Nepalese food is a comfort in our house. Having spent much time trekking and mountain climbing in Nepal as a younger man, Nepalese food is something I always love to go back to.

It’s a reminder of feeling small sur­rounded by epic mountains, of friendly, hospitable people and warming up in tea houses after a day spent hiking. Danphe Nepalese and Indian Food (2/138 Collins St, Hobart) is bustling the night we went. It was bright, cosy and as we all peeled of layers of gloves and beanies, it transported me back. My standard Nepalese order is a non-vegetarian thali ($22), it’s a great way to experience a taste of a few different dishes. The thali at Danphe doesn’t disappoint with chicken curry, daal, saag, aaloo ko achar and pap­padums. I also order a garlic naan ($6), which is textbook.

The kids share a serve of chicken chow mein ($15), but hint, order with no spice unless your kids can handle a little heat. My wife decide to explore the menu and orders the samosas ($6 for two), the fried chicken momo, ($12 for eight) and chicken chhoyla ($14) a Nepalese classic of grilled chicken tossed with fresh ginger, lemon juice, garlic, coriander, and spring onion. She orders them ‘medium’ spicy but even though she is quite fine with heat, it’s on the spicier side. The service is friendly and quick, and the food is fresh and authentic. The kids enjoy watching trays of momo dumplings being brought out to the display case, ready to be steamed or friend. It’s a very inexpensive trip back to Nepal at a time when international borders are shut – if we can’t travel in person, at least our tastebuds can.

YOUR NEXT FAMILY LUNCH SORTED

Peppermint Bay Bar and Bistro (3435 Channel Highway, Woodbridge) is an easy 35 minute drive down the Channel with great reward at the end. The indoor restaurant space is cosy with a woodfire and long bar, and outside is lovely on a nice day and perfect for kids who might not love being contained. You can gaze out to Bruny Island as the kids wander the beautiful garden. We enjoyed the daily pizzette ($15), a small wood fired pizza perfect for one, the crispy lamb and zucchini salad ($18), the green salad and pickles ($5) and moorish chips with perfect aioli. The drinks list is local and excellent – this visit called for a Hughes and Hughes pinot noir – and there is a range of sweet treats and coffee. Time your visit for when the monthly Woodbridge Markets are on, every 2nd Saturday of the month from 10am-2pm at the Woodbridge Town Hall.