The Claypot Chef has been on my wishlist ever since Karen Really Likes Food did that magnificent piece on Chef Udaya.

Now that the warm weather is here, it was a perfect time to head to the Farrer Shops to sit out front with a lovely no corkage BYO wine and a bunch of friends to share some of the best Sri Lankan food I’ve ever had.

When we arrived Udaya was busy in the kitchen preparing that Sri Lankan signature dish Kothu Roti. The sound of chopping on the hot plate brought back many fond travel memories.

However, Udaya is the consummate host and he quickly arrived at our table with wine and water glasses and complimentary pappadoms. In fact he keep the water filled all night and returned with more pappadoms.

Based on our past enjoyment and Karen’s recommendations – we chose for our group of six, one dish each of the Green Bean Curry $11 with spices and coconut milk…

…Sri Lankan Black Pork Curry $17…..

…Devilled Chicken $15….

…one large rice $3…..

…one roti each $2 each…

And we doubled up on then Lamprias, that classic Dutch Burger Sri Lankan lunch box in a banana leaf oven-baked with a pork/chicken, a fish ball, deep fried egg, potato, eggplant, seeni sambol and spiced rice – delicious!

The real stand out stars were the Pork and Green Bean curries, roti and Lamprias. Udaya also arrived with some complimentary Coconut Sambol (usually $5) which was a perfect condiment – I will get that every time!

Nothing was too much trouble for Udaiya and to complete our meal he brought us some complimentary traditional Portuguese settler inspired Love Cakes – delicious!

We had food left (may have only needed one Lamprais) all for less than $16 per person.

Claypot Chef has won a firm spot on my top favourites in Canberra.

Do drop by over Summer and try it for yourself.

Closed Mondays and Christmas to 11 January for a break – Claypot Chef is usually open Tues to Thurs for dinner 4-8pm and Fri-Sun 10-8pm for lunch and dinner.

Take-away is also hugely popular.

Phone: 62868081 or 0404074440

Finding myself in Canberra’s far north for work last week, I consulted the Canberra Food Bloggers for any nearby ‘do not miss’ spots for lunch.

Unanimously they agreed that I must not miss this opportunity to experience Charnie’s Noodles and Dumplings, a favourite!

And indeed Charnie’s is a specialist in that heritage classic Aussie Chinese takeaway style.

Large serves of deliciousness are very affordable, rice is cheap at $2 per person and you can take along your bottle of wine  at no charge if you want to eat in.

All this service comes with the friendliness and welcome of Sophia and her team who love to see their customers happy.

A steady stream of regulars is a testimony to its popularity with locals.

A very kind man allowed my to photograph one of this favourites chicken fritters with plum sauce $13.80

Sophia apologised for the extra $2 price rise on lamb dishes, but boy was it worth it. The Lamb Satay $17.80 was exceptional, tender slices of flavoursome lamb.

The chicken with ginger and shallots was also very good $14.80, but it was very hard to beat that lamb.

The pork and coriander dumplings $13.80 was soft and tasty, but knowing now that the steamed version comes in a broth I’d like to go back and try the fried….much easier for sharing.

Being so tasty and large, one serve from Charnie’s will go a long way, making it very affordable.

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 12 noon until late, closed Mondays.

A real local suburban gem continuing a uniquely Aussie classic cuisine and culture that’s well worth enjoying and supporting.