We all crave a certain comfort food when we are feeling down, under the weather or just looking for a pick-me-up. It is food that provides a nostalgic or sentimental value and is quite often characterised by its high-caloric nature and association to childhood or home cooking.
Ultimate Aussie comfort food choices include everyone’s fave chicken parmigiana, barbequed snags, lamingtons, a burger with the lot and the humble meat pie…here are five venues to get a comfort food fix:
Family Cooking Techniques & Recipes
Meaning ‘good time’ in Thai, that’s what you can expect when you dine at Weladee Thai Restaurant on Main Road in Wellington Point. This Brisbane dining destination boasts a pink façade and alfresco area for soaking up rays on balmy days; while indoors exudes stylish charm with an eye-catching wall mural, blond table settings and caged pendent globes casting a subtle glow over guests.
From a menu incorporating family cooking techniques and recipes, find comfort in a steaming bowl of spicy and sour tom yum soup with prawns, lemongrass, mushroom and tomato; followed by a warming Thai green chicken curry, with steamed rice and roti bread.
Fish & Chips Re-imagined
Ocean and Paddock on Middleton Road in Albany is the humble Aussie fish and chip shop re-imagined offering a daily changing seasonal menu showcasing the best local, sustainable produce. You can’t miss the bright blue façade giving way to a shabby chic interior vibe of blue and white tiled floors, recycled timber and whitewashed walls, covered in an eclectic mix of artwork.
Settle in to check out a menu voted Western Australia’s Best Fish and Chips, along with three WA Fisheries Industry Council Awards; perhaps crumbed Albany blue groper, chips and a garden salad on the side with housemade balsamic dressing, hits the mark.
Chinese with a Pan-Asian Twist
Classic Chinese with a Pan-Asian twist is what you will find on the menu at Madam Choi on Lawrence Hargrave Drive in Thirroul. A rustic vibe of recycled timber, bi-fold windows and subtle lighting awaits indoors along with traditional Chinese decorations, ideal for lingering over a meal with family and friends.
Using fresh ingredients and housemade pastes, expect comforting starters such as classic chicken and sweet corn soup, before Chef’s signature coconut and lime curry with chicken, steamed rice and a side of duck spring rolls and dipping sauce.
One Pot, One World
One pot, one world is what you’ll find on the menu at Dolar Shop Hot Pot on Hay Street in Haymarket. Located in the dining precinct level of Market City, take time out from retail therapy to refuel and recharge at this stylish restaurant named after the Chinese term embodying the people’s willingness to work hard to gather prosperity, fortune and never turn down opportunities.
Hot pots are one of the most beloved and comforting ways of dining in Chinese culture - from prime short rib to Boston lobster and pork shoulder collar there is a bowl of goodness to tempt all palates, along with sides of steamed rice and pancakes.
Outstanding Indonesia Fare
If you crave outstanding Indonesian fare created with love, try Yuni’s Kitchen on High Street in Northcote. Nestled in an historic building, this fun and funky restaurant is a hidden gem as guests gather in vibrant surrounds of red and teal walls, Balinese statues and recycled wooden furniture; setting a chilled-out vibe for enjoying dishes made from scratch using premium local produce.
Embark on your flavoursome journey with soft and pillowy corn and coriander fritters with sambal, or vegetable spring rolls and dipping sauce; move on to comforting mains such as everyone’s favourite beef rendang curry, with turmeric and coconut rice.
