Burmese Curry Place, Ms Ba Co, Izumi: Civic’s cheap eats
We take a look at Civic’s best affordable office lunch haunts.
Canberra Star
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Excellent midweek dining doesn’t need to be pricey.
We take a look at some of the best affordable eateries in Civic which offer lunch options well under $20.
Izumi
Located on Marcus Clarke St near the Australian National University, Izumi is a cosy Korean-Japanese joint.
Main meals include Korean fried chicken, bibimbap, hotpots and noodle bowls.
The restaurant is decked out with house plants, trendy artwork and comfortable seating making it a perfect place for lunch with colleagues.
Our recommendation: the bento bowl.
The $13.90 bento bowl includes rice, japchae style noodles, side dishes and your choice of protein all in one bowl.
Protein options include Korean fried chicken, spicy pork, teriyaki chicken or bulgogi beef (+60c).
Vegetarian options: Decent
Izumi has a couple of vegetarian options on their lunch menu including vegetarian bibimbap and japjae.
They also offer vegetarian sides including spring rolls, mandu, gyoza and edamame.
Location
Academie, House Shop 9/34 Marcus Clarke St, Canberra ACT 2601
Don
A newcomer to Canberra’s dining scene Don serves up simple and tasty Japanese food from their minimalist venue.
Alongside bentos, rice bowls and noodle bowls, Don offers snacks and desserts including takoyaki and matcha cheesecake.
When it comes to ordering diners are encouraged to use the Mr Yum app for quick and easy payment.
Our recommendation: curry rice bowls.
Nothing quite hits the spot like Japanese curry and rice.
Choose your protein, tofu, chicken, beef or pork katsu, served with curry sauce and Japanese pickles.
$11.90 for beef, chicken or pork, $9.90 for tofu.
Vegetarian options: Decent.
Most main meals come with the option for tofu as a protein.
Spring rolls and potato croquettes also make an appearance on the menu as vegetarian friendly options.
Location
Mayfair Building, G22/45 W Row, Canberra ACT 2601
Burmese Curry Place
Located on London Circuit Burmese Curry Place has been a Canberra institution since 2009.
The venue is a testament to doing simple hearty food well without frills or fuss.
When it comes to ordering the rules are simple; choose two of the nine dishes on offer, quote the numbers to the server and they will serve the dishes on rice for $10.
The restaurant is decked out with large tables, perfect for lunch with colleagues.
Our recommendation: fishcake curry (Number 4) and beef and potato curry (number 6).
The beef and potato curry is filling and mildly spicy while the fishcake curry is zesty flavoured with lemongrass and herbs.
Vegetarian options: Limited
There is only one vegetarian dish on offer (Number 9).
Location
Sydney Building 111 London Cct, Canberra ACT 2601
Flavours of Ethiopia
If you haven’t tried Ethiopian food yet you are missing out.
Choose a variety of flavourful stews served either on rice or injera, a fluffy sourdough crepe-like bread made with teff.
For a simple weekday lunch you can get three vegetarian dishes with rice or injera for $10, or any three dishes for $12.
Alongside main dishes Flavours of Ethiopia serve up beef, chicken and lentil samosas, spiced tea, Ethiopian coffee, baklava and cake.
Our Recommendations: the red lentils.
Never let anyone tell you that lentils are dull.
If you love daal this dish will be an exciting spin on a familiar, if overlooked, legume.
Vegetarian options: Excellent.
Flavours of Ethiopia has a diverse range of vegetarian and vegan options which is sure to be a welcome sight for any herbivore with tofu-fatigue.
Location
33 Allara St, City Walk, ACT 2601
Ms Ba Co
Located in Garema place Ms Ba Co serves classic Vietnamese style street food in a casual setting.
South-East Asian favourites such as pho, banh mi, vermicelli bowls and broken rice are on the menu along with side dishes and Vietnamese style drinks.
It’s rare to see the Civic eatery without a decent line of office workers waiting to grab a bite but rest assured service is lightning quick and friendly.
Our recommendation: Banh Mi.
It’s hard to beat Vietnam’s extraordinary spin on a sandwich for an on-the-go lunch.
Your choice of protein is served on a crusty and fluffy Saigon Roll with crisp pickled vegetables, pate, and the option of chilli.
The banh mi costs $9 for all meat options or $8 for the tofu option.
Vegetarian Options: Decent
Most menu items offer vegetarian or vegan protein substitutes.
Locations.
Civic: 4 -6/108 Bunda St, Canberra ACT 2601
Majura: Shop 39/18-26 Spitfire Ave, Majura Park ACT 2609
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