Summertime trips to Batemans Bay are an essential part of the Canberran lifestyle. And while stopping at the Braidwood Bakery is part of the experience for many, I’ve got a different spot for you to try next time you’re completing the pilgrimage.

I can’t remember when or how I heard about Paydirt Eatery, but I’m very glad I did. It’s the kind of place you could easily walk past and completely miss. An innocuous hole in the wall leads into a small narrow space with a kitchen at the back of the room.

I reckon you could probably fit 20 people inside. Fortunately both times I’ve visited have been nowhere near that busy because it would be a definite squeeze. It has a bit of a new-Braddon-hipster-vibe about it. Dark walls, suspended terrariums and a taxidermied eagle make the place look something like a long abandoned curio store.

To be clear, Paydirt isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea. As we entered a couple were sent away looking elsewhere for sandwiches. There is a small menu, three options, all Asian fusion. Last time we visited they ran out of one of their three options. But it really doesn’t matter, because the food is cooked right in front of you and you won’t taste anything like it anywhere near it.

Our choice this time was the Mushroom and Mixed Chinese Vegetable Dumplings with Steamed Rice and Cracked Egg, and the Spiced Lamb Dumplings with Yogurt Mint and Paprika Oil.

The dishes were served one at a time, as they were cooked. This worked well as Mr Running Girl and I are prone to menu envy and were sharing both. The vegetarian dumplings arrived first (pictured above). Topped with coriander, bean shoots and peanuts, the dumplings were delicious. I wasn’t all that fussed on the egg and rice with this dish. I’m also a huge fan of chillies, but this was very very hot dish, not for the faint-hearted.

Then came the Lamb Dumplings (above). We had them the first time we visited and I was so very pleased to see them make an appearance again. These dumplings were also served with rice and egg, but this dish worked really well. The combination of lamb dumplings with yogurt and paprika, but this dish tastes like Hong Kong meets Istanbul. A taste explosion.

As we paid our bill, their third dish was being constructed – Braised Chicken with Sweetcorn and Chinese Vegetables. We’d had something similar last time we visited. When we tried it the chicken was falling off the bone tender, and the broth had the perfect balance of sour, sweet, salty and hot. I took a photo to whet your appetite.

The Paydirt experience is not what you might expect in a small country town. However, Braidwood isn’t really your average small country town.

I wouldn’t send anyone with kids here and if you are a picky eater it’s probably not for you either. But if you are adventurous and love fresh food you’re in for a treat.

the essentials