Some meals are best shared, but others? They’re deeply personal. The kind of dishes you don’t want to split, because every forkful feels like it was made just for you. These five venues know how to deliver comfort in its most concentrated form - served hot, bold and perfectly portioned.
Whether it’s a steaming bowl of curry or a nostalgic bite from the streets of Mumbai, here’s where solo servings are a flavour-packed affair.
Jewel of India - Manuka, ACT
Step inside Jewel of India in Manuka and you’ll be welcomed into a space of
rich blues and crisp white linen that whispers understated elegance. Recently
refreshed, this Canberra mainstay blends the traditional with the contemporary,
offering a menu that honours time-tested recipes while giving them just the
right twist for modern palates.
When it comes to comfort, the Goan fish curry is a
standout - a coconut-laced blend of spices that’s equal parts warmth and
complexity - or brave the beef vindaloo, where heat and tang play off tender
meat in perfect balance. Served with rice, garlic naan and papadums, it’s a
dish that doesn’t need company to feel complete.
Treat yourself to a solo feast that hits every note - book your table now.
The Clove Indian Restaurant - Coogee, NSW
With more than two decades behind it, The Clove in Coogee knows how to serve up
soul food that satisfies. This beachside spot offers calm sophistication with
crisp white tablecloths and views out to the sea breeze, making it just as
perfect for solo diners as it is for family nights out.
Take a solo trip to Flavour Town with the goat
rezella - slow-cooked, deeply aromatic and spiced with precision. For
something with kick, the beef vindaloo comes in swinging with heat, vinegar and
a depth of spice that lingers. Add a sweet finish of avocado kulfi or syrupy
gulab jamun and you’ve got comfort locked down.
Ready for your own spice adventure? Make your Coogee booking now.
Chai-n-Chilli - Melbourne CBD, Vic
In the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, Chai-n-Chilli brings vegetarian Indian street
food to life with vibrancy and soul. Think lush green feature walls, punchy
murals and a menu where every dish is crafted with love and intent. It's a
laid-back space that invites you to slow down and savour.
Start with the crispy samosas - spiced mash, peas and lentils
wrapped in golden pastry and paired with tangy tamarind sauce. For a real
taste of indulgence, opt for the chole kulche: a comforting duo of
chickpeas and soft white bread, scattered with onions, spice and a spritz of
lime. It’s the perfect street-style feed, no passport required.
Craving comfort and colour? Pull up a seat and dig in.
Penguin House – Asian Fusion Restaurant - Penguin, Tas
Just off the coast road in seaside Penguin, this hidden gem packs a punch with
its fusion of Asian street food favourites and bold, modern flavours. Penguin
House is vibrant, with neon signage and lush greenery setting the mood for a
relaxed yet flavourful dining experience.
When you’re after a dish that ticks every comfort box, the
massaman beef curry is it - brisket slow-cooked to melt-in-the-mouth perfection
with creamy coconut, potatoes, green beans and cashews. Served with jasmine
rice, it’s hearty, satisfying and layered with richness.
Warm up with a bowl of brilliance - Penguin House is calling.
Medan Ciak Mascot - Mascot, NSW
Bringing the heat of Indonesia to Mascot, Medan Ciak is all about honest,
homespun food with bold flavours and plenty of punch. The vibe is fresh and
energetic, with orange accents and boxed greenery creating a bright oasis to
settle into solo dining.
The mie goreng here is a knockout - stir-fried noodles tangled
with BBQ pork, prawns, Chinese sausage, egg and vegetables in a sticky, spicy
glaze. It’s got everything you need in one bowl: crunch, chew, umami and a
touch of heat. No sharing needed.
Take yourself out for noodles worth remembering - grab a seat at Medan Ciak.
Comfort food isn’t about excess - it’s about satisfaction. These dishes deliver big flavour in tidy, thoughtful portions. Whether you’re flying solo or just in the mood for something you don’t have to share, these are the places where one plate really is enough.
