PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIABamboo Shoot regularly takes out awards for Brisbane’s best Chinese restaurant and while it might not be the most authentic Asian eatery, it’s certainly one of the best looking. The striking modern design uses contrasting colours and the decor is a cute blend of traditional Asian artwork and contemporary sculptures, including various men in their flying machines suspended from the ceiling. It’s a little odd, and entirely endearing. Diners sit among pots full of auspicious bamboo plants and you can gaze into the large aquarium where fish swim about safe in the knowledge that they’re there to be looked at and not eaten.
Bamboo Shoot boasts a very large menu, with all the traditional favourites (think sang choi bow, chilli spare ribs, and duck in plum sauce) plus “special recommendations” and “top-line selections.” This is where things get a little more interesting. The signature dish is a curious but surprisingly tasty fusion creation of Moreton Bay bugs marinated in champagne and black pepper. Also worth a try are the scallops and chicken in garlic and Chinese ginger wine, served in a “phoenix nest” constructed from deep-fried potato. Skip dessert and order another main course instead – the Peking-style dried beef or the five spice prawns. The wine list covers over 60 choices, with almost half of them available by the glass.
