Guys, how great are noodles?
The run of sub-zero evenings we’ve had has made leaving the warmth of home daunting, but noodles are the clear solution to the perennial problem of how to beat Canberra’s winter hibernation.
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a hot bowl of noodles on a cold evening, and the great thing is that there are so many varieties – there’s something for everyone.
I made it to Ramentic early on a Saturday night and managed to get a seat in the tiny restaurant, which doesn’t hold more than a few dozen patrons. The kitchen keeps it simple, with only four ramen options available (including one vegetarian option). The standard ramen bowl, the Ramentic, was everything I wanted it to be, and each element of the dish was hot, savoury and satisfying. It’s on the expensive side at $18 a bowl, and if you want to add an egg, you end up paying over $20 which is not ideal. Still, despite the frosty temperatures (three degrees, “feels like” -100 degrees), there was a good queue eager to try Canberra’s newest ramen offering by 6pm – if you don’t want to wait in line, get in early.
While there is a distinct lack of ramen available in Canberra, it’s a different story if you’re looking for a bowl of pho. Can Tho in Belconnen is one of my favourites for value and tastiness (sometimes the regular-sized bowl defeats me, so I have not yet ordered a large bowl). Pho Hub (also in Belconnen), iPho (Civic) and Pho Phu Quoc (Dickson) all also do excellent Vietnamese noodle soups at good prices.
As for laksa, which seems tailor-made for wintery evenings, you’d be hard-pressed to go past Asian Noodle House in Dickson, or the one in Civic if you’re lazy.
Looking for more reasons to get out of the house during the dead of winter? Whiskey is almost as good as noodles, and Molly is a good place to get your whiskey. Their next tasting event features Ardbeg, an award-winning single malt from the Isle of Islay. 5:30pm, Thursday July 27. Tickets are $50 or $35 if you’re a Molly Cabinet Member. Bookings are essential via Molly.
Hopefully The National Press Club’s Wine & Food Spectacular is spectacular enough for you, with over 20 stalls showcasing excellent food and wine on Friday July 14, 5:30–8pm, $35 for non-members or $25 for members.
The day after, Mercure Canberra is hosting Truffles, Wine and Jazz, inspired by Tarago Truffles. Yes, it’s pretty much what it sounds like: truffle food stalls, wine tastings and some live jazz. Add a bit of fanciness to your weekend – it’s free, Saturday July 15, 4:30–6:30pm.
