Charnie’s Noodles & Dumplings, Charnwood, an expert in a classic style!

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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.
Charnie's Noodles and Dumplings Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Taj Agra Dickson – still a good option for Indian food

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The Taj Agra, in Dickson still offers good food at reasonable prices ($18.50-$19.50 for mains, rice $3, breads $3.50-$4.50) in a carpeted quiet setting.

It also offers Canberra Entertainment Card holers a 25% disount and corkage is well priced.

Taj Agra Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Lunch @Space.Kitchen, Woden – such eating fun!

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Eating at Space is just the greatest eating fun!

The dishes are such works of art – an instagrammers delight!

So what better place could there be for a Canberra Food Blogger lunch.

Two of us shared the SPACE BENEDICT Pulled pork croquettes, beetroot hollandaise, poached eggs, corn bread & pea puree $18.90…

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…and the HOTCAKES Blueberry ricotta hotcakes, coconut ice cream, passion fruit & HOTCAKES Blueberry ricotta hotcakes, coconut ice cream, passion fruit & verbena custard, meringue 17.9, meringue $17.90…

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These hotcakes are just so amazing! The passion fruit sauce and verbena custard is delicious along with the meringue and coconut ice-cream, nicely paced with the plainer but still yummy, hotcakes. They just look so different to the first time I had them about 10 months ago on the first day Space opened!

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It’s just great that the favourites remain on the menu but keep reinventing themselves!

The other bloggers were also very pleased with their choice of CALAMARI Sumac spiced calamari, carrot hummus, quinoa tabouli & dill creme fraiche $19.90.

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It’s great to see Space as popular as ever and even though I can’t get there as much these days, I love it when I do!

Space Kitchen Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Ona on the Lawns, Manuka – lovely for lunch

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Ona on the Lawns in Manuka has a lovely spot for sitting out in the good weather.

I liked the relaxed service, the all day menu and that it was easy to share.

The coffee is great…

…and the trout salad $21 with torn Baguette, Jeruselum artichoke puree and trout fantastic, cherry tomatoes, zuchini nad gremolata is wonderful!


Still on my Wishlist are the Gouda and Potato Fritters $17 with poached eggs, corn, snowpea tendrils, coriander, aioli and lime….

…and the Fruit toast with mandarin ricotta and honey $11.

Open every day:

Mon – Fri 7am – 3.30pm

Sat – Sun 8am – 3pm
Ona on the Lawns Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Penny University, Kingston, two brilliant lunch choices @pennyuniversitycoffeeroasters

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It wasn’t easy to pick just two choices to share for lunch at Penny University, but the Chilli Scrambles $18 and the Roasted Cauliflower Salad $23 were wonderful and  memorable dishes!


The Chilli Scrambles – eggs with fresh soy beans and shitake  mushrooms  scrambled in tau ban chilli and served with a  shallot pancake and bean sprout salad was spicy and delicious!


The warm Roasted Cauliflower Salad with grains, herbs, baby spinach and crunchy roasted chick peas, preserved lemon and honey yogurt, hazelnut sukkah and pomegranate, had perfect  crunch and some gorgeous spices – cinnamon, cloves maybe allspice? It was a lovely dish too.


I love the all day menu and  that you can book for lunch.

Firmly on my favourites list!
Penny University Coffee Roasters Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Taste of Bangladesh, Manuka – I still love it!

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It’s been nearly 18 months since I discovered Taste of Bangladesh in Manuka and I still love it!

The prices are still absolutlely amazing – curries start at $14, rice and breads are about $3, entrees $7-9, sides $2-3, desserts $4.50 and BYO corkage for wine or beer is free!

Shafique has cooked at many Canberra restaurants and it’s easy to see his great passion for sharing his dishes.

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..and Gary does a great job of looking after the floor and is just such a nice guy too…

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I’ve got my favourites that are still hard to beat …but lately I’ve tried a few others.

Entrees:

I think my favourite is the samosas..two for $7…I love the crisp shell and the flavours and texture of the filling.

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Next would be the Onion Bhaji (onion fritters) …four for $7…so great to share with a group of four or more (you can always ask Shafique to add extra for $1.75 each).

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Then the Palak Papdi Chaat $9 – crispy spinach fritters on a potato salad with tamarind and yogurt

And then the chicken tikka $10 for four pieces

But I just love the Cheese and Spinach Naan $3.50 each…I always have to get that and it would make afine entree with some Raita $3.50 (yogurt and cucumber dip)

..I like it more than the Garlic Naan  $3 (which is also pillowy soft if your prefer a plainer bread)..

Mains

I still love the Chicken Dum Murgh $15.50 and the Fish Bengali best $16.50…

…but I am also a fan of the Beef dishes like Handi Dum Beef or Bhoona Beef $15 and the Khadi Lamb $16 is great too…

The Coconut Prawn or Fish Curry $16.50 are good…

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…and for variety the Palak Paneer $14 is great and the Dal Makani also good $14 and there’s the eggplant marsala $14 ( a bit like Fish Bengali but without the fish (which I prefer)..

…and rice $3 per serve

Sides are very inexpensive too like the kachumber $3 if you like a bit of salad with your meal.

And even if you can’t fit anything else in…a little Mango Kulfi $4.50 to share is a perfect way to end the evening.

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Open every night for dinner, it’s upstairs in the Style Arcade Manuka.

(Lunch bookings also available).

Best spot for parking is the Medical Centre on Furneaux Street, then just walk down Palmerston Lane.

Taste of Bangladesh Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

 

 

Happy Hour at The Pedler, Campbell 

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The Pedler has happy hour 4-6 pm every day!

…offering Beaumont Chardonnay and Cabernet Merlot for $5 a glass.

The Flatbread $13 with grilled zucchini, goats curd, grilled shallots and dried chilli is just so very good. The flavours just go so well together, it’s delicious. Such a great value, tasty nibble to share with a drink and I’m glad it’s till on the new menu.

And the new menu has this equally delicious Pan Fried Haloumi $15  with red onoin jam, Pedro Ximenez glaze and fresh oregano served on a garlic crostini (which is yummy!)

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…and I just love the friendly casual service!

If you end up staying longer, there’s some great looking mains that are very well priced!
The Pedlar Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Maple & Clove @MapleandClove

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Maple and Clove in the Hotel Realm precinct is a lovely spot with a clean eating menu that’s delicious.

The decor is attractive with both indoor and outdoor seating.

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The menu includes….
BERRY SMOOTHIE Coconut water, strawberries, cranberries, blueberries, banana + dates $9

SAVOURY SPELT WAFFLE
Wholemeal spelt, zucchini and sweet corn waffles served with smoked salmon, smashed avocado, and slow cooked eggs $20


EGGS ON TOAST
Poached, scrambled or fried on your choice of seeded rye or white sourdough $13.50 plus a side of avocado….


…and TWO SLICES OF TOAST $7.50 With butter and preserves
Available in white sourdough, seeded rye or fruit and nut bread

There’s also ready to go sandwiches for $10.90.

It’s busy, but you can book.
Open weekdays & weekends for coffee, breakfast and lunch, it has an all day breakfast menu. For smaller appetites, it’s easy to share a dish.

Maple & Clove Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Little Bird, Barton – a second look! @littlebirdbarton

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Having enjoyed Little Bird so much the first visit, it was time to go back and try a few more of the dishes on my wishlist.

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The Reuben Toasted Sandwich $11.90 was absolutely delicious and very generously sized….

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…with Corned beef, sauerkraut, pickles and swiss cheese

This was great to share with the Slow-roasted pumpkin salad with caramelised beetroot, avocado, lentils, fetta, almonds and sumac yoghurt $17.50.

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Next time I’ve got my eye on the Grilled chicken breast salad and the roast pumpkin toasted sandwich with field mushrooms, basil pesto and feta.

Little Bird Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Hoi Polloi – a first look @hoipolloioph

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The Hoi Polloi, has a lovely, prime heritage position at Old Parliment House.

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Dining there is a treat.

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Wine by the glass is well priced.

There’s an option of small plates like the Hot smoked trout…

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..with green apple, fennel, red sorrel and yogurt $12 (you can also get a larger serve for $16)….

….or larger bites like the Hoi Polloi Burger $19.50 on a mik bun with pickled beetroot, cheddar cheese, pineapple and fries.

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There’re also daily specials worth checking out like Fridays Cheese or Charcuterie Board and a glass of wine for $20.

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Open daily for lunch 11:30-2:00pm.

Hoi Polloi Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato