Featured
Featured on ABC iview – Chopsticks or Fork?
A Story of Family, Culture & Darwin's Favourite Chinese Restaurant
Happy Garden was proudly featured on Chopsticks or Fork?, an ABC iview documentary series exploring Australia’s rich and diverse Chinese food culture.
The episode highlights Happy Garden’s remarkable journey from the 1980s to today, showcasing how the Lee family’s refugee story helped shape one of Darwin’s most loved Chinese restaurants. Featuring Hakka, East Timorese and Portuguese influences, the program explores the unique flavours, traditions, and family recipes that have been passed down through generations.
From iconic local favourites to the famous Sweet & Sour Barramundi, discover the story behind the food that has brought Darwin families together for more than 45 years.
Sharing the Story Behind Darwin's Favourite Chinese Restaurant
Daniel Lee Interview at Casuarina Square
Join Daniel Lee as he shares the story of Happy Garden, a family-owned Darwin institution serving authentic Chinese cuisine since 1981. Filmed at Casuarina Square, this interview offers an insight into the restaurant’s rich history, family traditions, and the passion that has made Happy Garden a local favourite for more than four decades.
Discover the journey behind the flavours, the values that continue to guide the business, and the connection Happy Garden has built with generations of Darwin families.
A Legacy of Family, Tradition and Authentic Chinese Cuisine
Serving the Darwin Community Since 1981
This newspaper feature from 1988 captures an important chapter in the Happy Garden story. By then, Happy Garden had already become a familiar name in Darwin, known for its authentic Chinese cuisine, warm hospitality, and commitment to quality.
For more than four decades, generations of locals and visitors have gathered at Happy Garden to share meals, celebrate special occasions, and create lasting memories. What began as a family-run restaurant in 1981 continues today as one of Darwin’s enduring dining institutions, proudly serving the community with the same passion and tradition that started it all.
