Sum Yung Guys was an institution when it was situated at Sunshine Beach, a short walk to the beach and the surf club. However, it was difficult to get a parking spot and a reservation, due to the size of the restaurant and its popularity.
The Restaurant
Whilst the move to Noosaville has expanded the size of the restaurant it has done nothing to diminish its popularity. It is still hard to get a reservation! Parking is much improved though. On our recent visit the only time we could get a table was Australia Day at 5pm! So be warned, book ahead.
The new premises are opposite Lake Weyba and comprise of a two tier interior design, a raised area with a view over to Lake Weyba and a lower, larger area with tables and booths.
The interior is done in a dark timber – the front terrace has large open windows letting in a pleasant summer breeze on our visit.
The food is probably best described as Southeast Asian. There are elements of Malaysian, Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian cuisine on offer.
The young staff were attentive and friendly. Like many areas, Noosa has been hit hard by staff shortages, so SYG is very lucky to retain such accomplished and enthusiastic young people.
Cocktails
No cocktails for us. I had a Vietnamese beer – Bi Ha Noi. Cool and refreshing.
Entree
Our server suggested we pick two entrees, one medium sized dish and a larger main course.
For entrees we could choose between Hiramasa Kingfish sashimi, wagyu steak tartare (cardamom, curry leaf and coconut), Moreton Bay squid (with mango and ikan bilis) Mooloolaba prawn toast and black pepper school prawns. We tried the prawn toast. Thick cut toast with premium large prawns coated in black and white sesame seeds, deep fried. Excellent. We also ordered some Roti bread.
Main Courses
For the first main course selection (smaller servings – $22 – $28), there were six choices: Duck Pad Grapao (with green beans and a fried egg), Abrolhos Island scallop fried rice; Blackened Barra Larb (thai salad); whole roasted eggplant (with black bean); Dad Deaw pork (with pickles, fresh vermicelli, cashews and sticky rice) and roast sweet potato salad.
We ordered the duck. It came as minced duck with chilli. It was very tasty – the serving was generous, and the crisp beans complimented the flavour. Next time I will try the eggplant and see if it is the same style as the Malaya.
The next main course selections (larger servings – $34 – $44) comprised spring bay mussels with chilli jam, char grilled chicken with green chilli and peanuts, dry spiced bangalow pork with sour apple and cucumber, “crying tiger” short ribs, Sri Lankan black pepper curry with coconut and roast carrot, king salmon curry, thai green chicken curry and roast pumpkin curry.
We ordered the Sri Lankan black pepper beef curry – we were informed that it was a hot dish. I didn’t find it too hot, but Mrs E disagreed. I have had this dish before at SYG – there is a certain sweetness in it which may come from the roast carrots or perhaps palm sugar. I would prefer this dish to be slightly more savoury – however that may not be traditional.
Dessert
No desserts or coffee.
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Wine
There is an extensive wine list at SYG. I enjoy a good quality wine with a meal, but with very spicy food I think a more robust wine is best. We were lucky to be served a drinkable Roccaventosa Pinot Grigio (served to us in error – $45). Most of the wines available were more expensive than this pinot grigio. This wine will never win awards but it suited the food well.
Interestingly, a number of people seemed to stick to cocktails.
The Review – 3 ½ Stars
This is a good restaurant with many dishes otherwise not offered in the area (however Rasa Malaysia at Noosaville could be the exception). For public holidays they charge a 15% surcharge.
The medium sized servings were more than adequate for us. Some of the dishes could be a little hotter than some customers are used to but this is all part of the gastronomic experience.
It is always pleasing to find that a move from an established locale to a new venue is so successful for the owners. After considerable problems for everyone over the last 2 years, it is great to have a good story to start the New Year.
Sum Yung Guys
- Address: 1/205 Weyba Road, Noosaville QLD 4566, Australia
- Telephone: (07) 5324 1391
- Website: https://www.sumyungguys.com.au/
