10 dishes you need to taste for yourself (we can’t get enough of them)
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What have you tasted recently that you love? We get asked that question constantly here at HerCanberra, and fair enough too, as we are constantly eating.
While we rarely come across truly unappetising food, we do talk among ourselves about what dishes stand out above the rest – and what is constantly on rotation when we get to choose where we go for dinner. Then we take the time to commit our choices to our website. You’re welcome! Please understand that these dishes are chosen by us depending on our own personal taste. We can only share in the hope you will find taste bud satisfaction alongside us.
Amara Goan Fish Curry
This newish Indian restaurant in the Melbourne Building offers a menu of solid favourite dishes, but the Goan Fish Curry is a standout for its succulent white flesh and creamy curry base with a hit of fresh lime and coriander. While some Indian can feel heavy to eat, this curry feels fresh and light, while also completely satisfying and delicious. In fact, our mouths appears to be watering just writing this down.
Amara, 51-53 Northbourne Avenue, Civic | amaraindian.com
Crack Bakery Apple Pie
There’s apple pies, and then there is the Crack Apple Pie. Good Lord this is a quintessential Canberra experience. First, you have to order a week in advance on their website (it’s a flurry until they sell out, and what I can only imagine is similar to trying for Taylor Swift tickets) Then you head out on Saturday morning to pick up your “Crack” . The pie is enormous and could easily feed ten. While it is partially cooked, you need to finish the cooking process and then drown it in the “Liquid Crack” custard. Once you’ve tasted one, you will be back. The addiction is real.
Crack Bakery Apple Pie. 20 Amberley Avenue, Canberra Airport | crackbakery.com
The Potato Damper from Beltana Farm
Sometimes you have bread so good, you can’t stop thinking about it. And that’s the case of the potato damper with macadamia dukkha at Beltana Farm.
Still spoken about with reverence in the office it was crisp and crunchy on the outside but warm and fluffy on the inside. And it received the nod of approval from the HerCanberra queen of bread and butter (Emma Macdonald), herself.
14 Beltana Road, Pialligo | beltanafarm.au
Ottoman Cuisine Scallops
Hallelujah, our city’s iconic Mediterranean favourite has reopened after a three-year hiatus and chef and owner Sherif is pumping out his signature food – simple yet inventive Turkish. It’s all good, but we took extra delight in a plate of enormous scallops on the shell, soaked in a buttery, garlicky dressing with a dollop of greenery on top. It was a special, so we can’t be too sure if it’s going to be on the menu for long. But if Serif is serving scallops, we are there for them.
Ottoman Cuisine, 9 Broughton Street, Barton | ottomancuisine.com.au
The La Speciale Sandwich from Caffé Allago
With prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and balsamic vinegar, it’s so delicious, it already has a cult following.
60A Phyllis Ashton Circuit, Gungahlin | @caffeallago
Supa Love’s Mango Sticky Rice
What’s not to love about mango sticky rice? Supa Love in Tiger Lane is a cute little spot, tucked up the back, and it pumps out delicious and affordable Thai food from a tiny kitchen. We often find ourselves craving a special dessert which is perfect when shared. The mango is always sweet and the coconut rice just the right consistency. Ten out of ten. No notes.
Supa Love, Tiger Lane Canberra Centre, Bunda Street, Civic | tigerlane.com.au
The Cupping Room’s French Toast
For those with a sweet tooth (like most of the HC team), the French Toast at The Cupping Room is almost a holy experience. The cinnamon soaked brioche is covered in butterscotch, mandarin, strawberry, yuzu mascarpone, butter crumble and chocolate almond shards, making it so moreish that you’ll keep eating long after your full. We know that we did. It also helps that this dish is as pretty as a picture.
1/1-13 University Avenue, City | thecuppingroom.com.au
Early Edition’s Avocado Toast
Is this the prettiest avocado toast in Canberra? Simple, filling and fresh, with heirloom tomatoes, radish, mint, lime, feta, salsa verde, and poached egg served on sourdough, it will fill up both your stomach and your Instagram feed.
4/2 Trevillian Quay, Kingston | earlyedition.cafe
Sammy’s Kitchen’s Shan Tung Chicken
An oldie but a goodie. Deep fried shredded chicken with cucumber, fresh chilli, garlic, peanuts and topped with the Chef’s special sauce. It’s got a spicy kick that challenges you but is still enjoyable and for us, unforgettable.
39 Eastlake Parade, Kingston | sammysforeshore.com.au
Literally any sandwich from Catbird
There’s something about a good sandwich – and the team at Catbird knows how to go one well. Baking the bread in house and slapping so many fresh fillings between each slice, you basically have to unhinge your jaw to eat one of these. And while it might sound so simple it’s silly, a sandwich from here is no laughing matter.
In fact, it’s very serious. Seriously good that is.
44 Constitution Avenue, Parkes | catbirdcanberra.com.au
Feature image: The Cupping Room. Supplied.
