One-pot cooking is a beloved tradition across cultures, offering simplicity, comfort and deep flavour.
From cassoulet, a rich, slow-cooked dish of beans and meats, to Morocco’s fragrant tagine - named after the clay vessel it’s cooked in - these meals are designed to feed families with ease and warmth.
In Korea. jjigae stews like kimchi jjigae bubble with spice and umami, while Japan’s nabe (hot pot) invites communal dining straight from the pot.
Closer to home, Australia embraces these global favourites while adding its own twist - think slow-cooked lamb shanks or one-pot pumpkin curry.
One-pot dishes not only celebrate efficiency and sustainability but also the communal joy of gathering around a shared meal, no matter the origin.
Here are five Chef-hatted venues to discover one pot wonder:
Showcasing a passion for modern Asian fare, Honeysuckle Restaurant on Ballinger Road in Buderim is the place to go for East Asian flavours, fused with Australian ingredients. This cosy restaurant, housed in a white-clad building with a stunning alfresco area ideal for soaking up Sunshine Coast sun, blends aqua-polished tiles with sleek white lines and cane pendent lighting to emulate a laid-back vibe.
From a menu designed for sharing, delve into a mala hot pot with beef cheek, vermicelli, mushrooms, snake beans, tomato and crispy chilli oil, guaranteed to deliver heat, depth and a little numbing magic, best enjoyed with a glass of Pinot Noir.
Take a well-deserved hiatus after a busy day sightseeing in Sunshine Coast’s Maroochydore and head to Orleans Restaurant and Bar on Duporth Avenue. Recycled timber, mood lighting, pressed tin and exposed bricks come together to create a relaxed and modern dining environment, with a hint of old-world charm.
Drawing inspiration from the classics of New Orleans cuisine and finished with a modern French twist, a creative menu dishes up plates like seafood gumbo with spiced rice, prawns, mussels, fish, Andouille sausage, Moreton Bay bug and garlic bread – the ultimate seafood one pot wonder!
Embark on a gastronomic journey of fine French food at its best at L’isle de France Terrigal on Ena Street. Soak up expansive ocean views from inside and out at this classically chic venue, where a full glass frontage lets in natural light and white-clothed tables, napery and candles set an intimate ambience, ideal for lingering over dinner with someone special.
Named after Mauritius, this restaurant embodies the diverse culinary heritage of the French island – think traditional and authentic one-pot offerings such as 12-hour slow-cooked boeuf Bourguignon with Wagyu beef cheeks, carrot puree, Dutch carrots, onions and jus de caisson.
The Chinese Dragon King of the Sea has arrived in Brisbane in the form of new dining destination, Longwang on Edward Street. With roots in Chinese mythology, the name Longwang is a homage to the revered Dragon King – a fitting moniker for Queensland’s first Asian bar and restaurant by seafood virtuoso, Michael Tassis and celebrated Chef, Jason Margaritis.
Custom-built over two storeys in what was a laneway between two buildings, Longwang boasts a private dining area, Chef’s Table and open-air bar – settle in and indulge the senses with the ultimate one-pot wonder – a massaman lamb shoulder curry with potato, shallots, lime and peanuts.
Culinary traditions meet modern innovation in a symphony of flavours embodying the essence of authentic Japanese cuisine at Ippin Japanese Dining at West Village in West End. This Brisbane restaurant is renowned for curating a remarkable dining experience taking you on an immersive journey into the soul of Japanese gastronomy in elegant surrounds, where every dish tells a story of tradition, innovation and culinary excellence.
There is nothing more one pot than Japanese shabu shabu – dip your spoon into King crab or Australian Wagyu with seasonal vegetables, tofu and steamed rice – before an indulgent dessert like matcha crème brûlée to finish a memorable dining experience.
