Woden's Remarkable Evolution: From Concrete Jungle to Culinary Destination
For decades, Woden stood as Canberra's misunderstood suburb, often perceived by outsiders as the embodiment of capital boredom. Its landscape was dominated by imposing office blocks, vast expanses of concrete, and a distinct absence of natural beauty. The town centre served as the city's architectural representation of monotony, where teenagers passed time in food courts and contemplative souls wandered through cemeteries. The imagination of visitors rarely extended beyond the plaza's boundaries, cementing Woden's reputation as Canberra's least inspiring district.
A Suburb Transformed: The New Woden Emerges
Today's Woden presents a dramatically different picture. The once intimidating bus interchange, notorious for creating unease after dusk, has vanished. Abandoned office buildings have undergone remarkable transformations, emerging as stylish apartments featuring exposed-brick interiors and modern amenities like swimming pools. The proliferation of residential towers has brought life to the streets after 5pm, creating a vibrant atmosphere that was previously unimaginable.
This urban renewal has naturally fostered a thriving culinary scene. Where people gather, particularly in adaptive reuse housing projects with fashionable kitchens, exceptional dining establishments inevitably follow. Dada restaurant, situated conveniently around the corner from Woden's longstanding favorite Space Kitchen, exemplifies this exciting development. Over recent years, this modest yet innovative Asian fusion restaurant has established itself as a cornerstone of Woden's rapidly evolving and improving urban landscape.
Dada's Dining Experience: Fusion Innovation Meets Inclusivity
Within Dada's minimal yet welcoming dining space, guests embark on an eight-step tasting journey priced at $86 per person, requiring a minimum of two diners. The restaurant recently introduced a captivating peach dish featuring almond-hazelnut ricotta, sweet soy glaze, and fresh basil at $17. This creation masterfully balances the peach's natural sweetness with the ricotta's texture, enhanced by the basil's distinctive tang. While conceptually simple, the flavor combination achieves remarkable complexity.
The restaurant's rice bread deserves special mention. Served initially with whipped brown ghee butter and later accompanied by duck liver pate, mulled wine syrup, and apple gel, this gluten-free creation challenges conventional expectations about gluten-free baking. Dada's menu thoughtfully accommodates various dietary requirements with such finesse that even unrestricted diners barely notice the adaptations.
Standout Dishes That Define Fusion Excellence
Smoky salmon tartare with crab chips presents a beautifully balanced bite, combining creamy textures with satisfying crunch. The prawn croquette, topped with Sriracha mayo and avruga caviar, cleverly bridges high and low culinary traditions, demonstrating fusion cooking's remarkable versatility.
The rice cake skewer with sweet sour chilli sauce and cashew sparked debate at our table regarding texture, though we unanimously praised its accompanying sauce. Striploin steak, sliced into chopstick-friendly portions and cooked rare, allowed quality ingredients to shine with minimal interference, complemented perfectly by Vietnamese chimichurri.
Perhaps the boldest fusion statement arrives as udon noodles with 63-degree egg and chilli pork ragu. The silky noodles temper the ragu's intensity, while the precisely cooked egg adds richness. This dish exemplifies masterful heat management that enhances rather than overwhelms.
Sweet Conclusions and Thoughtful Service
Dessert offers a choice between date pudding or Vietnamese coffee banoffee pie. The latter presents as a decadent sugar explosion contained within a modest base, its banana sweetness expertly moderated to create a perfectly shareable indulgence.
Contrary to expectations raised by its name, Dada represents not culinary absurdity but Korean meaning "all." This reflects owners' commitment to creating an inclusive menu enjoyable regardless of dietary restrictions. This philosophy permeates the entire experience, supported by prompt and genuinely warm service.
The Verdict: A Slow-Burning Culinary Success
Dada embodies careful consideration over reckless adventure. The initial impression of a very good meal deepens upon reflection, revealing layers of thoughtful execution that linger in memory. Compared to the Woden of old, this dining experience feels genuinely surreal in the best possible way.
The restaurant's compact but well-constructed drinks list offers appealing non-alcoholic alternatives, while the overall atmosphere remains comfortably accessible. Dada stands as testament to Woden's dramatic transformation from Canberra's forgotten corner to a destination worthy of culinary exploration.
