Foodie Finds: Madame PHO, EDŌ, Panama and Sorellina

It’s that time of year when the Christmas dinner dominates the market – everywhere you turn there’s a turkey, stuffing, roast potatoes and sprouts. Although this traditional treat is welcomed by many, we wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to try something different either pre or post-Christmas this year – which is why we have your guide to all the best foodie finds.

DINE IN

Madame PHO, 17 Botanic Avenue Belfast OR 417-419 Lisburn Road OR 139 Longstone Street Lisburn – Monday-Sunday 12pm-9:30pm

Madame PHO has been on the go for a while on Belfast’s Botanic Avenue; however, over the last year, this authentic Vietnamese street food restaurant has branched out, opening a new venue on the Lisburn Road in October and in Lisburn on December 17.

Started by William Chang who returned to Belfast after living in Asia for five years, he hopes to educate our tastebuds and highlight the reputation of Vietnamese food in Northern Ireland. It is described as offering “great quality, authentic Vietnamese food in a casual dining setting,” on their website.

EDŌ, 3 CAPITAL HOUSE, Unit 2 Upper Queen Street Belfast, Monday-Sunday 12pm-9:30pm

Nestled in the heart of Belfast city centre is EDŌ a modern Spanish tapas restaurant. The menu features an extensive variety of small plates taking influence from the best ingredients and cooking techniques from across Europe, whilst using the top local and market-fresh produce.

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‘After trying Tinder, Bumble and Hinge, I wish we could do it the old-fashioned way’

The perfect spot for a post-Christmas catch-up or date night as it is ideal for those wanting to experience multiple flavours within a casual dining environment. Choose to sit in the open kitchen area and enjoy the buzz and fast pace of a busy service and get served by the chefs themselves or immerse yourself in the vibrant, upbeat ambiance of their contemporary restaurant setting.

Yügo, 3 Wellington Street Belfast, Monday-Sunday 12pm-2:30pm, 5pm-9pm

Yügo was born out of an idea with far eastern roots and a modern aesthetic. Offering a selection of creative and traditional Asian styles of cooking with a “Belfast Bushido attitude”. Specialising in small plates it is recommended that each person orders two to three plates each which gives you the opportunity to try a bit of everything from their deep-fried sushi to their pork belly bau bun with pineapple with all plates ranging from £7-£9.

Bo Tree Kitchen, 65-67 University Avenue Belfast, Monday-Sunday 12pm-2pm, 5pm-9pm

The reincarnation of the renowned Chiang Mai Kitchen in Oxford and the much-missed Bo Tree of University Road in Belfast. The same delicious authentic Thai cuisine in a BYOB café setting offering eat in and take away – simple but effective cooking and excellent value for money.

BRUNCH

Duad The Two, 45 Belmont Road Belfast, Tuesday-Thursday 5pm-10pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm-11pm

Sister venue of Monad on the Belmont Road, Duad is another addition to East Belfast’s growing food scene. Serving everything from small plates, cheese, charcuterie, main courses, and desserts this cool and quirky spot is one of a kind. Particularly due to the bring your own vinyl policy.

Panama, 3 McClintock Street Belfast, Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm

Panama originally opened in 2018 as a city garden and café space but in 2021 it transitioned solely into a private hire function space. However, it is now back as a South American inspired brunch spot with great coffee, wine and cocktails as well as being dog friendly.

Halt, 373 Beersbridge Road Belfast, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3pm

Halt is ex-Merchant Hotel chef Stephen Johnston’s passion project. Since opening in July, the café has become a popular foodie brunch spot with its tasteful minimalist vibe and tempting menu options such as the Halt Bap with Salmon. The bap is made from croissant pastry then stuffed with smoked salmon, spinach and lemon mayo with a fried egg on top.

If you prefer something sweeter their freshly baked pastries are also a winner, particularly their apple and custard puff pastry slice.

Follow Coffee Co, Greenvale Street Ballymena, Monday-Sunday 8:30am-5pm

Looking for somewhere that sells good quality coffee and delicious snacks for both you and your furry friend? Follow Coffee Co is the place to go.

TAKEAWAY

Sorellina, 61 Belmont Road Belfast, Monday-Sunday 5pm-11pm

Potentially your new favourite takeaway pizza place. Everything at Sorellina is made fresh from their dough to their chips which are freshly fried to order. They’ve also become well known for their pepperoni roll ups which are essentially a pepperoni pizza rolled up and cut into chunks, accompanied with garlic mayo, rocket and hot honey.

The Curious Farmer, Tyghan, Tyrone – Order online or collect if local

If you’re hoping to impress with your cooking skills over the festive period, why not get a little bit of help from The Curious Farmer? Not only does he sell quality meat boxes and premium homemade pies, but he also stocks his own ketchups and spice blends to help you pack as much flavour as possible into your delicious dishes. With each spice mix costing £2.95 why not order a few and take your tastebuds on a culinary adventure this Christmas.

Holy Smokes BBQ Shack, 92 Drumnasoo Road Portadown, Monday-Friday 5pm-8pm, Saturday 12pm-8pm

Making a name for itself due to its mammoth meat selection Holy Smokes is worth a visit if you’re looking for a taste of Texas with their authentic deep south slow roast BBQ.