Annamese

A pocket of Northern Vietnam has graced Brisbane Quarter, serving up its stories, traditions and authentic flavours in a careful balance that’s unmistakeable. 

Annamese is the latest venture from the team behind Ming’s Ming’s Kitchen in Wilston, taking the homely energy you know and love to a whole other level. Drawing inspiration from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the restaurant echos the charm and intimacy of a traditional Northern Vietnamese home with dark wood furnishings, exposed framework, and curved rattan pendants. It’s full of character, and creates an atmosphere you naturally want to settle into until the very last bite. 

“Every dish we serve is an invitation,” said restaurant manager, Peter Ngyuyen. “To experience the warmth of our kitchens, the depth of our history, and the quiet elegance of a culture rooted in balance, community, and craft.”

The Vietnamese cuisine here is purposeful and nuanced, leaning on fresh herbs to bring brightness and vitality to the menu. “The cooking may appear simple, but beneath that simplicity lies remarkable depth of flavor,” said Ngyuyen. “It is this balance—bold yet elegant, light yet satisfying—that makes it unmistakably Vietnamese.”

Highlights include the grilled pork vermicelli bowl (bún chả hà nội) that’s a staple in Hanoi street food culture, the comforting wagyu beef fried rice with pickled mustard greens (cơm rang dưa bò), and the fragrant pan-fried turmeric barramundi deeply rooted in Northern Vietnamese culinary tradition. 

You also simply must try the cocktails at Annamese, because where else can you find a pho-inspired tipple made with real beef broth for a unique umami twist? We also recommend the Hanoi Autumn with coconut rum, pandan, coconut milk and lime for its creamy texture, sweet finish and knockout green hue. 

“At Annamese, our mission is to keep the soul of Vietnam alive and thriving beyond its borders,” said Ngyuyen. “We are devoted to sharing the spirit of Northern Vietnam with the world—not only through the authentic flavors of our homeland, but through the stories, traditions, and cultural heritage that shape them.”

Image credit: Annamese | S Wooller