Louis Tikaram's top spots to eat & drink
in Brisbane
Updated: Mar 13, 2024
Louis Tikaram of Stanley Restaurant wears many hats. A dad, dynamic chef, restaurateur and Lexus of Brisbane Group ambassador are just a few of the roles that keep him busy in his day-to-day.
After manning the pans at some of Sydney's best restaurants, making a name for himself in Los Angeles and opening his very popular Cantonese restaurant, Stanley, at Howard Smith Wharves, it's safe to say Louis knows a thing or two about good food.
So, where does one of Brisbane's beloved chefs like to visit when he's off the clock? We spent a day cruising around Brisbane in the Lexus RX to hit up some of Louis' favourite spots, from go-to coffee shops and hole-in-the-wall grocers to top-tier bakeries and beloved brunch spots.
For a cup of one of Brisbane's best brews, Louis frequents Newstead locale Salt Coffee Roasters, located on the corner of Commercial Road and Doggett Street. Here, you can grab all of the classic, caffeine-fuelled beverages, alongside a range of cold-drip, pour-over and filtered coffee. Salt Coffee Roasters' sumptuous selection of tasty toasties have also received Louis' tick of approval.
To grab a takeaway snack, Agnes Bakery in Fortitude Valley is Louis' go-to spot. This popular purveyor of artisan baked goods can be found in a heritage-listed cottage on the corner of James and Harcourt Streets. Boasting a bounty of freshly baked croissants, cakes, doughnuts, sandwiches, bread, pastries and more, hungry customers queue to nab one of Agnes' glorious goodies - so Louis suggests getting there early to avoid disappointment.
Cafe O'Mai is a quirky little Vietnamese cafe located in Annerley. Serving brekky and lunch, you'll find a selection of omelettes, banh mi, vermicelli noodle salad, curries and more. But the real standout, according to Louis, is the Pho. The flavour-filled broth is produced in-house and comes in beef, chicken, combination and vegan varieties.
Yuens Market is a hole-in-the-wall Asian grocer located on Wickham Street in Fortitude Valley. While it may look unassuming from the outside, take a step inside and you'll be met with an explosion of fresh produce, cooking products, spices, meat, seafood and so much more. This underrated gem is a regular for Louis, who sources some of the ingredients for his own restaurant there.
Louis buzzes around Brisbane in a Graphite Black, Lexus RX 350 F Sport. Among the many great features of the RX, a few standouts, according to Louis, are the all-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, the self-parking function, and the 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound system.
“I absolutely love the 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound system. I have been listening to some songs for 20 years and only now hearing some instruments and vocals for the first time,” says Louis.
Louis is a Lexus of Brisbane Group ambassador and enjoys working with the brand to create unique experiences for their customers.
“My favourite thing about being a part of the Lexus of Brisbane Family is working alongside like-minded people who are so invested to create amazing experiences for their customers,” says Louis.
“I think one of the coolest things I have done with a few lucky customers is taught them how to cook some Stanley signature dishes in a private cooking class! Cooking with my Grandma is one of my favourite memories and now to share that experience with Lexus customers is such a privilege.”
Lexus of Brisbane Group is a valued partner of Must Do Brisbane.com
