LY QUAN

85 Harrington Street, Hobart

During winter, few things are as satisfying as a steaming bowl of Vietnamese noodle soup, Phở. That’s what led this writer and his party of three to Ly Quán, a new Vietnamese street food spot on Harrington Street, on a particularly chilly day.

We climbed the narrow staircase to a cosy seating area with beautiful wall artwork depicting the Vietnamese countryside. Ordering was simple thanks to a touch-screen menu, and next to it was an array of condiments like chilli sauce, ginger, and more that you can take to your table. We each ordered a bowl of Phở. I went with the Phở Bò Sốt Vang (Red Wine Beef Noodle Soup), beef brisket simmered in red wine-infused broth served with rice noodles and herbs. It smelt amazing, the beef was succulent, and the broth was bursting with flavour. Hearty and very slurp-worthy. As someone not used to handling Phở with chopsticks, I managed to splatter a fair amount of broth onto my white jumper. Fully my own fault and perhaps a testament to the meal that I didn’t mind. My companions ordered Phở Bò (Beef Noodle Soup) and Phở Gà (Chicken Noodle Soup), both of which got an enthusiastic thumbs up. We left full, happy, and warmed up. Each bowl was $22, but they were so generously portioned it felt worth it. On a solo return visit I chose to try their $10 Bánh Mì and it was a satisfying, budget-friendly lunch. Next time, I’m keen to try their Vietnamese iced coffee.

TRY 3: Fish and Chips

Crispy, golden, and straight from the sea, fish and chips are an undeniable comfort. Here are three spots serving up this classic just right. You’ll definitely want to protect these from seagulls.

1. Tasmanian Gourmet Seafoods 50 Loop Road, Cambridge

2. Flippers Cooked Seafood Sullivans Cove, Hobart

3. Sealife Bicheno 1 Tasman Highway, Bicheno

CIDER Apple

HOME

Pagan Apple Cider ($90 for 16 x 330ml bottles) Pagan Cider, from the Huon Valley, takes its name from a playful nod to paganism, a general philosophy that honours nature, the elements and the seasons. True to that ethos, they craft their cider using only whole fruits, with no added sugars. The result is a crisp, naturally lush drink that showcases real Tasmanian apples. Four types, in fact, as it blends the juices of Granny Smith, Gala, Golden Delicious, and Jonathan. It’s cider at its purest and most refreshing.

Set the vibe:

Music: Lipstick on the Glass by Wolf Alice

Food: Charcuterie with Tasmanian cheeses

When: Around a bonfire after dinner

AWAY

Bilpin Original Cider

 ($95 for 24 x 330ml bottles)

Surrounded by the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park, this sweet apple cider benefits from the mountain elevation. Made from a blend of Granny Smith, Pink Lady and Red Delicious apples, there’s no added sugar, just the natural sweetness of crushed fruit. It’s far more enjoyable than the overly sweet, mass-produced alternatives. Clean, dry and refreshing, it’s an easy recommendation for those not quite ready for bold, complex ciders but keen to move beyond the Somersbys of the world.

Set the vibe:

Music: Birch Tree by Foals

Food: Apple pie

When: Crisp winter afternoon