As the days get crisper and the nights get frostier, times like these require warming, hearty comfort from our favourite foods and drinks. Here’s a list of some top spots to defrost your fingers and warm up your bellies!
Comfort food:
Pho Phu Quoc
5 Badham Street, Dickson
This authentic Dickson venue is perfect for some hearty, traditional Vietnamese soup (pho)! The beef noodle soup or egg noodle soup is perfect, served steaming hot in a large bowl filled with chilli (if you wish), herbs, noodles, broth and most importantly, all things delicious! And with most meals under $20, pho isn’t a huge dent in the budget!
Lilotang
1 Burbury Close, Barton (Located in Burberry Hotel & Apartments)
Not wanting to leave the warmth of your office for lunch? Lilotang makes the dreaded trip all worthwhile with its $18 Bento Box options. The chicken Katsu with Japanese Curry will have you licking your bowl clean, and comes with little sides such as salad. Try this indulgent lunch when you’re having those hump day blues about that sad ham and cheese sandwich you made for lunch!
Rama’s Fijian Indian
Corner of Macfarland and Hodgson Crescent, Pearce
Rama’s is basically a Canberra institution, if you haven’t tried it yet – you’re seriously missing out. The Chicken Korma is a standout dish for locals, cooked with fresh spices and a rich creamy sauce that will transport you straight to India. And one of its specialty dishes, the Aamm Chicken (mango chicken), is a must-try if you’re after that authentic experience, served in a sweet mango sauce. Rama’s also has plenty of warming dish options for Vegetarians also, including delicious curries!
Adult-only drinks:
Honkytonks
17 Garema Place, Civic
Honkytonks is my go-to place for all things alcoholic and warming. The mulled wine and ciders will have you dreaming of Après skiing in the European Alps or even at Thredbo. With an amazing hot mug nestled in your hands, you instantly feel your nose warm up at the scent of oranges, cinnamon, apple and spices.
Molly
35-37 London Circuit, Canberra
This hidden underground bar is the perfect spot for a drink on a cold Canberra night. Molly has an array of whiskies to warm you up, and also cocktails if that’s more your thing! Grab a booth and enjoy the soft music in the background, as it takes you back in time while you sip away. And if you’ve got the nibbles, there’s delectable charcuterie on the menu too!
Hot beverages:
Koko Black
The Canberra Centre, Bunda Street, Civic
A warming drink list is not complete without mentioning Koko Black. The options are endless at this chocolatier, with original Belgian Hot Chocolates or flavours like chilli, hazelnut or mocha to mix things up. And if you’re feeling super adventurous why not try a hot chocolate affogato or the espresso version – for that perfect blend of hot and cold!
40 Marcus Clarke Street, Civic
21 Bougainville St, Griffith
With two locations, Pâtissez is sure to satisfy your winter comfort needs. You are spoilt for choice with its ever-changing warm FreakShakes, such as the Muddy Patty, served as an indulgent hot chocolate with a chocolate brownie, whipped cream, hot fudge sauce and a house-made toasted marshmallow – this one is definitely not for the faint hearted! Or try out its supercharged Dark Hot Chocolate, also served with a house-made toasted marshmallow.
Harvest
40 Marcus Clarke Street, Civic
Harvest, nestled in the city landscape, is secretly serving up some of the best chai lattes in Canberra. The blend of spices will melt away your winter worries and leave you feeling toasty and content.
Monster Kitchen & Bar
25 Edinburgh Ave, NewActon
For the chai tea in a pot version, Monster Kitchen & Bar has you covered. Rug up on a big, rustic leather couch by the toasty open fire, and enjoy your delicious chai tea in a generous pot to share (or keep it all for yourself!).
Sweet Bones Bakery
Shop 8/18 Lonsdale Street, Braddon
Although Sweet Bones is a vegan café, it certainly caters for all the non-vegans out there too with cows milk, soy and almond milk options. It’s pot of chai seems endless, with cup after cup of delicious cinnamon-y goodness to thaw your mind and body.
