Bam Pow — Restaurant in Port Douglas

I don't know how to put it other than to say that this place was incredible.

We were in Port Douglas for a few days and were having difficulty finding something that wasn't meat-focused. Our receptionist recommended Bam Pow, and we're do glad he did.

We showed up just as it opened, expecting the same mass rush of diners as the rest of the town. We were so happy that we were seated immediately.

The vibe is super cute, brightly painted, with a distressed wall that's really great for the 'gram.

The owner sat us and took our order for drinks so quickly! I got a Tiger beer (can't go wrong) and my wife opted for the yuzu drink. It was refreshing and tart, exactly what you want to be sipping on in the middle of a hot evening.

I'd been really in the mood for bahn mi, and was bummed to find that they'd sold out of it at lunch (which I would assume means it's super popular.) No worries! There were plenty of other options.

For starters we ordered the chick'n bao bun and the edamame. The bao bun was insane, pillowy and well-seasoned, and the chick'n was an absolutely shock. You wouldn't have any idea that you weren't eating chicken. Now, the edamame—I know, you're thinking "It's just soybeans in a pod, chill out." Incorrect; the seasoning and the oil were so well-balanced and unlike any edamame we've ever had. We legitimately could't stop talking about it.

For mains, my wife ordered the Goi Ga; a simple noodle dish that was elevated by the freshness of the vegetables. I got the katsu chick'n and rice; again, the chick'n was shockingly authentic, fried as well as katsu I've had in Japan. The sauce was just the right side of sweet, and everything was well-balanced.

The plating too was... not what we were expecting? It was as though we were at a fine dining establishment. The small details were not overlooked.

The portions were perfect.

It's not cheap but for a plant-based restaurant it's really well-priced.

The service was great, the vibe was chill and the food was excellent. Honestly bummed that we're leaving tomorrow because we'd absolutely go back.

I would also hazard to guess that the meat eaters in your life would enjoy this place as well.

Do yourself a favor and opt for Bam Pow over the high-priced spots on the main drag. You won't be disappointed.

(We literally just left and I had to come back and write this review because we were so impressed. How have they only been open for...

Went here two nights in a row whilst visiting Port Douglas. Food and service are a definite five. It was just the ambience that was a slight let down. In our two nights we tried the wontons, pawk satay skewers, tofu bao, crepe, katsu curry, eggplant tempura, fried tofu, charred wombok. All delicious. Loved the use of lemon grass as a mocktail straw. Some of the food did come out lukewarm instead of hot (satay skewers, crepe, wonton) but it could be deliberate as it was a fairly hot day and there are also lots of fresh asian style salad ingredients in many of the dishes. Unfortunately the indoor space is tiled with hard walls so sound bounces, making it difficult to converse through dinner if there's a large, noisy group dining in the limited indoor space. Keeping flies away from the food was also challenging, even indoors. These issues were solved on our second night by getting there early (4:30pm) for starters and ordering mains as take away. Would happily return to order take away next time we're in...

Second night in a row, two different cities and making a last-minute dinner choice with the closest restaurant. This one was literally across the road from where I was staying. Having read the reviews I had high expectations, and even though I ventured over early and managed to get a table right away, bookings are really essential. I was not disappointed. The food was excellent, both in presentation and taste - I chose the Eggplant Tempura and the Papaya Salad. I am not Vegan but I love creative, flavourful meals, and this was almost perfect - maybe too much chili for my taste (easily moved to the side). Amazing that this little eatery is (almost) hidden just out of town (about 10-15 walk). If you’re in Port Douglas, even just for the day, make this a must-do on your eating schedule. And consider...