Lunch @ White Chaco

White Chaco introduces a Taiwanese/Japanese based menu to Lonsdale Street in Braddon. The eatery is small, only fitting about 20 – 25 people. Items on the menu include small bites such as Taiwanese popcorn chicken, dumplings and sashimi, with mains such as ramen, stew, curry and unagi.

When I saw truffle ramen on the menu, I had to try it! The truffle ramen ($20.90) consisted of smoked chashu pork belly, truffle oil, braised bamboo, lava egg in a seafood and poultry based broth. I loved the smokiness of the slightly charred pork belly – just delicious. The broth was pleasant but a little plain. The egg had a lovely dark gooey yolk but I was hoping for a more flavourful marinade.

On another occasion, I went for lunch with a friend and ordered the seared salmon curry ($17.90) with seared 58 degree salmon, pickles, edamame, rice in a fruits-based curry. I absolutely loved how the decadent texture of the salmon remained intact. The salmon meat had some bounciness but was completely cooked, soft and juicy. Perfection! The curry wasn’t too rich or salty, and was packed with flavour. I liked how the crunchy edamame and pickles contrasted against the curry. I’d easily order this dish again.

I also ordered the non-alcoholic Galaxy Sour ($7) with lime, flower tea and soda. Sake can also be added to it for an extra $6.

My friend ordered the beef ramen ($17.90) with angus beef, chilli, braised bamboo, Chinese sauerkraut in a Sichuan style beef bone broth. He loved it and it wasn’t too spicy.

I need to go back for the xiao long bao (soup dumplings) which my friend The Food Avenue states is the best in Canberra. Each time I dined in, I was warmly greeted and able to pick my own table. I found the food took a little while to come out, but I like to think it’s due to the care in presentation.

White Chaco
27 Lonsdale Street, Braddon

Opening hours:
Thursday to Monday: 12-2pm; and 5.30-9pm
Wednesday: 5.30-9pm

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