Dickson’s hidden food gems
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With a reputation as being Canberra’s Chinatown, Dickson is not in short supply of hidden gems.
The team at HerCanberra loves nothing more than to bring you news of the hottest new places to eat in town. Lord knows, we never seem to run out of openings to write about. But what about “old” places to eat—those which have stood the test of time and which draw us back for comfort and culinary reassurance year after year? Or just the reliable locals that might not have the wow factor, but they have our hearts (because that’s what counts)?
This carefully created list will help you navigate the myriad of Asian cuisine as well as a shining spotlight on some charming cafés you perhaps didn’t know existed. And while trying to find a park in the area will make you want to—ahem—unleash the demonic forces within, these delicious escapes will make it all worth it.
Pho Phu Quoc Vietnamese Restaurant
A huge menu, fast service and the freshest ingredients, makes Pho Phu Quoc Vietnamese Restaurant a winner in our circles for decades. It is a testament to the simplicity of a dish that you can order it hundreds of times and never get sick of it, and in Pho Phu Quoc’s case, the fresh rice paper rolls, pepper fish, and salt and pepper squid all stand the test of time. Make sure to order a mango shake to wash it all down. You’re honestly spoilt for options.
5 Badham Street, Dickson | phophuquoc.com.au
My Rainbow Dreams
My Rainbow Dreams in Dickson is a vegetarian café that could convince even the most committed carnivore to try its luscious salad wraps (rainbow being the word given that they cram vegetables of every colour in them) or a rotating menu of rich curries and stews (which you can grab boxed for taking away). Don’t forget the healthful sweet treats and baked goods on the counter. It’s no wonder it’s an always-busy place in the heart of the Dickson shopping centre.
G1, Dickson Chambers, Dickson Place, Dickson | myrainbowdreams.org
Gang Gang Café and Bar
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Okay, it’s technically not Dickson but it’s hugging the border so tightly we felt justified in including it. Located right next to the Downer playing fields, Gang Gang is the perfect place to share a morning brew with your pooch (I’m looking at you puppuccinos). The menu is hard to resist—think brioche French toast with caramelised apples, butterscotch sauce and cream, seasonal salads and hearty burgers. Delish! Oh, and this humble café transforms into a live music bar at night—it’s the perfect little local that gives a platform to our local artists. What more could you want?
Shop4/2 Frencham Place, Downer | ganggangcafe.com.au
Rogane Chimac
If you love Korean fried chicken, you need to go to Rogane Chimac in Dickson. It’s hidden away but don’t think you can just walk in—this place is packed most nights, so you’ll need to book. Our recommendation? Try the half serve of snowing cheese fried chicken and add a massive kimchi pancake to share. Heaven.
4/28 Challis Street, Dickson | facebook.com/roganechimac
Au Lac Vegan Cuisine
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Au Lac is authentic Vietnamese food with a twist—and yep, it’s completely vegan. With choices like lemongrass soy fish, shantung soy chicken and massaman soy beef curry, you will be filled with wonder that fake meat can taste this bloody good. For vegan cuisine that doesn’t compromise on flavours, Au Lac is a no-brainer.
4/35-39 Woolley Street, Dickson | aulac-restaurant.com.au
Highroad
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It’s edgy, sophisticated and it’s hipster central. Highroad’s high-end aesthetic is a modern escape in the heart of Canberra’s Chinatown. With locally-sourced ingredients and a menu infused with innovation, Highroad isn’t one you leave in a hurry.
1 Woolley Street, Dickson | highrd.com.au
Folks Gallery
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With quality coffee and local art on offer, Folks Galley is a refreshing change of pace. Their small but mighty menu is filled with fresh, hard-to-resist flavours, but the best part is with every bite you can also feast your eyes on art from throughout the region. There are simply too many little gems that live within this big one.
6 Cape Street, Dickson | folks-gallery.business.site
Moo and Chick
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Moo & Chick has all the warmth and bonhomie of a little suburban meeting place. At the hands of their Classic French-trained head chef, you will experience fresh, high-quality ingredients and uncompromised details. From an abundance of avocado sliced artfully over toast and ‘made twice per day’ hollandaise sauce, this delightful café will quickly become your latest obsession.
Unit 1/28 Challis Street, Dickson | mooandchick.com.au
The Canberra Wine House
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Nestled in the heart of the Dickson dining precinct, The Canberra Wine House is a love note to all things local. Subtle, intricate and naturally alluring, this hidden gem is where life slows down, allowing you to pause momentarily and soak up all the delicious details.
2 Badham Street, Dickson | thecanberrawinehouse
Two Sisters Lao Thai Cuisine
The talented team at Two Sisters bring to life the delicious cuisines of Laos and Thailand with a menu that pays homage to authentic flavours (and is imbued with fresh ingredients). Sit back and enjoy the tastes of this generational exchange. Yum duck anyone?
5/38 Badham Street, Dickson | Two-Sisters-Lao-Thai-Cuisine
Dickson Asian Noodle House
Noodle lovers rejoice! This little gem has it all (and at a reasonable price, might we add). The menu is bursting with flavours and surprising combinations—and you’ll have to believe us when we say you’ll be hard-pressed to make quick decisions. The vegetable crispy noodles is a personal favourite, while their laksa is what the crowds come for. You won’t find finer in Malaysia (trust us, we actually checked)!
Shop 4/29 Woolley Street, Dickson | dicksonasiannoodlehouse.com
Feature image:.facebook.com/Two-Sisters-Lao-Thai-Cuisine
