The art of hot pot may have originated on the steppes of Mongolia, but it’s now a big part of regional China’s many cuisines. This Brisbane version is Sichuan style. And inspired by Lady Gaga, it’s the home of the “Beef Barbie” – a Barbie doll dressed in thin slices of beef. David’s is spicy fun and best enjoyed as part of a group for the whole hot pot experience. The starting point is a pot of steaming broth, and then comes meat, seafood and vegetables as rolls, balls or sliced. Let’s just say the meat and poultry options range from the expected to the exotic. 662 Compton Rd, Calamvale; davidshotpot.com.au.

The menu at Afghan restaurant Bamiyan reveals a lengthy line-up of spice-laden curries, kebabs, vegetarian concoctions and specialty dishes, including meatballs and an assortment of pallows (rice dishes). Start with the garlic naan if you dare – it’s puffy and charry and irresistible, but also so large it could double as a doona for a small child. The mantu (beef dumplings with yoghurt sauce and ground chilli), however, is a non-negotiable. It’s also hard to go past the Kabuli pallow with lamb, which looks fit for a celebration and is equally flavoursome. Bamiyan is making its mark with generously portioned, hearty food that’s also packed with flavour. 4/82 Bennetts Rd, Camp Hill; bamiyanrestaurantqld.com.

Stationed in a suburban strip of shops, what Ethiopian restaurant Yeshi Buna lacks in flashy decor it more than makes up for in personality and charm. Homely and full of character, this casual eatery serves lunch and dinner with African favourites filling the broad menu. Settle in among the sunshine-hued walls and be treated to beautifully plated delicacies such as the Ethiopian version of a steak tartare, the braised chicken dish doro wat (which is usually reserved for special occasions) or various meat and vegetable platters for two, all very reasonably priced. There are also plenty of halal and vegetarian options. 1/131 Beaudesert Rd, Moorooka.

Curryville is an unassuming Indian diner that is one of the city’s best. The decor is casual and no-frills service suggests food is the likely focus. Which it is. The lightly battered vegetable bhajis come drizzled with a perky, spicy sauce. Similarly, the samosas are fresh and crisp. The rest of the menu covers expectations (beef rogan josh, chicken korma), but does land some surprises. There are goat’s brains fried in red onion, a street food-inspired eggplant curry and chicken hai hai, billed as “Brisbane’s hottest curry”. In a long line of “villes” – Townsville, Nashville, Noosaville – Curryville has put itself on the map. 6/629 Wynnum Rd, Morningside; curryville.com.au.

While its dining room is a basic affair featuring laminate tables and cafeteria-style chairs, Kingsfood’s mix of terrific Taiwanese classics and dishes from the provinces of China mean the only thing diners are looking at is the food. Since the venue’s conception more than 30 years ago, the mapo tofu and delicate white chicken with special sauce have become go-tos for diners from a sprawling menu that runs from spring rolls and soups to noodles, rice, hot pot and protein-based dishes like beef and kai-lan in barbecue sauce and mussels in XO. Most dishes are less than $20 and large enough to share. 25/341 Mains Rd, Sunnybank; kingsfood.com.au.

With four eponymous Japanese eateries across Brisbane, owner Taro Akimoto has become known as the city’s king of ramen. Each of his venues boasts its own unique look, from the completely no-frills to authentically Japanese with warm blond wood, but all deliver some of the best ramen in the state – arguably the country – made with top-notch ingredients such as Bangalow Sweet Pork. While the classic tonkotsu is the most popular, it’s the fire version that will truly light up your world. Taro’s also does some seriously good karaage, which can be ordered on its own as an appetiser or to top the chicken curry. Ascot, South Brisbane, Stones Corner & Brisbane City; taros-ramen.myshopify.com.

Synonymous with great Greek food in Brisbane, this family-owned and operated casual taverna has long been drawing in the crowds with its big portions, smiling service and dirt-cheap prices. Take a seat on the bustling footpath, where there’s always something to look at, and enjoy the freshest of ingredients cooked simply, humbly and authentically. Little in name but not portion size, work your way through a massive mezze platter that could easily feed four, or try the Florinian platter boasting dip, pita, kefalograviera, Greek salad and souvlaki. There’s also an array of entrees and mains, including moussaka, chargrilled fish and lamb souvla. 5/1 Browning St, West End; littlegreektaverna.com.au.

Don’t let the low prices fool you – this is no average suburban takeaway. Thai Naramit attracts expats from across Brisbane for its authentic menu. The “elevated” and extensive menu offers plenty of taste sensations, with 10 pages of spicy, fresh and complex stir-fries, curries, salads, rice and noodle dishes. Bargain hunters love tom yum or tom kha soups sized as both entree (from $9.99) and main (from $17.90 to $22.90) with a choice of vegetable, chicken, prawn or other seafood. Meanwhile, there are six different takes on whole barramundi, and nearly the entire menu is offered as mild, medium or hot. 4/5 Zillman Rd, Hendra; thainaramit.com.au.

With robot waiters delivering your dishes, Impressive Dumplings lives up to its name. But it’s not just the futuristic technology that makes these restaurants so well-loved, rather it’s the plethora of expertly made dumplings in varieties that move outside the ordinary. Alongside classics such as prawn and pork, diners can slurp back everything from crab roe and pork xiao long bao to steamed cuttlefish varieties and those with black truffle. There are also dumplings in Sichuan dressings, dumpling soups and pan-fried dumplings in all magnitude of colours. And if that’s not enough, there’s also an impressive (of course) array of noodle and rice dishes. Everton Park, West End, Sunnybank Hills & Benowa; idumplings.com.au.

One of the few restaurants in Brisbane serving authentic Sri Lankan fare (in addition to a variety of Indian dishes), this suburban gem is filled with expats, those who want to relive the tastes from holidays to the island nation, and diners who simply love great food. The Ceylon curry with beef, chicken or lamb is a treat, or even better, is the version with tender goat teamed with the restaurant’s signature Ceylon naan. All curries are under $26, with most under $20, while a well-priced side of naan or roti is recommended and will also be unlikely to threaten the household budget. 300 Oxley Rd, Graceville; ceyloninnbne.com.au.

If you don’t believe the spiel on the website preaching its authenticity, then the crowds of those in the know who gather in the carpark waiting for a table at Kulcha Kulture should provide all the proof you need. Humble in appearance with its mix of timber tables and metal chairs, it’s the food that has everyone swooning. Amritsari fare is the go here, with traditional flavours from the north of India showcased in dishes like fish pakora, rara chicken and crispy, golden, naan-like kulcha breads that are ready to mop up everything from lamb madras to fish malabari. The lassi drinks also get a gold star. 208 Kingston Rd, Slacks Creek; kulchakulture.com.au.

It’s all in the name – fresh and definitely biang for your buck. All the way from Xi’an, these beltlike, chewy noodles are excellent comfort food but might not be first-date material with all the slurping required. Made to order, there are 10 noodle dishes, including the signature Biang Biang noodles with pork mince, potato, eggs, carrots, shallots and salad. Spicy Sichuan dan dan noodles with pork mince, pickled vegetables, salad, vinegar and house-made chilli oil can be ordered dry or in a soup. And don’t miss the special cumin lamb noodles – what a winner. 421 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley.

Hidden down a set of stairs at the back of an arcade sits this colourful Ethiopian and Eritrean restaurant. Serving up traditional African eats, it’s a humble operation where food is the star. The budget-friendly menu runs from entrees like beef-filled sambusa pastries to main courses like a beautifully spiced spinach curry with lamb falling from the bone. Most dishes are designed to be eaten using a crepe-like sourdough bread in lieu of a utensil, such as kitfo – similar to beef tartare, featuring spiced ground meat topped with cottage cheese. For newcomers, friendly staff are on hand to offer ordering advice. 197-201 Beaudesert Rd, Moorooka; arhiburestaurant.com.au.

The Golden Pig has made a name for itself in a one-time, off-the-beaten track light industrial section of inner-city Newstead. The restaurant, by ex-Rockpool and Spirit House head chef Katrina Ryan, is a destination outing for those in the know. The menu works its way through small, medium and large bites, from bao with crispy fried prawn to a “medium” rich duck leg braised in soy and coconut in red curry sauce with pineapple. Large dishes include crispy-skin barramundi in a fragrant yellow broth, or a deeply flavoured beef cheek in Chinese master stock with son-in-law egg and prik nam pla sauce. House-made roti bread can be well deployed for mopping up duties. Perhaps finish with the likes of steamed pumpkin and coconut custard, candied pepitas, crispy shallots and coconut sorbet. Banquet menus (including vegan, vegetarian and, unusually, a coeliac option) make this a group-friendly destination, as does the on-the-ball service and extensive drinks list. 38 Ross St, Newstead; goldenpig.com.au.

A top pick among those in Brisbane’s hospitality industry, this Chinese and Malaysian restaurant from Jimmy and Eunice Chung is loved for its generous portions, authentic flavours and charming service. For the ultimate value, come at lunchtime when prices are significantly discounted, with favourites like sweet and sour pork selling for $14.80 including rice, while coveted laksas start from just $13.80. Prices at dinner are still more than affordable, with the prawn toast a must, alongside the Supreme Soya boneless chicken. Alternatively, ask the staff for advice when you’re ordering to discover some of the restaurant’s best dishes. 185 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley; superbowlrestaurant.com.au.