For those with discerning tastes and a hunger for culinary exploration, the landscape of Australian dining is rich with hidden gems and intriguing flavours. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant spices of African cuisine or the comforting embrace of authentic Asian fare, a culinary adventure awaits at venues where every bite tells a story. Prepare your taste buds for an exciting journey through unique settings and unforgettable dishes that will introduce you to flavours you didn’t know you loved yet.
Sahara Restaurant - Kensington, VIC
Authentic and delicious African and Mediterranean food awaits hungry Kensington diners at Sahara Restaurant on Macaulay Road. Expect a stylish vibe of geometric pendant lighting, dark wood table settings, traditional artefacts and accents as you peruse a 100% halal menu that tempts all palates. Start your extraordinary culinary adventure with Sahara chicken wings or falafels served with tahini sauce, before exploring mains such as slow-cooked lamb infused with African spices alongside steaming rice, garden salad and chapati. For those craving something different, the Somalian chicken stir-fry with mushrooms and onions might just hit the mark, or share a mixed grill brimming with lamb kofta, shish chicken and lamb paired with salad, rice, tzatziki and chilli. Vegetarians can revel in the wadani—a delightful medley of corn, beans, and capsicum served with rice, salad and pita bread.
Culinary highlights abound at Sahara, but the lamb shoulder, tender and bursting with flavour, truly stands out. Each slow-cooked bite is complemented by a side of soft chapati that serves as the ideal vessel for mopping up the individual spices of the dish. This restaurant invites you to experience the vibrancy of African cuisine, making for a delightful cultural rendezvous. Whether you choose to share or savour a meal solo, every dish paints a portrait of the rich flavours created in their kitchen.
Book your table now and embark on this culinary journey.
The Old Salt Bush - Broken Hill, NSW
Serving exceptional cuisine within a beautiful, intimate setting, Broken Hill locals and visitors alike head to The Old Salt Bush on Oxide Street for a meal to remember. Guests at this stylish restaurant and catering company experience a total immersion of the senses, enveloped in the comfort of the décor, the enticing sounds and aromas emanating from the kitchen and exquisite presentations that promise mouth-watering flavours. Showcasing the best seasonal local ingredients, expect to sample entrées like gin-cured salmon, paired with cucumber, compressed watermelon and zesty finger lime; then proceed to mains like a saltbush dusted lamb shoulder, accompanied by char-grilled tender lamb cutlets, wild spinach, mixed vegetables, and a rich red wine jus.
The culinary pièce de résistance at The Old Salt Bush is undoubtedly their dessert—a desert lime and macadamia cheesecake topped with a luscious layer of lime curd and a dollop of cream. Each dish tells a story of the Outback with flavours that resonate with the land, and it is here that rustic meets refined, leaving you captivated. The meticulous attention to detail makes every bite remarkable, ensuring a dining experience that is unforgettable.
Secure your reservation today for this unique moment of indulgence.
Viet Garden - Richlands, QLD
Those seeking authentic Vietnamese bánh mì will find their paradise at Viet Garden on Garden Road in Richlands. This hidden oasis welcomes diners with a calming atmosphere adorned with a verdant wall of greenery, illuminated by vibrant neon signs, and traditional accents that encapsulate the spirit of Vietnam. The cosy table settings, paired with a vine-clad pergola and inviting alfresco area for sunny days, set the perfect backdrop for an extraordinary dining experience. Kick off your meal with pork rice paper rolls paired with a refreshing peach green tea, or wrap your hands around a crispy roast pork belly baguette, a true flavour bomb.
For those with a hearty appetite, the grilled chicken served over vermicelli noodles garnished with fresh herbs is a must-try. The zing of herbs dances on the palate, while the crunchy roast pork, served with cucumber, lettuce, carrot, parsley and dipping sauce, recreates a symphony of textures and flavours that's integral to authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Don’t forget to grab a Vietnamese young coconut drink, brimming with luscious coconut wedges, or for smoothie aficionados, the avocado creation with regular and condensed milk is a revelation.
Book a spot to discover these vibrant tastes!
Easy House Vegetarian Restaurant - Mermaid Waters, QLD
At Easy House Vegetarian Restaurant on Markeri Street in Mermaid Waters, a delightful venture into plant-based yum cha awaits. Nestled within Mermaid Waters Shopping Village, this Gold Coast dining hotspot boasts a relaxed atmosphere characterised by aqua banquette seating and floral mural-covered walls. Specialising in vegan Cantonese fare as well as handmade dim sum, every dish is crafted with the freshest ingredients sourced from local farmers’ markets. Expect to indulge in steamed dumplings bursting with Chinese coriander, celery and mixed vegetables or enjoy a sizzling plate of ‘seafood’ stir-fried with vegetables served in a creatively constructed potato bird’s nest.
For an even heartier option, try the sizzling ‘chicken’ or ‘beef’ drenched in black pepper sauce, or a colourful medley of stir-fried mixed vegetables paired with roast tofu and a fragrant curry sauce. The meticulous crafting of each dish means diners experience not just a meal but a celebration of flavour and creativity. Easy House offers a vision of how plant-based dining can astound while remaining accessible and incredibly satisfying.
Reserve your table to elevate your meal to new heights.
Sumalee Thai Springwood - Springwood, QLD
Authentic Thai flavours abound at Sumalee Thai in Springwood, where this cherished local haven on Springwood Road captures the essence of Thai hospitality. Stepping inside reveals a warmly lit interior adorned with intricately carved wooden panels, golden statues, and elegant Thai artwork, combining to create an inviting and tranquil haven ideal for relaxed dining. Sumalee’s curated menu showcases cherished traditional dishes, ranging from aromatic curries to sizzling stir-fries that stay true to Thai culinary roots. Begin your visit with golden curry puffs filled with mixed vegetables, then lose yourself in a rich massaman beef curry, featuring tender cuts of meat, roasted peanuts and a side of fluffy rice.
Seafood enthusiasts will revel in the pad talay—a flavour-packed stir-fry of mixed seafood enhanced with Thai basil and fresh chilli. Sumalee Thai brings comfort, warmth and a genuine taste of Thailand like no other, offering each guest a chance to unwind while indulging in delicious food. Each dish is prepared with a personal touch, ensuring diners receive genuine and authentic flavours.
Don’t miss out—book your culinary escape here.
As we wind down this journey through diverse flavours, consider this an invitation to explore these culinary sanctuaries where flavours, culture and passion converge. Each venue offers not only a meal but a memory and an experience worth sharing. Uncover the dishes you never knew you loved — your palate will thank you.
