It’s the newest Sunshine Coast food offering hoping to ‘stand out’ and inspire diners to explore unique new flavours.
Dee Den is opening in Buderim, bringing modernised Asian Cuisine and something different to town.
The name comes from a Thai phrase that loosely translates to ‘standing out’ or ‘the odd one out’, which is owner Jeremy Khoo’s inspiration behind the restaurant.
Born in Malaysia, Mr Khoo has been in the hospitality industry for a decade working in both kitchen and management roles.
He came to Australia seven years ago to study at The University of Queensland (UQ) where he worked to establish a successful creative marketing business for restaurants and cafes.
He told Sunshine Coast News Dee Den’s menu would serve up a combination of aromatic flavours and playful spices in a range of communal dishes, all with a side of reckless creativity.
“The food we’ll be serving up is a little unique, never boring, and of course delicious,” he said.
“You can expect some familiar flavours, but it will make you go ‘Hey that’s something different’.
“If you like to stay in your comfort zone there is something there, but if you want something special and unique, our menu definitely offers that as well.
“Expect things you wouldn’t expect to find easily at other restaurants. Things like banana blossom salad, rose water-infused watermelon — something special and unique.
“We do have the more familiar items like Massaman curry, pad Thai and fried rice, but we put a twist on everything.”
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For example, the banana blossom salad includes pulled chicken, cashew, spring onion, coconut, tamarind and roasted chilli jam.
Other items include crispy pork belly, crying tiger short ribs and a vegan turmeric coconut curry. The menu will also offer gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options.
Mr Khoo said after recently relocating to Buderim from Brisbane, he saw an opportunity to give locals more dining options. He has also made a point to keep prices lower, so it was not an “exclusive” location.
“Areas like Maroochydore, Mooloolaba and Noosa, there are so many paces to choose from so we wanted to bring something to our community of Buderim.
“We are trying to fill in that gap. It’s not just a place for tourists, but a place locals can come in and have dinner, or a girls’ night out.
“We want it to be a place people can come regularly, rather than a place that is really good, but people might only come to once.
“It was also important to offer good quality modernised Asian food at an affordable price. I really tried to make that a priority too when we created the menu.”
Dee Den will be located within an old Queenslander beside the Buderim Tavern on Burnett Street.
Mr Khoo has been doing extensive renovations to the building and is on track to officially open at the end of March.
Once open, the space will include a cosy bar, interior dining and an outdoor deck with a capacity to seat 90 diners.
Too keep up to date with opening details visit deeden.com.au or find ‘Dee Den Buderim’ on social media.
