Multicultural Eats in Newcastle

A popular restaurant situated in the heart of the Junction, Muchos delivers a wide variety of Mexican cuisine for a range of suitable prices. Filled with Aztec decor and lit by candlelight, Muchos is generally a busy spot on any night. If you're planning on going on a Monday or Wednesday night for their $10.90 Combo "Cantina Night" special however, you might want to book ahead! If you don't mind going a little over the $10.90 budget, I personally recommend trying the King Prawn Fajitas.

In the mood for some fast and yummy Mexican? Macho Nacho is a new takeaway Mexican joint with restaurants in Hamilton & Darby St. Offering Burrito's, Quesadilla's, Nachos, Taco's and (for the sweet tooth) Churros, Macho Nacho caters for both vegetarians and carnivores with a choice of beef, chicken or bean fillings. What makes Macho Nacho even more outstanding is that not only can you can get all of these mouthwatering delights for under $10, but it's open until late, making a bean burrito (with everything, plus guacamole) the perfect option to line your stomach with before heading out on Beaumont or Darby Sts.

In the mood for some Thai instead? Also located on Beaumont Street, The Grain is conveniently situated above Cold Rock Ice Cream. Sit out on the balcony and enjoy the evening breeze whilst chowing down on some flavoursome curry. The Grain also offers a special lunch menu Monday-Friday between 11am-3pm where any curry, stir fry, rice or noodle dishes are between $10.50-15.50, depending on your choice of meat (or lack thereof). Feel more like eating in? No worries, The Grain can deliver your Pad Thai right to your doorstep.

Ranked number 5 out of the 43 top things to do in Newcastle by The Lonely Planet, Sticky Rice is known for its quality food, cheap prices and, of course, its sticky rice. Enjoy the strong lemongrass, chili and coriander flavours of traditional Thai cuisine before going for a stroll along Newcastle beach.

Paul's Asian Affair is one of those restaurants that Lambton locals have tried to keep a secret. Boasting an impressive menu, Paul's Asian Affair offers pretty much any Asian-style dish you can think of and has, hands down, the best satay sauce imaginable. The prices are reasonable and the serving sizes are huge! Paul's Asian Affair also offers takeaway meals.

Vietking is a traditional Vietnamese restaurant on Darby Street that's hard to miss - just look for the big gates! If you haven't tried Vietnamese cuisine, once you try the culinary delights that Vietking has to offer you won't look back! Many dishes are heavily meat based, however Vietking also caters for vegetarians and is vegan friendly.

Looking for some cheap and easy takeaway Indian? Darby Raj is a Newcastle favourite and the aromatic mouthwatering Indian spices can be smelled meters down the street. With a range of vegetable and meat dishes, samosas, spicy potatoes and naan bread, Darby Raj has something for everyone. Ordered a meal that was a tad too spicy for you? Just grab a lassi! Raj also has a restaurant on Beaumont St if you're in the Hamilton area.

Feel like dressing up a bit and going out for Indian? With it's cosy atmosphere and extensive menu, Gandha's will surprise and delight your taste buds! In 2007 Gandha's was chosen as the best Indian restaurant all across NSW and, if anything, the food has only gotten tastier. Gandha's also offers delivery within a 5km radius and caters for parties!

Newcastle's answer to quality Japanese cuisine, Nagisa is situated on Newcastle harbour overlooking the water. Whilst slightly on the pricey side, Nagisa delivers delicious meals for both lunch and dinner, as well as offering teppanyaki.

Don't feel like Sushi or Tempura? How about some Fried Rice? Chinois is in the center of Newcastle and serves some of the best Chinese food around. It's also the perfect place to go if you want to share an array of dishes with some friends - just make sure you snag a table with a Lazy Susan!