The best things we put in our mouths in 2022
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We’re all about what’s tasty in Canberra—the new and the classic.
So what were our favourite dishes, drinks, cocktails, wines, desserts and snacks in 2022? Let’s dish the dirt.
Beatrice Smith, Online Editor
In no particular order, my foodie highlights of the first six months of 2022 included the Wasabi Martini at Bar Beirut (less intense and more delicious than it sounds), the Falafel Bowl from Nourish and Breathe, the Cheese and Pickle toastie from Melted, Natural Nine’s entire menu, the salt and vinegar Brussel sprouts and dry-aged steak (that steak!) from Capitol Bar & Grill, the Quattro Formaggi pizza from Pizza Artigiana at Verity Lane Market and the vegetarian tasting menu at Monster.
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But the hometown food I missed while travelling for the second half of 2022 was interesting to note, too. I pined for the snowing cheese chicken and kimchi pancake at Rogane Chimac, dry fried chilli beef at CBD Dumpling House, Papaya Salad at Phu Pho Quoc Vietnamese Restaurant and literally anything from Under Bakery in Mawson.
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Now that I’m back, the final highlight of 2022 may very well be from Fyshwick’s newest resident, Canteen, where you need to run, not walk, to try their Tokyo Bird ramen and Creme Caramel. Heaven.
Amanda Whitley, Founder
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In a year where Canberra’s food scene exploded to levels not even seen pre-pandemic, it was hard to pick a singular highlight. So I picked five.
Nonna’s Meatball Sub from Fyshwick’s Happy Ending had me moaning with satisfaction (not the first time that’s happened in the building that was once a brothel, I’m sure). It’s simple—tender meatballs cooked in homemade sugo, spooned into a crusty roll and crowned with a generous sprinkle of parmesan—but it was an absolute flavour bomb. Bellissimo!
Brunello’s slow-roasted veal bun, crudites, tuna mayo, pickled red onion—a twist on the traditional Italian Vitello Tonato, I would happily eat 10 of these little babies.
eightysix south’s corn and taleggio tortellini with chilli butter—I never thought anything could eclipse their pumpkin and mascarpone tortellini, but I think this has the edge. Sweet, savoury and oozy with a touch of heat. More please.
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Alcove’s Jackfruit + Taco + Macaron – a perfect combination of artistry from both chef and mixologist, this intriguing pairing challenges tastebuds and brain, and is downright delicious!
Taki’s Burnt milk pannacotta with sesame crumble and Okinawa black sugar — its creator Gerald Ong descibes it as an ‘abstract s’more’, using charcoal to make the burnt milk so all the smoke flavour gets captured inside! I am not typically a dessert person, but I nearly passed out with pleasure at first spoonful. It was that good.
Dion Pretorius, Contributor
In my first year at HerCanberra, I was lucky enough to visit a few old faves and be introduced to a few more amazing spots across the city. You may note that all of the best things I’ve had in 2022 are carbohydrate dominant, but there’s really no surprise there. The Koeksisters at Verity Lane’s Tuck Shop have to be my top pick—they are a fragrant and sweet explosion and bring back memories of when my grandma used to make these for us as kids. Deep-fried pastry in sugar syrup topped with pistachios, what more could you want?
The Cardamom bun at Under Bakery is a close second. Spicy and dense, they look as good as they taste. It’s been my staple this year as something to grab when I’m headed to a mate’s for coffee. Get there early though, as they don’t last long!
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In terms of savoury memories, on top is the very simple but delectable Potato and Gorgonzola Pizza at Four Winds Vineyard. Part of its appeal may have been the great view and an accompanying wine flight, but its bold flavour and super crispy base were a perfect combo.
I’ve also been pumping out the wonderful Emma Macdonald’s quick and easy focaccia recipe—it’s so simple and I have won so much undue credit this year thanks to this stupendously simple bake!
Finally, my weekly obsession since returning to work in New Acton is the Salmon Gravlax Roll at Mocan and Green Grout. There’s something about this sandwich that never gets old, and I’d wager I’ve had one a week for the past seven months. And you know what, I dare say I’ll be having one next week too!
Emma Macdonald, Associate Editor
It’s been a busy year of eating out, but when I think about my favourite tastes for the years, it’s the humble things to which I keep returning for seconds (thirds, fourths and fifths).
Sandoochie Sandwiches are worth finding a Civic carpark for, such is their quality of bread (Under Bakery) generous spread of butter and truly inventive fillings. Sometimes a sandwich is all you need in life and you can be assured that there is an ever-changing menu of flavour combos to savour.
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Speaking of, if there is one order I have made more than any other in this city this year, it has been for the melted cheese toastie at Barrio. It gives me untold joy to cap off a Saturday morning walk around Mount Ainslie with a molten, dripping, buttery cheese, sauerkraut and mayo-filled sandwich which I always request be left on the grill just that little extra for true toasted delight.
It is THE best toastie I have ever had, and daresay ever will have. I have eaten hundreds of them. You just can’t mess with perfection.
Now before you think I am devoting my list to sandwiches, I do have some more sophisticated favourite dishes and this one is, surprise, surprise, vegan. Don’t ask me how, because me and full-cream dairy milk products are an abiding partnership, but Bar Beirut’s Cafe-Cotta is a mysteriously rich and truly delightful pot of apricot and pistachio custard.
I simply refused to believe it was vegan at first until Soumi brought his chef out to explain it to me. I’ve been back a few times to order this one, which, for someone who is not much into desserts and generally avoids vegan food, is the ultimate irony, I know.
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To go from the one extreme to another, I have been continually astounded by the quality and sophistication coming out of Alcove with their mind-bending canapes and cocktail pairing menu. It’s a place I always take interstate guests just to prove Canberra’s food scene really is international.
If I were alone in the place, I would like to throw myself into a bucket of their Chawanmushi, which is a Japanese savoury custard. Alcove’s comes served in a delicate porcelain receptacle, rather than a bucket, but I swear it’s the most moreish, silky and heavenly mouthful.
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As a busy mum, sometimes my favourite dishes are easy dishes, and my family has gotten into the habit of ordering the Wagyu Bowls at OMI in Canberra Centre. I get the salmon version, but these charred and deliciously saucy bowls are a quick and quality option for a quick meal on the run.
They come with pickled veggies, edamame and a soft egg on top. You will find me sitting in the corner post-drama and pre-basketball training, thanking my lucky stars I don’t need to cook dinner and sipping on one of their divine matcha lattes for added bliss.
My final taste for the year must be awarded to the Pho Phu Quoc in Dickson for consistently providing wholesome, fresh and delicious Vietnamese food to me, and the rest of the city. As we have all battled various viruses (and panicked that it was the C-word) I have turned to Sue Le and her steaming bowls of Pho to keep my family happy and well.
Filled with vegetables (or rare beef for the meat-eaters among us) this soup is fragrant, complex, fresh and restorative. Like the warm hug we all need sometimes.
Erin Cross, Editorial Coordinator
I’ll admit, as someone with a few different dietary requirements (gluten-free and dairy-free…unless cheese or ice cream is involved), being a foodie can have its difficulties—after all, there are only so many times one can be happy with a garden salad. But this year I’ve been lucky enough to have one (or five) food-themed hold-me-I-might-cry-from-happiness moments.
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Interestingly a lot of my favourite foods of 2022 are the sweet variety—including and not limited to the Salted Coconut Banana Gelato with crumb and caramel from Dada (my colleagues can attest to the very loud sigh of contentment the moment the spoon touched my mouth) and the Pistachio Cake from Monster Kitchen and Bar (I swear I had to physically stop myself from licking my plate clean).
But a standout foodie experience that I’ll always hold close to my chocolate-loving heart was the wine and fudge pairing at Brindabella Hills Winery. On Saturdays Brindabella Hills partners with Fudgemental—a local premium Belgium chocolate company that creates delicious morsels designed to be with products from local vintners and distillers—and let me tell you that I quickly became obsessed with how fudge can help you explore the palate of the wine, enhancing flavours you didn’t even notice during the first sip.
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Think Strawberry Boosh paired with Chardonnay (the taste of strawberry completely disappears and is replaced with cutting notes of white stone fruit) and the Scorched Almond paired with Shiraz (it tastes like Christmas Day—literally). Gluten-free and vegan, the only thing that makes the experience better is the view overlooking the rolling hills above the Murrumbidgee River.
For something more savoury—like Bea—my mouth will always come back to the salt and vinegar Brussel sprouts from Capitol Bar & Grill (something I’d never thought I’d say), as well the Rice Skewers with sweet chilli sauce and cashew from Dada and the Dirty Rice from Bar Beirut.
But the Miso Dengaku eggplant from Akiba will always be my favourite. Heaven.
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Elaine Obran, Junior Journalist and Content Creator
After joining the HerCanberra team this year, my list of ‘go-to’ foodie escapes quickly expanded and transformed, and I gained a newfound appreciation for Canberra’s rich hospitality scene. And while my hungry list of places to try continues to grow daily, these little gems continue to reel back in, opening my eyes (and stomach) to just how transformative food can be.
I will admit, I had an unhealthy addiction to Fekerte’s Ethiopian and have recently imposed a self-inflicted intervention—it’s safe to say this place is bloody delicious. Tucked away in Phillip Law Street you will know you are at the right place when you see the long line flocking outside—it’s well worth the wait though.
Think soul-warming combinations, soaked in rich aromatic flavours. The kind of dish, that is guaranteed to keep you coming back for more. (You have been warned).
I knew Edgar’s Inn was a laid-back, welcoming place to get a drink and enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Ainslie—but I never ventured into menu territory, until recently. As a vegetarian, this often means ignoring the dishes that sound amazing and convincing myself I’m going to love that one lonely vego dish but this was not the case at Edgar’s. My eyes darted straight to the Nepalese Curry (also gluten-free), and I never looked back—lost in an experience of heat, flavours and unexpected combinations. Touché Edgars.
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Sweet Bones’ Cinnabons! Ok, yes—while I know I’m well and truly late to the party, I’m including this for those who, like me, were completely unaware of just how powerful these little buns truly are. A soft, sweet, gooey, ‘please don’t end’ type of experience. I am officially part of the Sweet Bones Cinnabon cult, and I have no intentions of leaving anytime soon.
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Sometimes, the best kind of dishes are those that are simple, hearty and vicariously take you home. For me, The Old Canberra Inn’s Vegetarian Lasagne is exactly that. Oozing in country pub nostalgia, I was no longer in Canberra, but at my hometown local…with a notably better flavour and fresh ingredients. But you didn’t hear that from me.
Georgie Burgess, Junior Journalist and Content Creator
As another new addition to the team this year my eyes have been opened to the wonders and delights of the Canberra foodie scene – having just left the hospitality industry myself earlier this year, I’m ashamed to admit I had tended to stick to a few tried and true places when it came to my dining options (though some of these are still my favourites). The team has definitely made sure my eyes have been opened this year through some heavenly and mouth-watering journeys.
We’ll start with the old before we bring in the new (to me). Nobody does sweet, and spectacular treats quite like Space Kitchen. I am an avid lover of their Cookie Monster cake, but will often bring a friend along so that we can spilt a couple cakes, that are honestly more like works of art. Baking is definitely not my strong suit so when a celebration demanding cake needs to take place you will often see me popping in to grab one (or three) of these to take along with me. You’ll also find me sipping away on their mint hot chocolate because I don’t care what anyone says it is the best combo.
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Chez Freds was one of my first foodie introductions when I joined the team and has remained solid in my rotation ever since. Located on the bustling Lonsdale street where you just need to take two steps to be surrounded by ten amazing venues there’s no surprise a couple of places from this inner city hot spot have made my list. In my eyes, anything to do with pasta is automatically going to be a good time but the team at Chez Freds makes it a transformative experience with non-classic twists that keep you wondering and loving – the linguine Frutti Di Mare has the perfect kick of spice and is big enough you often take some home with you as well.
When my friends and I are looking for a more casual after-work spot Assembly is our go-to. Splitting a bunch of share plates, you are guaranteed to spot their broccoli bites with all their vegan dill aioli with cumin & chilli salt goodness on our table or if I’m missing the simpler food from my small town up bringing a chicken snitty will be filling me up and what’s a night on Lonsdale street without stopping by Messina. A scoop of blood orange sorbet, please!
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I am sure at this point your mind is swirling and your tummy grumbling with all the options laid out before you so I shall wrap it up with my favourite new discovery this year, natural nine. Tucked away inside Casino Canberra it tends to slide under many a radar but this is your sign to go and check it out. I have not stopped craving their drunken chicken truffle boa since my first bite or honestly anything on their menu – the banquet is a must do! I am also not a big drinker so their range of mocktails made my heart sing when I realised I got to have a fun drink as well (check out the Cucumber Cane).
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That is a wrap of our favourites of 2022 and hopefully, in all our hungry ramblings, we have inspired you to find your latest oh-my-god-give-me-ten-of-these item.
Feature image by Ashley St George of Pew Pew Studio
