Welcome to Goong Korean & Japanese Restaurant located on the corner of Aplin St and Grafton St in the city. Kim and Moosi are the owners; very warm and welcoming people and talented chefs. I had the pleasure of chatting with Kim and hearing their story.

What brought you to Cairns and how long have you been here for?

Kim: I came to Australia to study English and fell in love with Cairns so I decided to stay. One of my dreams was being in food industry as I have been fascinated about all different food and cultures. I went to TAFE for commercial cookery and opened a Korean restaurant in Cairns called ‘Sura Korean Restaurant’ from 2005-2008.

And your husband Moosi?

After Moosi (pictured above) finished his military service in Korea he went to Japan for a few years to study Japanese and worked in a Japanese restsurant for 2005 -2007 and came to Cairns.
He was crazy about golf and so was my mum at that time. My mum really liked him being funny and hansom and introduced him to me. that’s how we met and got married in 2011 had a wedding at Palm cove golf club.

What happened after that?

In 2013, I was 3 month pregnant when we were introduced to a chance to lease a place and I couldn’t let go. So we opened Goong in Aug 2013. After that we found the place where we are now, huge ground floor space which we love.

Where does the name ‘Goong’ come from?

The name ‘Goong’ means a palace in Korean. We chose this name. My Mum also thought the name was nice and had a good meaning.

It’s not just a great name but also great delicious food. I was privilaged to try some tasty pork Gyoza, a Tonkatsu Pork rice bowl and delicious Japanese curry. The flavours lingered well after the food had gone.

If you haven’t been to Goong yet or tried their cuisine, do yourself a favour and go. You won’t be disappointed.

Goong are also now taking Online Orders though www.takeawaycairns.com , their facebook page or website www.goong.takeawaycairns.com .
Takeaway and delivery.

Welcome to 7 Spices Indian Restaurant located at 78 Sheridan St, Cairns next door to Rusty’s markets. 

The well travelled and very hospitable and welcoming owner (who preferred not to be named) is very passionate about his restaurant and the food he serves his customers, ensuring a committment to the flavour and quality of the food.

When asked where the name 7 Spices came from, he replied ‘ it’s a name that’s synonymous with Indian cooking and the spices we use’, which is certainly evident when you taste what’s on offer.

7 Spices has been operating in Cairns for the last two years. Unfortunately, the Indian tourism market has been a large part of 7 Spices business, so they are spreading the word to the local Cairns community and attracting and engaging new customers like many others out there.

I was lucky enough to try their famous Samosas (pictured above) which were so flavoursome and full of spice – absolutely delicious.

For mains, I had two of the restaurants fantastic specials on offer at the moment. The butter chicken and the biryani. (Pictured below)

Both packed a punch, the Biryani in particular, and you just couldn’t help but wanting more. Full of spice and flavour, just what you would expect from a great Indian restaurant.

The best part was – the dishes are currently on special for just $10.

The specials are also not available through Uber eats (that’s a dirty word on this website) however, 7 Spices have direct online ordering through their website.

Located at 78 Sheridan St, Cairns next door to Rusty’s markets, head on in and support this local business and try their delicious flavours for yourself.

Namaste

Order from 7 Spices

The very lovely and personable owner, Sakare originated from Bangkok before moving to Melbourne many years ago. In her earlier Thailand days, as many Thai women did, Sakare perfected her meals with love and consistency.

In Melbourne, Sakare actually became a travel agent before opening a restaurant with a similar name and providing her amazing tastes to the local Melbournians.

When she moved to Cairns, Sakare opened her new restaurant in a perfect location overlooking the Cairns Esplanade.

The flavour and taste combinations of the food she serves are second to none and certainly influenced by her love of cooking and her strong cultural background.

I was privilaged to taste the Mieng Kham which is an entree consisting of Betel Leaf with prawn, Roasted coconut, ginger, peanut, chilli and fresh lime caramelised palm sugar. The flavours were intense and beautifully infused and Sakare’s personality was certainly evident.

For a main, I tried the Gaeng Ped Yang. A red roasted duck curry with grapes sprinkled, pineapple, lychee and Thai basil. Wow… what a combination of flavour and colour.

Sakare informed me that this is probably one of the most popular dishes on the menu, and one of hers.

History, culture, and a love of food goes into making Iyare By Sakare the incredible Thai restaurant that locals and tourists have grown to love.

Located at 91 The Esplanade, Cairns above The Courtyard bar and cafe, do yourself a flavour and experince this incredible Thai cuisine – and make sure you say ‘Sawasdee’ to Sakare ( it’s Thai for hello).

Order from Iyare By Sakare or go to the website