Ikigai serves up late-night ramen in Gungahlin. Photo: Martin Conway.
The Gungahlin region is probably the fastest-growing part of Canberra, with a vibrant and diverse community. And as the region grows, so too does its food and beverage scene. It’s easy to find marvellous momos, brilliant banh mi and fabulous food trucks i the area, along with a whole lot of other delicious dining options. However, if you’re unsure where to look, we’ve got you covered.
Here are a few of our favourites …
Ikigai Ramen
Don’t let anyone tell you Canberra dies after 9 pm: Ikigai Ramen is our own tried and true late-night-ramen joint. You can get piping hot bowls of their tonkotsu broth until midnight and don’t skimp on the snacks: the miso crab croquettes are so worth it. Chef and owner Anj Sulit was inspired to open Ikigai after a life-changing bowl in Japan redirected her cheffing career from early morning breakfasts to late night ramen. Anj’s ramen recipe takes 12 hours to prepare the broth, no shortcuts, no skimping: the results shine in every mouthful.
You can even get Ikigai’s signature ramen to cook at home for times when you are still craving that tonkotsu after midnight.
Ikigai Ramen is at 139/43 Hibberson Street, Gungahlin. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
Little Lanka serves traditional Sri Lankan dishes. Photo: Lak Katale Gedara.
Little Lanka
One of Canberra’s most underrated gems, Little Lanka sits in an unassuming corner of Franklin. This family-run restaurant pumps out authentic, delicious Sri Lankan fare with minimum fuss and friendly service. Chef Nelson Katale Gedara – previously of Banana Leaf Restaurant – runs the kitchen while his son Lakshitha (Lak) serves customers and mum is in charge of cooking the popular hoppers: savoury pancakes made with fermented rice flour, fried in the shape of a bowl, with crispy edges and a soft, spongy centre. They’re perfect for mopping up Nelson’s creamy lentil curry, and don’t skip on the Kottu Roti, a popular street food made with strips of roti bread stir fried with spices and vegetables.
Little Lanka is at 82/2 Manning Clark Crescent, Franklin. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
An easy walk from the light rail stop, Cypher Brewing’s brewpub is a great spot for a drink and a meal. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Cypher Brewing Co
In a town with plenty of top notch craft beer, Cypher Brewing Co entered a crowded market and immediately shone. Brewers Matt Theile and Lucy Shorrock keep the bar well stocked with beers ranging from the Hivemind Hazy IPA to the Ogre Bones Imperial Coconut Stout and the Yuma Native Ginger Beer made with locally foraged botanicals. The team has all sorts of events and mini-festivals throughout the year including La Fonda (a Chilean cultural celebration) and its annual Chaos Realm birthday event.
You can expect classic pub food on the menu which pairs perfectly with whichever of the 12 tap beers you want to try.
Cypher is at Unit 3 & 4/35 Hinder Street, Gungahlin. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
The sandwiches at Caffe al Lago are filled with sliced meats, cheeses, fresh salads and Italian specialty ingredients. Photo: Caffe al Lago/Instagram.
Caffe al Lago
Caffe al Lago’s Dragan Petreski and wife Natalija Petreska found their ideal sandwich in Florence made with schiacciata bread, a 72-hour fermented variety of focaccia baked thin. Dragan, a third-generation baker with more than 15 years’ experience, has perfected a method of baking the bread fresh to order. The sandwiches are stuffed with Italian-inspired fillings like thinly sliced prosciutto and provolone cheese, or the diavolo with spicy salami, artichokes and pesto. The cafe is rich with the smell of baked bread and fresh herbs and on a sunny day it’s a delightful spot to sit and watch people enjoying the shores of Yerrabi Pond. On weekends, it gets busy with Park Run participants, who are eligible for a discount at the cafe.
Caffe al Lago is at 60A Phyllis Ashton Circuit Gungahlin. Follow Caffe al Lago on Instagram.
Mohinga is one of Myanmar’s national dishes. Photo: Myanmar Corner.
Myanmar Corner
Casey is in the far reaches of Gungahlin but don’t let that stop you from checking out Myanmar Corner and its incredible Burmese food. The pickled tea leaf salad is a crunchy, zingy, vibrant side dish which you should get alongside whatever else you order. Go with friends and share the tempura veggies to start, or dine solo and slurp your way through a bowl of Myanmar’s national noodle dish, Mohingar. Rice noodles soak in a heartily spiced and fragrant fish broth topped with boiled egg, fish cakes and crunchy pea chips. Owners (and couple) Aye and Ko offer impeccable hospitality and an unforgettable dining experience.
Keep an eye out on Instagram for their semi-regular fundraising food fairs which are a great opportunity to try different traditional dishes for a good cause in a casual setting.
Myanmar Corner is at Unit 38/68 Dalkin Crescent, Casey. Follow Myanmar Corner on Instagram.
The Singapore pippies are my new favourite vehicle for chilli mud crab sauce. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Lion City Restaurant
Lion City Restaurant in Franklin takes the culinary traditions of hawker-style street food and runs with it, offering Canberrans the opportunity to taste just a little of what Singapore has to offer. Lion City specialises in Hainanese Chicken Rice, which they offer as a set for one person, or by the half or whole chicken. To make this dish, chicken is poached in an aromatic broth, and that liquid is then used to cook the rice. Served with chilli and ginger sauces, the meat is fall-apart tender and the rice is elevated from side starch to umami bomb.
Other must-try dishes include pippies cooked with Lion City’s signature chilli crab sauce, Singapore-style Laksa and their signature braised duck. Bring friends to enjoy more of the menu (or the impressive seafood platter).
Lion City Restaurant is at 87/275 Flemington Road, Franklin.
This selection is just a handful of our favourites: what other Gungahlin restaurants are your favourites?
