Experts hail Dispensary’s Xinjiang Lamb Taco

CHANCERY Lane hotspot The Dispensary Bar and Diner has won out against a packed field of entrants to be awarded Best Taco Bendigo, as judged by culinary experts Dani Valent and Elvira McIntosh de Orozco.

The competition formed part of the Fiesta Bendigo/Taco Trail program, run in conjunction with the Bendigo Art Gallery’s blockbuster exhibition, Frida Kahlo: In her own image.

Commenting on the venue’s victorious entry, the Xinjiang Lamb Taco, which was concocted exclusively for the program, Ms Valent said she was struck by its “winning components.”

“The meat is so succulent,” the 2023 Gourmet Traveller Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality award recipient remarked.

“(It) really seems to celebrate Australian multiculturalism. It has influences from all over, (and is) locally made, which is very impressive.

“Lamb shoulder – local lamb, spices and gochujang… so, we’re in Northwestern China, we’re in Korea, we’re in Mexico and we’re definitely in Bendigo.”

Vivacious Dispensary owner and managing director Finn Vedelsby said the triumph was amazing.

“Tacos were not in our repertoire before we got started, but the team in the kitchen love an excuse to get a little bit passionate,” he said.

“So, when (Bendigo Tourism) offered the opportunity to do something Mexican and then for us to (join) the Taco Trail, we jumped on board.

“We used some of our own spices here, like the Xinjiang spice mix, which is super cool because it’s got all those Chinese (elements), but it also smells a little bit like the Middle East.

“The cumin (for example), you can smell it right now actually…”

Mr Vedelsby said the Taco Trail initiative had been fantastic for his venue.

“It’s been fun because people (have been) coming and exploring different parts of Bendigo that they wouldn’t ordinarily find, and (many) found our picturesque little laneway here in the heart of Bendigo.”

The Dispensary Bar and Diner, located at 9 Chancery Lane in the CBD, is open Wednesday/Thursday from midday to 3pm, and 6pm until late, Friday/Saturday from midday until late, and for Sunday lunch from midday until 4pm.

The well-received Fiesta Bendigo program officially comes to an end on Sunday 20 July, one week after Frida Kahlo: In her own image closes.

The Bendigo Tramways Fiesta Tram Cafe as well as the Discovery Science and Technology Centre Illuminate exhibition will continue until then.

Find a full list of remaining Fiesta events on the Explore Bendigo website.