Authentic Asian cuisine at Bowlo

A NEW Asian eatery called Southside Kitchen has opened at South Lismore Bowling and Recreation Club.

Malaysian-born chef Choon Chuah helms the kitchen, working alongside his partner Mei Quing, who is originally from China, at front of house.

After strong demand opening week, Ben Chan, who is also from Malaysia, joined the team as second chef to help get meals out faster.

The menu has a strong focus on Asian cuisine, with dishes such as combination short soup, omelettes and kung bao chicken.

But it also offers a few pub specials, including chicken schnitzel, lamb cutlets and fish and chips.

Chuah and Quing previously worked at Gloucester Bowling Club in the Barrington Coast hinterland but were looking for an opportunity to work for themselves and relocate to the Northern Rivers region.

While the club’s previous offering Marigold’s Bistro was only open for three days from Wednesday to Friday, Southside Kitchen is open for lunch and dinner six days from Tuesday to Sunday. It also offers take-away.

South Lismore Bowling and Recreation Club president Blake Johnson said the club was keen to expand the food offering to bring patrons back after spending more than $100,000 refurbishing the kitchen after it was damaged in the 2022 floods.

“The whole kitchen got stripped with all new stainless steel benchtops added and we just upgraded the gas connection to accommodate the woks,” he said.

“Asian catering seems to go hand in hand with bowling clubs.”

Mr Johnson said he was impressed with the couple’s professionalism, cleanliness and the quality of food.

“It’s very authentic and fresh,” he said. “They’re there in the morning cutting broccoli and hand-making spring rolls and still there late at night. They probably work 13 hours a day. It’s that commitment to good food.”