You never know when you’re going to have your culinary world expanded and for me recently it was in the back on an Uber.

Heading home from a function, I got chatting with the driver. Food usually results in a good chat, so I asked him where he likes to eat. He was from Pakistan but said he’s happier eating Pakistani food at home, but his favourite place to eat out is Dolan on Silk Road (127 Liverpool Street), serving traditional, and good, Uyghur food. For context, the Uyghurs are one of a number of persecuted Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, China and bordered by Mongolia, Russia, India, and the ‘Stans – it was a link on the Silk Road between Asia and the Middle East. In terms of cuisine, it’s a melting pot of Asian and Turkic traditions.

The shopfront is unassuming on busy Liverpool Street. On my first visit I asked which dish I should try. “Definitely the lamb and noodle,” was the reply. I asked for “not too spicy” after spying chilli oil on each table – I could always spice it up if I need to. A Chinese cooking show on the big screen set the tone as did the wafts of part-Middle Eastern/part-Asian aromas coming from the kitchen. My serving was huge, and after a few mouthfuls, I added a drizzle of chilli oil – but respect the fact the kitchen did make it mild on request. Lamb pieces are tender and the ‘lamby’ flavour subtly permeates the dish but not enough to discourage those averse to lamb. Each noodle is perfectly chewy and slippery, punctuated by the crunch of red capsicum, spring onion and sesame seeds.

I also grab a serve of Uyghur yoghurt, and enjoy the very runny texture. It would come in handy after a chilli-laden dish. I asked the chef about my noodles, knowing Dolan is part of a three-venue ‘chain’. I was pleased to hear they’re made inhouse. “All day I make noodles!” he laughs, “and the yoghurt too!”

Tasty Buns

Just around the corner is a completely different style of delicious Chinese cuisine. Tasty Buns (152 Collins Street) is a new addition to the Hobart casual dining scene, serving Hong Kong-style dim sum, all made fresh in house daily. I’m in for a quick lunch and love a dumpling so a serve of the prawn dumplings ($8.90/three pieces) are my first stop. There are a few steamed buns on offer, so I ask which one is THE one to get – a BBQ pork bun ($3.50) I’m told.

And then I can’t not get one of the Portuguese egg tarts ($4.50) so that’s included in my line up too.

The dumplings are filled with a generous amount of prawns and a fine handmade pastry. The pork bun is textbook and delicious. But unexpectedly the Portuguese tart is the number one thing I’ll be heading back for. Heaven. Tasty Buns also provide a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options, you just have to ask.