Best Asian Restaurants in Cairns: Tropical North Dining

Cairns's location on the doorstep of Asia and its multicultural population make it one of regional Queensland's strongest markets for Asian cuisine. The CBD's Shields Street and Spence Street areas have a concentration of Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese and Japanese restaurants that cater to both the local population and the steady stream of Asian tourist visitors. The Night Markets on the Esplanade have strong Asian street food representation with Indonesian, Malaysian, Thai and Indian stalls operating nightly. The suburb of Manunda has Vietnamese bakeries and pho restaurants that are local institution-level quality. Japanese cuisine including ramen and sushi has grown strongly with the surge in Japanese tourist visitors. Chinese restaurants, several with Cantonese heritage, operate in the CBD and Westcourt area. The Cairns Tropical Zoo and Northern Beaches strip have Thai and Asian options in a more resort setting. Checking current opening hours is important, as some venues reduce trading during the Wet season.