Celebration of Truffle & Seasonal Produce of Canberra

Treat your taste buds to an incredible culinary journey during the truffle season in the Canberra region. From June to August, immerse yourself in the Truffle Festival and savour the finest truffles featured in innovative and irresistible farm-to-table dishes. Whether you’re looking for exquisite dining events, truffle tours or a truffle hunt, this festival is a must-visit for anyone who loves food. And to help you enjoy your trip, here’s your essential guide to the top truffle experiences in Canberra.

What to Expect from Truffle Season in Canberra

The Truffle Festival in Canberra is a multi-sensory experience that transforms the city into a truffle lover’s paradise. Here are some of the highlights you won’t want to miss:

• Truffle Hunts: Join specially trained truffle dogs as they sniff out the elusive truffle in the frosty grounds of Canberra. Farms like The Truffle Farm Canberra offer guided truffle hunting events followed by degustation lunches that showcase the fresh truffles you helped unearth.
• Cooking Classes: Learn to cook with truffles from renowned chefs like Christophe Gregoire at the Winter Market on Dairy Road. These classes are perfect for those who want to learn how to make the most of black truffles and bring a touch of gourmet magic to their home kitchens.
• Truffle Dinners: What’s a better way to enjoy the region’s finest truffles than to eat them? Experience truffle dining at events like the Truffle Dinner at Monster Kitchen and Bar in Ovolo Nishi on August 17th. The restaurant will offer a bespoke menu designed to highlight the exquisite flavours of local black truffles and other seasonal produce in every dish.

Must-Try Truffle Dishes

Canberra’s top restaurants pull out all the stops during truffle season, offering a variety of dishes that highlight the rich, earthy flavours of fresh truffles. Here are some must-try dishes:

• Truffle Risotto: A creamy, decadent dish where the truffle’s umami flavour shines. Look for it on menus at fine dining establishments in Canberra, where you can usually enjoy a multi-course truffle-focused dinner.
• Truffle Pasta: Wide ribbons of pappardelle or silky tagliatelle tossed with shaved truffle, mushrooms, and a touch of cream. This dish is a staple on many truffle-tasting menus across Canberra during the Truffle Festival. 
• Truffle Butter Steak: A classic dish elevated with a dollop of truffle butter melting over a perfectly cooked steak. Try it at some of the best restaurants in Canberra for a luxurious twist on a favourite.
• Truffle Polenta: If you’re looking for more truffle-infused dishes, try truffle polenta. It’s a soft, creamy polenta infused with grated truffle and topped with pecorino cheese. This comforting dish is perfect for a cosy winter meal.

If you’re looking for the crème de la crème of truffle experiences, look no further than the Truffle Dinner at Monster Kitchen and Bar in Ovolo Nishi, on August 17th. As Canberra’s only refined vegetarian restaurant, Monster Kitchen and Bar makes it a mission to pay homage to locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. You can expect fresh ideas and sumptuous dishes driven by seasonality, regionality and responsibility. 

Other Seasonal Produce to Expect in Canberra

While truffles are the star of the show, Canberra’s winter season also brings a bounty of other delicious local produce. So, while in town, go and have a taste of the following seasonal produce: 

• Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and beets are at their peak during winter; they’re perfect for roasting or adding to hearty stews.
• Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are abundant and make for nutritious and tasty sides, especially when you need to balance out all that truffle indulgence
• Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, and mandarins add a zesty brightness to winter dishes and desserts.
• Local Wines: Canberra’s cool climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Riesling, pair beautifully with truffle dishes and are a must-try during your visit.

Enjoy Truffle Season & Stay at Ovolo Nishi 

Now, if all this talk of truffles and seasonal delights has got you itching to pack your bags, we’ve got just the place to rest your head (and your full belly).

Located in the heart of Canberra, Ovolo Nishi offers a chic and comfortable stay, perfect for unwinding after a day of truffle hunting and gourmet dining. Plus, with Monster Kitchen and Bar right downstairs, you’ll have easy access to some of the best truffle dishes in town. 

Book your stay at Ovolo Nishi and get ready to celebrate the truffle season and all the seasonal, organic produce Canberra has to offer.