When you think of South Perth, peaceful riverside strolls, leafy streets, and iconic skyline views usually come to mind. But just off Mends Street, hidden beneath the heritage-listed 1908 South Perth Police Station, lies an electric dining venue that is redefining the neighborhood’s dining culture: BANGLA.

Part of The Station precinct by the Nokturnl group, BANGLA is a subterranean eating house that delivers punchy Asian street-food-inspired share plates, signature cocktails, and a social vibe that keeps the energy going well past dinner.

The Atmosphere: Heritage Meets Late-Night Energy

Descending into BANGLA feels like discovering a secret dining room tucked beneath Asia’s vibrant food districts. The interiors balance low-lit, moody undertones with vibrant pops of neon and stylish design details. The historic brickwork of the original police station structure grounds the space with character, while the pulsing music and arrangement of interior create a mood that feels equal parts chic and playful. Whether you’re tucked into a intimate dining booth or settled around a table with a group of friends, the room naturally invites you to slow down, order another round of drinks, and stay awhile.

The Drinks: Craft Cocktails with a Twist

No late-night Asian dining venue is complete without a top-tier bar program, and BANGLA delivers. The cocktail list spotlights Asian botanicals, yuzu, pandan, ginger, and chilli-infused spirits, providing refreshing balances to the heat on the plate. If cocktails aren’t your pick, the wine list is thoughtfully curated with crisp whites and lighter reds designed specifically to pair with complex spice profiles.

Photo: Monsoon Mela and Golden Crane signature cocktails at Bangla.

The Food: Spice, Heat, and Shared Plates

The team has built a menu around high-impact flavours, blending regional Asian cooking techniques with premium West Australian ingredients. BANGLA isn’t bound to one specific country; instead, it draws inspiration from across Asia to craft a menu designed entirely for sharing.

Highlights to Look Out For:

Punchy Small Bites & Dumplings:

Bloody Mary Pacific Oyster with bush tomato pearls and vodka bloody mary chaser. Fiery, savory, and perfectly spiked, you can either tip the shooter straight over the oyster for an intense splash of flavour or down it right after for the ultimate salty, spicy finish. It’s part cocktail, part starter, and guaranteed to wake up your palate

Western Australian Rock Lobster Taco, served with garlic namh prik and yuzu mayo. A velvety mayo infused with citrusy yuzu that cuts cleanly through the richness of the lobster and tempers the spice of the namh prik. The experience is luxurious and zesty!

DIY Peking Duck, served with hoisin, mandarin pancakes, cucumbers and spring onions.

Signature BANGLA Road Spice Bag,includes seven-spiced chicken bites, rice cake with curry sauce to pour over. It’s spicy, savory, addictive, and easily one of the most comforting dishes on the menu. BANGLA takes the legendary late-night street food staple and elevates it into a masterpiece of texture and spice.

Northern Thai Sausages. Rooted in the iconic flavours of Chiang Mai’s street food stalls, this herbal pork sausage is bursting with lemongrass, kaffir lime, galangal, and subtle chilli heat. What sets BANGLA’s version apart is the sticky, sweet-and-salty honey soy glaze brushed over the top as it grills.

Bold Wok-Tossed & Flame-Kissed Dishes

Tiger Prawn Drunken Noodles, with green peppercorns and rhizome. Generous, plump tiger prawns take center stage, wok-fried to juicy perfection alongside wide, chewy rice noodles that cling to a deeply savoury, spicy glaze. What takes this dish to another level are the traditional Thai aromatics: fresh clusters of green peppercorns burst in your mouth with a snappy, citrusy heat, while slivers of rhizome (wild ginger) impart a warm, herbal depth you rarely find outside of Thailand.

 

Southern Thai Grilled Chicken, with garlic toum and nam jim. Perfectly charred on the outside and tender on the inside, the boneless chicken is loaded with smoky, aromatic spice. Though, I found this dish a bit too sweet, probably from the glaze.

The “Feed Me” Experience:

If you can’t decide, opting for the Feed Me or Banquet menu is the best way to go. It curatedly guides you through the kitchen’s top dishes, pairing heat, acidity, and rich comfort in thoughtful succession. Even though we didn’t go for the Feed Me experience, we were generously treated by the team with their dessert platter that is exclusive to the Feed Me Menu.

Candied Banana Split, Yuzu Basque Cheesecake, Mocha Ice Cream Sandwich and  Coconut Panna Cotta

Final Thoughts

BANGLA brings a fresh, vibrant, and necessary spark to South Perth’s dining scene. It bridges the gap between an elevated dinner spot and an atmospheric venue where you actually want to hang out late into the evening.

• Best For: Group dinners, date nights, late-night drinks & bites.

• Location: 1 Mends Street, South Perth WA

• Pro Tip: Make a reservation ahead of time for weekend dining, and definitely order a side of drinks from their signature cocktail list!

BANGLA isn’t just another restaurant—it’s an entire vibe. Whether you’re dropping in for a casual weeknight cocktail, a romantic date, or a high-energy feast with friends, this underground South Perth spot delivers bold, memorable Asian street-food flavors with unmatched atmosphere.

Now over to you! Have you checked out BANGLA yet? What’s your ultimate dish order—are you team Lobster Taco or team Spice Bag? Drop a comment below and leave your own review or recommendations for my next visit!