Quan 55 & Bar — The Vietnamese Restaurant in Chirn Park That Took Me Straight to Vietnam

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I pulled up to Quan 55 in Chirn Park. But the moment I walked in, something clicked. The murals, the dark timber, the smell of broth that had clearly been simmering for hours — I genuinely felt like I’d been transported to Vietnam. Not a theme-park version of it. The real thing.

This place is run by husband-and-wife duo Wynn Huynh and Thanh Tram, and you can feel the love in every dish. The stock pot they use for their famous phở? It belonged to Wynn’s mother-in-law. She used it for over 20 years. That kind of history doesn’t come from a recipe card — you taste it.

What I Ordered

I went straight for the prawn rice paper rolls to start — fresh, light, packed with noodles and mint. A perfect way to ease in.

Then came the crispy prawn and chicken crepe, which honestly surprised me. It arrived with lettuce, mint, beansprouts and a traditional dipping sauce. The crepe itself was delicate and crispy at the edges, and wrapping everything up in the lettuce made it feel fun and interactive. It’s the kind of dish you slow down to enjoy.

The standout though was the chicken curry — and I don’t use that word lightly. Taro, carrots, lemongrass, a fresh mint salad and coconut cream. It was warming and complex, with that lemongrass cutting through the richness of the coconut cream beautifully. Genuinely one of the best curries I’ve had on the Gold Coast.

The Vibe

Chirn Park isn’t Surfers Paradise. It’s a proper neighbourhood, and Quan 55 feels like it belongs there. Inside it’s contemporary and stylish without trying too hard — black subway tiles, timber, colourful murals. Outside there’s a relaxed alfresco area that’s perfect on a warm Gold Coast evening.

It was busy the night I went, but not chaotic. The kind of busy that tells you locals know something the rest of us are just catching onto.

The venue is fully licensed — no BYO — with cocktails, wine and local beers on offer. I didn’t try the cocktails this time but the Miss Saigon (freshly pressed sugar cane, lime and kumquat) is on my list for next visit.

Would I Go Back?

Already planning it. I want to work my way through the rest of the menu — especially the traditional beef phở with brisket and the slow-cooked caramelised pork belly.

If you’re looking for Vietnamese food on the Gold Coast that feels genuinely authentic rather than watered down for a tourist crowd, Quan 55 in Chirn Park is your place.

Quan 55 & Bar Chirn Park, Gold Coast quan55.com.au

Also in Burleigh Heads: Little Quán 55 for banh mi and takeaway — little.quan55.com.au