Pink Whale brings Thai street food to a neon-lit eatery in Surfers Paradise
Sipping and snacking your way through the bustling streets of Thailand is a dream for many food lovers – the aromas of skewers sizzling away on the barbecue mounted to a motorbike, the vibrant colours of the fresh herbs, streetside cocktails and the constant buzz that envelops you at any time of the day or night. If a trip to Thailand isn’t on your radar just yet, Pink Whale in Surfers Paradise might just be the next best thing. This lively new eatery brings the essence of Thai street food straight to Cavill Avenue, where you can enjoy bold, authentic flavours and a slightly chaotic atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re in the heart of Bangkok, without ever needing to pack your bags.
Pink Whale is a vibrant, neon-lit new addition to the bustling streets of Surfers Paradise and it’s turning up the heat with its bold take on Thai street food. The venue is the latest from the Nahm Group, which has brought us the likes of Valyn Thai, LimLay Thai, and Nahm Talay. While the trajectory for the hospitality group, headed by Pattaree (Pat) Jiranuchaiwattana and Vitchaya (Alex) Hasitawet, has been steadily increasing in terms of fit-out and refinement, Pink Whale is loud, bright and colourful. The new eatery throws around glittery tables, pops of pink and neon lights like confetti, and it’s hard not to smile when you step foot inside.
The venue has completely transformed the former Charlie’s site, which was a Surfers Paradise institution. Gone is the monochrome colour palette, and in its place is an assault on the senses, in the best and most delicious way possible.
While the fit-out is indeed fun, the real draw is the food. At Pink Whale, you’re in for a treat that takes you straight to the heart of Thailand’s street-food culture. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a full-blown feast, the menu caters, beautifully. The flavours are fresh, vibrant and packed with punchy spices and herbs that are the hallmark of Thai cooking.
One standout on the menu is the Tom Yum Jumbo – a customisable noodle bowl where you choose your protein, noodle and broth. Hot tip, the Tom Yum broth delivers a flavour-bomb of heat and a burst of tangy flavour. For a tropical twist, the Pineapple Fried Rice, which is served in a carved out pineapple half, is a must-try. For the traditional tastes, dishes like Pad Thai and Pad See-ew never disappoint, offering that familiar comfort of stir-fried noodles with bold flavours.
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It wouldn’t be street food without a couple of skewers, and at Pink Whale, there are plenty to pick from. Available in tropical chicken, beef, pork and satay chicken, the skewers are marinated and grilled to smokey, charred perfection, transporting your taste buds to the roadside in Phuket.
Thirsty? For those looking to shake things up, Pink Whale offers a variety of signature cocktails that put a Thai twist on classics. The Long Thailand Iced Tea is a perfect option for those who want to feel the heat, or if you’ve overdone it on the spice, the homemade Thai Milk Tea will hit the sweet spot.
The team behind Pink Whale has brought their expertise and passion for Thai cuisine together in this fun, approachable concept that perfectly matches the eclectic vibe of Surfers Paradise.
Head to The Directory for opening times.