welcomes you into a dark and cosy interior.

Upstairs you’ll find a truly breathtaking a la carte dining area, a private dining space for groups of up to ten, and for those spesh soirees or work do’s, a functions space for up to 50 peeps. Here you can immerse yourself in a tropical jungle, with a spectacular wall mural that you’ll take at least four dozen selfies in front of, a lush leafy greenified ceiling, and mesmerising metallic animal print. And let’s not forget the luxury fixtures like chandeliers, which never fail to level up the luxe factor.

If you’re channelling a more casual dining experience with some delish Asian tapas, the Fu Bar has style and swagger for days. Think high tables levelled with the bar so you can see all the cocktail action in play or settle into low set tables in the cool London shop front window space. There’s another eye-catching jungle-esque statement wall with tigers and toucans (which kinda sounds like a cool band name or a cocktail), with oodles more content potential for the ‘gram. And this just in, customers usually order the luscious blue flowered Love You Long Time cocktail because it’s as FUn to say as it is pretty to post!

Speaking of feeds, let’s talk food which will not only please, but broaden the palette. Let’s start with the Loaded Dumplings, where you can choose the Pork with slow cooked pulled pork shoulder, spring and fried onion crunch pickled chilli, Aburi cheese and Fu’s special mayo, or the Wagyu Beef with marinated Bulgogi beef, pickled chilli, green mustard pickle, Aburi cheese and kimchi mayo. Can’t pick? Neither – get both.

For larger plates, it’s gotta be the Seafood Laksa Lasagne because it marries our two all-time faves (laksa and lasagne), and we are all kinds of here for this union. We’re talking barramundi, prawns, Moreton Bay bug meat and crab in a rich coconut laksa sauce, with Aburi cheese and prawn oil. Or, if the land rather than the sea is calling your name, hook yourself up with Beef Rendang and devour slow cooked tender beef cheek in a mild coconut cream rendang curry with peanuts and sweet potato chips.

If you want to sample the best-of-the-best larger plates, why not opt for a five-course DegustASIAN set menu (and for once, that’s not us being punny coz that’s what they’re called… #amazing). Shared between two with a meat option, vegetarian option and even a pescatarian option, this will totally eliminate the chance of food FOMO (the worst kind).

The perfect beverage to pair with any of the delicious meals here is a cocktail. Obvs. Featuring GC producers like Winchester Distillery (Arundel), Capricorn Distillery (Burleigh) Ariane Vodka (Gold Coast) and Volando Tequila (Sunshine Coast), we love it when locals support locals. Our picks are the Chilli Margarita with Volando Tequila, chilli infused liquor, fresh lime juice and rimmed with chilli flakes (Hot Hot Hot), the Drunk Monk with Capricorn spiced rum, pineapple and lime, or even the Coconut Espresso Martini with Ariane vodka, Winchester’s chocolate liqueur, coconut cream and an espresso shot. Another round please!

So next time you’re looking for a fail-safe triple threat (looks, personality and LAKSA LASAGNE PEOPLE!!!), Fu Manchu is Chevron Island’s secret sauce, and the ultimate IYKYK.

Words by Bianca Trathen

FOLLOW THEM HERE

a tantalising and flavour-rich experience…

ASIAN FUSION RESTAURANT, COCKTAIL & WINE BAR

2/44 THOMAS DRIVE, CHEVRON ISLAND FUMANCHUORIENTAL.COM