Our Review Of Longwang, The CBD’s Unconventional New Restaurant
Flavour fusion
By Yana Van Der Byl | 2nd October 2024If you’re dining with dietaries, you know the drill: dining out often means settling for a grilled chicken salad. But guess what? This new foodie hotspot in the CBD has just made your life a whole lot easier, packed with delicious food that caters to all dietary requirements.
If you blink wandering down the street you might miss Longwang – it’s tucked away between two high-rises in the CBD, surrounded by lush greenery. The modern yet industrial design spans two-and-a-half levels, creating a peaceful oasis from the hustle and bustle of Edward Street. The calm ambience paired with the warm and friendly staff made for an unforgettable dining experience.
As I settled into a cosy booth on the second level, I marvelled at the narrow space between two brick walls, just three-and-a-half metres apart. Longwang has cleverly utilised its space to offer a unique dining experience. My lunchtime started with a fabulous cocktail: the Purple Dynasty. This vibrant concoction of Broker’s Gin, elderflower, lavender, falernum, rhubarb, dragonfruit, and citrus is not just a treat for the eyes, but also a perfect match for the dishes with a bit of heat. But more on that soon.
As a gluten-free girlie, finding food that I can actually enjoy can be a challenge, but Longwang blew me away. The starters were a revelation. The kingfish sashimi, dressed with blackened chilli and sweet pickled fennel, was fresh and tangy with a delightful crunch from puffed rice. And the crispy squid, seasoned with fragrant tom yum salt, was light and irresistible. I usually miss out on crispy delights being gluten-free, but this squid was a game-changer.
For mains, we followed the staff’s recommendations. The kung pao bug tail (more like kung wow), was a spicy delight with a hit of Sichuan pepper and crunchy cashews. It paired beautifully with my Purple Dynasty cocktail, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the heat. The Panang curry with cauliflower was another standout, with its crispy cauliflower and tangy pickled baby corn. Then, there was the tea-smoked duck with coconut yuzu plum sauce. This dish was so extraordinary that it’s the main reason I’m already planning my next visit. Even with a full stomach, I couldn’t resist the mango pudding topped with yuzu sorbet and coconut foam – a creamy, tropical explosion of flavours.
Longwang is a hidden gem with phenomenal options for all dietary requirements (not just gluten-free!) and a menu that caters to every palate. If you haven’t been yet, you’re missing out. It’s definitely one of the hottest new spots in Brisbane!
