Fun, frenetic and extremely delicious: a Melbourne mall eatery that evokes a Taiwanese night market
At Kitchen Republik in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, the savoury soy milk, beef-filled pancakes and fried buns are top orders. Just make sure your handwriting is neat.
Kathmandu Newa Chhe’n, Brisbane: Where the chips chilli comes as hot as you like
The restaurant may be located in a Queenslander house in inner-city Brisbane. But inside it evokes Nepal – and those in the know ask for the special menu
Yemendi, Sydney: the Yemeni restaurant where every table orders the fluffy spiced rice
In the city’s southern suburbs, mandi – the star ‘mixed rice dish’ of Yemeni cuisine – is a top order. But the most transportive experience is downstairs
Ammachi’s Table, Melbourne: where the bain-marie is a choose-your-own-curry adventure
In this modest suburban eatery, diners – many from the city’s Malaysian community – come for the thali, roti and Kerala lamb curry. On the weekends, the biryani is a must order
Yeshi Buna, Brisbane: the Ethiopian restaurant where combination platters are everything
In a south Brisbane suburb that’s home to a number of east African eateries, Yeshi Buna is known for its spongey injera, expansive vegan options and homely atmosphere
Yeodongsik, Sydney: The Korean ‘hangover soup’ restaurant with only 11 menu items
There are more than a dozen Korean food options in Lidcombe, in Sydney’s west, but diners queue up for Yeodongsik’s specialty: lightly seasoned bone-based soups.
Tom Toon Thai Noodle Cafe, Melbourne: 23 kinds of papaya salad in the quiet end of Abbotsford
With Isan specialties, a rich, fragrant kway teow neua and an extensive selection of som tum, this Melbourne Thai restaurant is worthy of repeat visits
