Dobosala Cantina & Ride Thru

This was my second lunch-time visit at Dobosala Cantina. The bright, contemporary and welcoming space was lively with groups of young people eagerly savouring various dishes of very innovative food. I noticed that the owner, Kunal Ghose (named 2018 Foodies of the Year by Western Living Magazine) was cooking in the kitchen. I thought I would give the tempakora a second try as I had been underwhelmed the first time. The dish did not disappoint. Tender pieces of sweet potatoes, eggplant, zucchini and clusters of greens were fried to perfection. Both sauces served with the tempakora provided a nice contrast: the house made hot sauce was perfectly tangy and the tamari-tamarind ponzu complemented the taste and texture of the tempakora. I also ordered the adobo chicken. The chicken adobo dish was very attractively served over a couple of tempakora sticky rice balls and garnished with shredded vegetables. The chicken was utterly moist and tender and very subtlely spiced. All the components of the dish brillantly came alive in each bite. The texture of the crispy rice balls was utterly perfect and a wonderful foil for the tasty sauce and succulent chicken. All in all a very harmonious marriage of different flavours, textures and spices. It’s a truly memorable dish. My husband ordered the achiote-pineapple pork bowl. Served over pan-seared tender rice noodle and caramelized cabbage and garnished with greens and sprouts, the pork was meltingly tender and skillfully seasoned, if a tad salty. However, the pineapple and the other components of the dish provided a nice counterpoint, and the dish as a whole was perfectly balanced. Both of us very much enjoyed the housemade mango hibiscus soda. The portions are generous and the prices reasonable. The service is very attentive and friendly and the ride-thru concept truly innovative. On our next visit, we will make sure we leave room for dessert! Any new restaurant needs some time to work out the kinks and provide a consistent guest experience. Dobosala Cantina provides an innovative dining experience and deserves the success it has garnered.

Beautiful bright open space with tables, bar and outdoor seating. Enjoyed and after-dinner snack and a couple of cocktails for our first visit. The food is definitely creative fusion with great flavours and colours. The adobo chicken is fantastic and very generously proportioned. Great for a filling lunch on their patio.

A high-concept yet low-key fusion of Filipino and South Asian alongside Mexican influences, Dobosala certainly seems like the brave new direction of Victoria's edgy but comfortable food offerings. Delicious Adobe chicken sits nicely with gluten-free chickpea battered veggie pakoras and chicken wings. Salmon tacones (taco cones) are right out of a West Coast-inspired high end eater, but this is much more casual and fun, with Reggae music and bicycle-centred decor. Delicious treats include the cardamom ice cream with palm hearts and mango. A culinary adventure that adults and kids equally loved in our visit. (Photos by my 7-year-old.)

Super delicious! Really thoughtful food. We came in with a group of 13 for lunch. Wait time was good, server was great! Everyone really liked everything they had.

Awesome food! The owner was so friendly and service was fast! Will definitely be back!

This place is great. Food is well done and fresh. A small well appointed place, friendly and the special of Tacones are great $7 for a big tacone filled with fresh slaw and your choice of chicken, pork or vegetarian. We go often now as it cannot be beat! So fresh. Daily soups are worth the trip too. Full bar service as well and wine. Trendy, can get quite busy.