Flour, water, heat - and a whole world of comfort. In the hands of the right Chef, a humble flatbread or pancake transcends its simple ingredients and becomes the backbone of a cuisine. These five venues don’t just serve bread and crepes on the side - they build entire menus around them.
From flaky roti to rich, savoury hotcakes, here’s where to go when you want flavour folded, stacked or stuffed into something seriously satisfying.
Kathmandu Kitchen Nepalese & Tibetan Restaurant -
Kingscliff, NSW
Set along scenic Marine Parade, Kathmandu Kitchen immerses you in Himalayan
hospitality. Red and yellow interiors pulse with energy, while lanterns glow
and murals of mountain life tell stories as vibrant as the dishes served.
The menu leans heavily into Nepalese flatbreads - handmade
sherpa bread arrives hot and pillowy, flavoured with chilli cheese or garlic
and herbs. It’s perfect for scooping up a nutty butter chicken or savoury duck
curry and can be ordered as part of a platter with traditional Nepalese dips.
This isn’t just bread - it’s a centrepiece.
Make your next meal a journey to the Himalayas - book your table at Kathmandu
Kitchen.
Banana Leaf Restaurant - Canberra CBD, ACT
Inside this moody, mask-adorned space on Akuna Street, Banana Leaf delivers the
heat, depth and diversity of Sri Lankan cuisine with flair. Traditional
influences meet modern plating in a celebration of heritage and bold flavours.
Don’t miss the kothu roti - a dish of shredded godamba roti
stir-fried with egg, onion, chilli and spices. It’s crispy, chewy and
impossibly moreish, often stealing the spotlight from more expected mains. Pair
it with a side of curry-glazed duck and you’ve got a meal with serious soul.
Take your tastebuds on a cultural trip - dine at Banana Leaf and discover kothu
like no other.
District Brewer - Bentleigh, Vic
This breezy neighbourhood café on Brewer Road proves that pancakes don’t have
to come drenched in maple syrup to be special. At District Brewer, the humble
hotcake gets a creative twist, starring in both sweet and savoury forms that
light up breakfast and brunch menus alike.
The hotcake sandwich is a must - thick, fluffy pancakes
layered with mixed berry compote, seasonal fruit and a house crumble topping.
It's brunch indulgence with texture, colour and balance and it’s just the
right side of decadent.
Start your morning on a sweet note - swing by District Brewer for pancake
perfection.
GurTaj Indian - Collaroy, NSW
With more than 25 years of North Indian culinary excellence, GurTaj is a staple
in Collaroy’s dining scene. Step into warm wooden interiors and you’ll be
greeted with dishes that stick close to tradition and honour the classics.
Bread is taken seriously here. From garlic naan to stuffed
tandoori flatbreads filled with cheese, chilli or lamb mince, each one is
crisp-edged and blistered to perfection. Ideal for pairing with slow-cooked
seafood curries or creamy makhni chicken, this is comfort food in its most
elemental form.
Book a table at GurTaj and taste the tandoor at its finest.
Indian Curry Junction - Cashmere, Qld
Hidden away in Brisbane’s leafy suburb of Cashmere, Indian Curry Junction is a
gem for lovers of North Indian cooking done right. With an emphasis on rich
spices and classic techniques, the menu delivers crowd favourites with flair.
Flatbreads are front and centre - roti, garlic naan, Kashmiri
naan stuffed with fruit and nuts and keema naan filled with spiced mince all
steal the spotlight. Whether you’re mopping up butter chicken or going solo
with a dip selection, these breads are essential to the experience.
Make your next curry night unforgettable - head to Indian Curry Junction.
Whether it’s crisp-edged, soft-centred or stuffed with spice, there’s something timeless about flatbreads, pancakes and crepes. These restaurants remind us that sometimes, the most humble components make the most unforgettable meals.
