There’s a reason certain dishes are called comfort food and sometimes it is the high calorific count that adds the comfort to your meal. When you’re feeling down, hungry and sad at the world – here are five of our faves to get your comfort food fix:
For the best pho in Bendigo head to Nem Vietnamese Street Food on Condon Street in Kennington. This authentic restaurant exudes a warm and welcoming vibe ideal for family gatherings or catchups with friends, in surrounds of potted greenery, statement pendent lights and tantalising aromas of North Vietnamese fare wafting from the kitchen.
From crunchy bahn mi filled with roasted crispy pork belly to an aromatic bowl of beef and chicken pho, there is nothing more comforting than authentic Vietnamese fare; perhaps delve into a fragrant jasmine rice bowl with grilled lemongrass and chilli chicken, slaw and soy sauce.
Find the best chicken experience Bayside has to offer at Melbourne Charcoal Chicken on Victoria Avenue in Albert Park. This family-owned and operated business was originally established more than 30 years ago with the aim of serving freshly cooked chicken, ready to go for a quick and easy weeknight dinner; or join the locals in this quirky little venue for a laugh and delicious meal.
With housemade marinade stuffing, mouth-watering seasonings, roasted vegetables and a range of fresh salads, you can’t go wrong – just add chicken – or chow down on chicken schnitzel burger, with lettuce, tomato, mayo and a side of sweet potatoes and sour cream.
Roti, but not as you know it, is what has Ultimo foodies returning time and again to Kafe Kooks on Mountain Street. Step into a chilled-out vibe of trailing greenery, polished concrete and neon signage to experience a taste of Asia on the plate, from fresh roti to classic breakfast and lunch wraps and curries.
Kook start your day with classic sarang burung with housemade sambal, bacon, eggs and mushrooms or devour Korean fried chicken, kimchi, daikon, carrot, ssamjang and Kewpie mayonnaise.
Find the Gold Coast’s first and only dedicated Belgian restaurant at Bridges MD – Belgian Dining on Thrower Drive in Currumbin. Providing a slice of unique culture, history and tradition, along with a selection of more than 40 Belgian beers, settle into rustic surrounds of wine barrels, wrought iron furniture and trailing greenery to peruse a menu of authentic and traditional cuisine served with love.
When it comes to classic Belgian comfort dishes, it is hard to go past steamed mussels with white wine, golden shallots, cream and garlic, before mains such as meatballs with a Provencale sauce of tomatoes, onion, garlic and fresh herbs.
Stop by Melbourne’s premier Southeast Asian dining destination, Chin Chin's At Koto Moon on Rathdowne Street in Carlton North for the best of the best fare from Thailand, Malaysia, Japan and China…with a twist! The ideal venue for any occasion, settle into plush surrounds of red feature walls, adorned with authentic accents, in the functions area; polished wood floors and cane table settings in the main dining room, or dine alfresco on balmy nights under twinkling fairy lights.
For more than 25 years, Chef Jimmy DeChiem has created dishes you simply won’t find anywhere else; think Hokkien noodles, roast duck, spinach, wombok, red capsicum and spring onion, or massaman beef curry, steamed rice and roti bread.
