New Vietnamese restaurant opens in Nicholas Street Precinct
07 July 2023
The Nicholas Street Precinct continues to grow, welcoming its sixth food venue with the opening of Vietnamese restaurant Bun Bun Bao on Friday 7 July.
Located inside Tulmur Walk, with outdoor seating available, Bun Bun Bao will be open from 11am serving traditional Vietnamese meals.
Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee Chairperson Councillor Marnie Doyle said it was another exciting addition to the precinct’s eatery options.
“Bun Bun Bao brings even more variety to the Nicholas Street Precinct and another reason for residents and visitors to Ipswich to check out somewhere new to have lunch or dinner,” Cr Doyle said.
“This new Vietnamese-styled restaurant joins café Stellarossa, ice cream favourite Gelatissimo, sushi train Sushi Hyo, Mexican fast-food Zambrero, and Asian speciality That Dumpling Place.”
Bun Bun Bao owner Helen Tran said customers will love what is on offer.
“We are very excited to be opening Bun Bun Bao in the Nicholas Street Precinct and to share our signature Vietnamese flavours with the Ipswich community,” Ms Tran said.
“There is so much energy and potential in the Nicholas Street Precinct and we are happy to be part of this emerging destination.
“We will be open daily for lunch and dinner and can’t wait to share our traditional, honest food and the freshest ingredients including bao buns, banh mi and noodles.”
Banh bao or Vietnamese steamed bun is a dish that is a fusion of Vietnamese and Cantonese cuisines. Cantonese immigrants brought over the bao that makes up the exterior of the bun and the Chinese sausage that is on the inside. The rest of the dish is Vietnamese.
Thousands of people descend on Tulmur Place every week and experience the various food places.
Meanwhile, work is continuing on two of the most exciting projects within the precinct, at the Venue building and the Commonwealth Hotel.
The two-level Venue will not just be home to HOYTS Cinemas but will also offer a host of new entertainment options and restaurants for Ipswich residents.
“This exciting project has had its challenges, but council is committed to revitalising our city’s centre with fresh, varied attractions for all residents,” Cr Doyle said.
“Our focus is on creating a beautiful, diverse city centre with options for dining, recreation, entertainment and education.
“The course was set by the decisions of the previous council and the Interim Administrator and we are getting the work done and delivering a redeveloped city heart for the Ipswich community at large”.
The Nicholas Street Precinct, including Venue, is estimated to achieve a total direct contribution of $1.196 billion to Ipswich between 2020 and 2032, according to an economic analysis report commissioned by council.