A diverse and lively place, Brisbane’s many international communities and cultures extend from its city centre to the outer suburbs. This multicultural history shines through in all aspects of life. So, no matter where you’re from, you’ll find a slice of home here.
Read on to discover where to go for the best international food and cultural highlights in this amazing city.
Vietnamese community: Inala, Durack and Darra
The suburbs of Inala, Durack and Darra are home to large and thriving communities of Vietnamese-Australians. Many families settled here after the Vietnam War, creating a vibrant hub of culture and cuisine.
The Inala Plaza – which proudly calls itself an ‘international foodie’s paradise’ – houses some fantastic Vietnamese eateries. You’ll even find many Vietnamese grocers selling fruits and vegetables, imported snacks and traditional ingredients you won’t get anywhere else.
In these suburbs, you’ll also find the Phat Da Monastery and other places of worship that offer services in Vietnamese. Plus, in Darra, you’ll find the centre for the Vietnamese Community in Australia (Queensland Chapter), originally formed in 1979.
Chinese and Filipino community: Sunnybank
Sunnybank is Brisbane’s go-to destination for Chinese cuisine. In and around Sunnybank Plaza and Sunnybank Market Square, you’ll find a precinct packed with dumpling houses, hotpot joints and just about anything else you can imagine. There’s even a fresh fish market out the back of Yuens Supermarket, making it the ideal one-stop shop for all your Asian grocery needs. Sunnybank also has a growing Filipino community, with new eateries popping up all the time.
There are also plenty of exciting cultural events happening in Sunnybank year-round, including Lunar New Year parties and the famous Sunnybank Food Trail. Or, head to nearby Kingston for Bayanihan, a vibrant celebration of Filipino culture, cuisine, and community.
Korean and Indian community: Underwood and Runcorn
A little further south are the suburbs of Underwood and Runcorn, which have quietly become hotspots for Korean culture in Brisbane. Here, you’ll find Korean BBQ restaurants, fried chicken shops and grocers offering everything from spicy kimchi to viral K-beauty products.
Runcorn and nearby Eight Mile Plains are also home to many Indian-Australian families. The area is packed with restaurants and spice stores, as well as retail shops selling traditional Indian clothing. There’s a real sense of community here, with temples, dance schools and regular events that celebrate Indian culture year-round.
African community: Moorooka
A short trip from the city, the suburb of Moorooka is home to a growing African population, which is reflected in many of its restaurants and grocery stores.
Moorooka also has some excellent community centres, like the African Village – a hub created to support the wellbeing of young members of Queensland’s African community. There are plenty of fun events hosted here too, such as night markets and celebration days. Check out the Queensland African Communities Council website to learn more.
Greek and Latin American communities: West End and South Bank
West End is one of Brisbane’s most eclectic and historically diverse suburbs. It’s long been a home for the Greek community, which is why it plays host to the largest Greek festival in Australia.
More recently, West End and nearby South Bank have also become hubs for Latin American culture and food, with a number of Colombian, Mexican and Latin-fusion restaurants popping up in the area.
Want more Latin American food and culture? Make sure you get along to Friday Latin Nights at Reddacliff Place, just across the river.
Brisbane’s multiculturalism makes it easy to explore a wide world of culture and cuisine, right from your own backyard. Whether you’re exploring something new or searching for a taste of home, you’ll find whatever you’re looking for here.
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