In the Brisbane food hall of fame, arguably nothing holds as much cult status as the humble strawberry sundae. The iconic Ekka treat is as simple as it is satisfying, known for its layers of creamy vanilla ice cream, fresh Queensland strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream on top.
What’s the history behind the strawberry sundae?
Here’s the scoop: the Ekka strawberry sundae was first introduced in 1950 and quickly cemented itself as a locally loved tradition. But it’s not just the sweet taste that has Brisbane flocking to the cone. Since the 1980s, the sundaes have been organised by The Common Good—an initiative of the Prince Charles Hospital Foundation—with every sundae sold helping fund life-saving medical research. Yep, we’ll take two please.
Like any good cult classic, the feel-good ritual has also spawned its own spin-offs and adaptations across Brisbane’s dynamic food scene. From croissants to tiramisu and cocktails to cheesecake, there are plenty of new ways to get your strawberry fix outside of the RNA.
Ps. We’ll keep updating this list as local cafes and restaurants announce their strawberry specials so make sure to check back and try them all.
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Jocelyn’s Provisions
Multiple Locations
Image credit: Jocelyn's Provisions | Supplied
Never one to pass up an opportunity to make over their cult-fave treats, Jocelyn’s Provisions have launched strawberries and cream lamingtons—splitting chiffon cake with strawberry mousse and jam, before dipping it into pink white chocolate and coating in shredded coconut. You can also get your hands on strawberries and cream cookie sandwiches and good ol’ fashioned ham and butter sandwiches for the occasion. These Ekka specials will be available at all stores until 10 August, at Albion and James Street only on the public holiday, and then again at all stores from 15 to 17 August.
Queen Amann Bakery
20 King Street, Bowen Hills
Image credit: Queen Amann | Supplied
King Street’s new bakery is taking cues from the showground next door, launching three unique strawberry sundae-inspired creations available from 6 to 17 August. Queen Amann’s namesake baked goods will be available with a strawberry compote and strawberry panna cotta. Or enjoy a light and creamy twist on a classic with the Strawberry Field Tiramisu layered with fresh strawberries and a signature mascarpone cream. Rounding out the offering is the viral-worthy Strawberry Sundae Matcha Latte—think fresh strawberries, milk white chocolate, and matcha from Shizuoka topped with fresh strawberry whip cream.
Darvella Patisserie
1/37 Oxford Street, Bulimba
Image credit: Darvella | Supplied
Bulimba’s Darvella Patisserie certainly knows its way around a cult-fave treat, which is why they’re bringing back the iconic Ekka Croissant. Available for three days only on the public holiday (13 August) as well as the following weekend (16 and 17 August), the sweet masterpiece features their signature two-tone croissant cone, filled with vanilla custard and strawberry gel—topped with vanilla chantilly, strawberry dust and fresh strawberries. Fast becoming a tradition in itself, this one is sure to bring in its own crowds so don’t miss out.
The Terrace at Emporium Hotel South Bank
267 Grey Street, South Brisbane
Image credit: The Terrace | Supplied
For a boozy take on the Ekka staple, head skyhigh to The Terrace and get your hands on their strawberry-themed cocktails being shaken up from 1 to 17 August. There’s the Sideshow Sundae featuring vanilla liqueur ice cream, strawberry liqueur syrup, macerated strawberries, toasted nuts, and a classic Bertie Beetle. Or, go alcohol-free with the Best In Show: a sweet combination of NON 5 lemon marmalade and hibiscus sparkling with strawberry gum cordial.
Belle Epoque at Emporium Hotel South Bank
267 Grey Street, South Brisbane
Image credit: Belle Epoque | Supplied
The pastry chefs at French haven Belle Epoque will be giving their sweet cabinet the Ekka treatment from 1 to 17 August, across a range of playful and limited-edition treats. Enjoy strawberry flavours in cheesecakes, pistachio tarts, rice puddings and eclairs or indulge in artisanally crafted delights like the La Fraise with chocolate mousse and strawberry sponge or the Strawberry Field with yogurt and lime mousse, redberry compote, and cocoa soil.
Massimo
123 Eagle Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Massimo | Supplied
Dishing up nostalgia without the crowds, Massimo has created their own spin on the dessert, which will be available in the restaurant for the month of August from 2pm daily. Their decadent version features house-made strawberry ice cream with fresh Queensland strawberries, signature strawberry sauce and a topping of vibrant rose fairy floss—another nod to the Ekka showgrounds. The eye-catching dish is presented in a humble bowl like in an old school diner and don’t worry, sharing is optional. While no reservations are required to experience it for yourself, Massimo does tend to get busy so we recommend booking here.
The Balfour Kitchen & Bar
37 Balfour Street, New Farm
Image credit: The Balfour Kitchen & Bar | Supplied
Your morning just got a whole lot sweeter with The Balfour Kitchen & Bar’s new breakfast twist inspired by the Ekka’s most famous dessert. The strawberry sundae French toast is available from 9 to 17 August, in the form of a decadent plate full of fluffy french toast, house-made strawberry ice cream, strawberry compote and whipped coconut.
Milano Bakehouse
10 Thompson Street, Bowen Hills
Image credit: Milano Bakehouse | Supplied
New kid on the block Milano Bakehouse by Merlo isn’t missing a beat, with an Ekka-inspired sweet treat available from 9 to 17 August. Sink your teeth into fresh strawberry-sundae-inspired croissants, before washing it down with a strawberry iced latte. The goodies will be available at the Merlo stand within the Woolworths Pavilion at the Ekka itself, or at their Bowen Hills flagship cafe.
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Main image credit: Queen Amann | Supplied