Naga Thai Is Brisbane CBD's New 60s and 70s-Inspired Long-Term Riverside Pop-Up
The latest venture from The Gresham and Libertine team is settling in for the long term while Eagle Street Pier undergoes a revamp.
As mooted for a few years now, Brisbane's Eagle Street Pier is about to undergo a significant revamp. While that takes place, it's also welcoming in a new riverside eatery, with Naga opening its doors on Wednesday, September 30 to serve up contemporary Thai dishes in Pony's old digs.
It's the latest venture from The Gresham and Libertine's Andrew Baturo, alongside partner Jaimee Baturo, as well as ex-Libertine chef Suwisa Phoonsang. Open five days a week to start with — from Wednesday–Sunday — Naga will serve up a range of modern favourites for lunch and dinner. In fact, Phoonsang is drawing upon her family recipes and giving them a twist, while favouring dishes with ginger, garlic, tamarind, turmeric and herbs.
#dontbekoi by Darcy Starr
On the menu: massaman beef milk buns, five-spice soya duck, pork and tiger prawn egg nets, and spicy pork and jasmine rice balls, and that's just from the starter selection. Diners can also opt for a barramundi stir-fry, six types of curry including fish dumpling green curry, Moreton Bay bug pad thai, and a salad with braised banana blossom and poached coconut chicken — plus chilli vodka dark chocolate mousse with ginger coconut sticky rice pudding for dessert.
To pair with the above, Naga's drinks list spans wines that go well with spicy dishes, beers from both local and Asian breweries, and a range of low-alcohol and no-alcohol options that include creative iced teas, sours and a chai vanilla shake. For those who prefer a cocktail, expect signature drinks like the Plum Nagaroni (with gin, Campari, plum juice, sweet vermouth and bitters) and the Wango Mango (bourbon, peach, mango and lime), plus the #dontbekoi (strawberry and cream tea-infused gin and rhubarb bitters, topped with strawberry coconut mousse and served in a fished-shaped glass).
Darcy Starr
As for the 150-seater's decor, designer Anna Spiro is nodding to the 60s and 70s in colour choices, fabrics, retro furniture and the heavy use of lamps. Look up, and you'll spy 150 lanterns hanging from the ceiling, too — if you're not too busy sitting on the terrace and soaking in the river view, of course.
Technically, given Eagle Street Pier's changing state, Naga is a pop-up; however, it won't be going anywhere soon. That means you've got ample time to head by the long-term spot — whether settling in for a meal, or opting for a drink and a bite from the snack menu while sitting at the ten-metre-long bar.
Find Naga Thai at Eagle Street Pier, 45 Brisbane Street, Brisbane — open from 11.30am–3pm and 5.30–10pm Wednesday and Thursday, 11.30am–11pm Friday and Saturday, and 11.30am–10pm Sunday.
Images: Darcy Starr
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