Ube Jam & Filipino Food at Northside Garden Cafe Canberra

A Day Out at Gold Creek Village, Canberra: Ube Jam and Filipino Cuisine at Northside Garden Cafe

Crispy sourdough served with Ube jam

I recently got some ube powder from a friend and tried mixing it with oat milk using a milk steamer at home, but I was a bit disappointed with the taste. I used to think ube was just a purple sweet potato, but I learned it is actually a type of yam. Since I heard there is a cafe famous for its delicious ube jam, I decided to go and give it a try.

As it turns out, Northside Garden Cafe is not just a regular cafe; it is a specialty spot that serves authentic Filipino cuisine alongside its cafe menu!

Northside Garden Cafe Review: Ube Jam and Filipino Specialities 

👉Pet-Friendly Cafe with Easy Access in Canberra

The cafe is quite large with plenty of outdoor seating, making it very Dog Friendly. Even if you do not have a car, it is easy to get there by bus, so the accessibility is great for everyone.

👉The Perfect Match: Crispy Sourdough with Creamy Ube Jam

Our main reason for visiting was the 'Sourdough with Ube Jam'.

• The Surprise of Ube Jam: To be honest, ube jam itself does not have an incredibly strong flavour. However, its nutty taste and smooth, cream-cheese-like texture were absolutely excellent.

• A Balanced Combo: The bread was toasted perfectly crispy and had a hint of sweetness. Pairing it with the savoury, nutty, and smooth ube jam created a perfect balance.

A closer look at the smooth and nutty texture of the Ube jam.

👉Drink Choice: Weak Oat Milk Flat White vs Sweet Ube Latte

For drinks, I ordered my usual Weak Oat Milk Flat White, and my husband went for their signature Ube Latte with Oat Milk.

My coffee was the familiar, decent taste I always enjoy. I tried a bit of my husband’s ube latte, and it was quite sweet. Since I do not usually drink sweet things, it felt a bit sugary for me, but it gave me a great idea. I think if I add some honey or allulose syrup to the ube powder I have at home, I can make a great drink. I am ready to give ube drinks another go at home.

The signature Ube Latte with oat milk - vibrant purple and very sweet

A reliable Oat Milk Flat White 

👉 Exploring Filipino Cuisine: Beef Tapsilog and Pork Belly Bowl

Since we haven’t had many chances to eat Filipino food, we decided to try the 'Special Menus' highlighted with boxes on the menu.

• Marinated Beef Tapsilog: The beef was perfectly marinated—not too salty and not too sweet. It was already delicious on its own, but the spiced vinegar sauce served on the side was the highlight! Adding the acidity of the sauce to the seasoned beef made the flavour so much deeper.

• Pork Belly Bowl: It was served crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Even the slightly drier parts became tender and moist when dipped in the sauce. I am not very familiar with Filipino sauces, but it was amazing how it enhanced the meat without being too pungent or overwhelming.

• Personal Preference: I loved that all the sauces were served 'On the side'. The garlic-infused rice was also delicious. I usually hate it when food is smothered in sauce, but I think this place took my preference a bit too literally—even the salad had no dressing at all! I ended up just munching on some very "fresh" plain greens. I guess it was a bit too healthy for me this time! 😂

The marinated Beef Tapsilog. The vinegar sauce on the side was the highlight.

The crispy Pork Belly bowl 

🦖 Gold Creek Village: A Hidden Paradise for Families

After lunch, we walked around the village to digest our food, and I was surprised by how big the area is. When we visited a few years ago, I only saw Cockington Green Gardens and left, so I didn't realise there were so many other gems nearby.

• Highly Recommended for Families: With the National Dinosaur Museum, Canberra Walk-in Aviary, and the Reptile Zoo all in one spot, it is the perfect place to spend a whole day, especially if you have kids.

🎄 Christmas Spirit at the Local Shop and Lemax Village - "Under the Mistletoe"

We happened to stop by a local Christmas shop, and even though it wasn't massive, it was full of that heart-warming Christmas vibe. While it wasn't as large as the [Bredbo Christmas Shop which only opens six months a year], the colourful and sparkling decorations were eye-catching. It is a dream spot for anyone who loves building Christmas villages.

They had a wide range of Lemax products, and seeing all the animated buildings and moving miniatures was so much fun. If you are a fan of Christmas village displays, you should definitely check it out. Also, you can even shop their collection through the Under the Mistletoe official website, as they have an online shop available.

*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.