The takeaway style of Drunken Tiger means the team is focussed on speed and flavour. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
The city and Braddon are well loved as culinary destinations and even the Woden town centre is getting cool! But Canberra’s suburbs are also full of incredible food from neighbourhood takeaway joints to authentic multicultural experiences. For casual dining in Canberra, the suburbs can’t be beaten! Here are a few of our favourites.
Drunken Tiger, Melba
The team behind Cafe Mamé launched its Asian takeaway shop Drunken Tiger late last year and has grown a steady local (and loyal) following. Unshackled by a single cuisine, the team is equally comfortable pumping out Pad Thai, Dan Dan Noodles, Chinese Sausage Fried Rice and Korean Fried Chicken. Lunchtime dishes come as single-serve rice bowls for a lunch on the go. I’m looking forward to returning to taste Kay’s Laksa and the Lady Finger and Coconut Sago dessert. The residents of Melba are lucky to have Jiwoo and Amy Kim in their neighbourhood.
Scullin shops are thriving. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Muku Ramen Bar, Scullin
Rina Miyata pays homage to her Hokkaido roots at Muku. The menu is plant based but non-vegans will find plenty to love: the flavours are bold and elements are all handmade with care by Rina and her team. The ramen options available are rooted in the traditions of shojin ryori: Japanese temple food eaten by Buddhist, Zen and Shinto monks. Don’t miss the cheese and potato mochi and save room for dessert. Muku joins the thriving community atmosphere at Scullin shops: Sweet Bones’ second location is just two doors down and a great brunch option.
Little Lanka, Franklin
For authentic Sri Lankan cuisine you’ve got to get yourself onto the light rail and head to Little Lanka in Franklin. The Katale Gedara family is dishing up favourites including egg hoppers, biryani and fragrant curries. The cosy restaurant only seats a few patrons but the team does a roaring takeaway trade too! Lamprais – a lunchbox-style dish dating from Sri Lanka’s Dutch colonial era – is perfect for one person, or choose a range of curries along with pan rolls and roti to share among friends.
Chef and owner of Little Lanka Nelson Katale Gedara has more than 30 years’ experience. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Raijin, Mackellar
Local Japanese restaurant Raijin in Mackellar is beloved by those who know it. The cosy space is run by a team which provides excellent and friendly service. Classic Japanese dishes including udon noodles, sashimi, curries and tempura are on offer. Raijin also offers vegan and gluten-free menus. And in winter the team brings out its deadly spicy Devil Ramen: a favourite of heat seekers from across Canberra!
Two Blind Mice, Curtin
Bringing life back to the Curtin shops at night time, Two Blind Mice offers casual dining with proper grown-up food. It specialises in woodfired pizzas and Italian dishes such as Fettucine Carbonara and Risotto Milanese: saffron risotto with veal ossobuco (talk about chef’s kiss!). The smaller bites and nibbles are perfect for catching up with groups of friends around a cosy booth or under the lights in the airy courtyard. The drinks list is on point with a range of local beers, wines and a strong cocktail offering.
Two Blind Mice at Curtin shops specialises in woodfired pizzas. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
Rama’s, Pearce
Rama’s is a Canberra institution. Plain and simple. The Pearce restaurant has been serving Fiji Indian cuisine since 1991. Co-owner Mini Gaunder has welcomed generations of Canberrans through the doors and has a knack for remembering returning customers. Co-owners and chefs Daya Gaunder and Parsu Ram have seen more than a million curries leave the kitchen over the years so it’s clear they are experts!
What are the suburban gems in your part of Canberra? Let us know in the comments!
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