Adelaide punches well above its weight when it comes to food and drink – those who have had the pleasure of eating and drinking in South Australia can attest to that. Soon, the local scene will be gilded with Michelin stars, and it’ll no doubt have a huge impact on restaurants across the state. But you don’t have to be a Michelin inspector to enjoy these outstanding dishes in and around the city.

Here are the nine best dishes our team has eaten in Adelaide this year so far.

Hainanese chicken and rice with Asian greens and laksa broth from Chinatown Cafe, Adelaide CBD

As a food lover, it feels like a sin to have finally tried Chinatown Cafe this year. But I didn’t mess about – I ordered the well-loved Hainanese chicken and rice with Asian greens and laksa broth, which promptly appeared at my table before I even had time to crack open my Coke Zero. The chicken breast was succulent, the greens were crunchy and the laksa broth – which came in a separate bowl to ration as I desired – balanced out the entire meal. It is worth its well-earned title as an Adelaide staple. (I’ve been back twice in one week). – Claudia Dichera, contributor

Ham hock and barley soup from the Austrian Club, Ovingham (during Tasting Australia)

When you go to a Tasting Australia event at the Austrian Club consisting of a three-course meal, along with sides, accompaniments, and a cheeky shot of schnapps, you don’t expect the traditional soup entree made by the club’s cooks to be the dish you can’t get out of your head months later – yet here we are. The ham hock and barley soup reminds me of those soups your Mum makes with a recipe you can never quite replicate. Rich, deeply savoury, and perfectly salted, the smoky slow-cooked hock, nutty barley and hearty veg come together in a broth that is, quite simply, comfort in a bowl. It’s not always on the menu, but if you spot it, order without hesitation. Or track down club volunteers Claudia and Gabriella and shamelessly beg for a bowl. – Stacey Caruso, contributor

“Cheese plate” from Yakisan, North Adelaide

It’s a perennial debate. How do you finish your meal: cheese plate or dessert? Normally I’m a sweet tooth, but when it was suggested we order the cheese plate at Yakisan, I acquiesced. Little did I know, this is not your regular cheese plate. There’s a block of cheese-shaped cheesecake, truffle parfait dipped in shiso and raspberry chocolate like a gourmet Babybel, fruit jams and sablé masquerading as Jatz. I’ve never been so glad to be deceived by dessert. – Lucy Bell Bird, national assistant editor

Fried school prawns from Pearl, Aldinga

South Australia’s coastline has copped a beating of late (algae bloom begone) but there’s still much beauty to be found at our beachfront eateries, even during winter. Case in point, the moreish flash-fried school prawns with old bay spice, pickled green tomato and lemon aioli at Pearl. Satisfying crunch and a moody sea view? Brilliant. It pairs perfectly with a glass of McLaren Vale fiano. The barbeque Shark Bay scallop with kingfish tartare, salmon pearl and lobster oil is also an unforgettable mouthful. – Katie Spain, contributor and Welcome to the Club columnist

Emu pastrami doughnut from Esmay, Hackney

I don’t think there’s ever been a doughnut I haven’t liked, but this Esmay dish has stuck with me, partly because it looks like a bagel. When I asked Alanna Sapwell why this so-called doughnut does not, in fact, look like a doughnut at all, she told me that bagels make people feel comfortable. The bagel-doughnut is served with slices of emu pastrami and topped with house-made sauerkraut. In just two bites, it somehow walks the line between wildly exotic and deeply nostalgic. – Cyndal Petty, contributor

Fried rice from Ting Ting, North Adelaide

I visited Ting Ting for the first time this year, after being lured in by the modern yum cha menu and fun fit-out. With options for just about every dietary requirement, I was spoilt for choice in the vegetarian department, with confit mushrooms doused in truffle oil and moreish corn ribs. Yet the dish that’s stuck most in my mind is the fried rice. It’s a classic for a reason – simple but flavourful. I can’t wait for my next bowl. – Megan Cox, photographer

Banjan from Parwana’s Oddio pop-up, Bowen

It’s no secret that Parwana nails a pop up, and its stint at Oddio – a former church turned wine bar in Bowden – recently did not disappoint. The Banjan (eggplant curry) was the perfectly portioned, hearty winter meal I was craving on a cold Friday night. – Claudia Dichera, contributor

Margherita pizza and produce platter from McCarthy’s Orchard, McLaren Flat

The best things in life are often the simplest and most underrated. Like a woodfired pizza and a produce platter at this McLaren Vale cellar door. As the name suggests, this is a working farm, so the ingredients are grown on the surrounding fruit trees and in the garden. The rustic family-run cellar door feels like a treehouse. It’s my ultimate happy place – and those two dishes are my must-orders. – Katie Spain, contributor and Welcome to the Club columnist

Jimmy Toone’s koji-cured kangaroo tail from Coffin Bay Yacht Club (during Tasting Australia)

I ate very well when I was in South Australia for Tasting Australia. Any of the dishes I ate over my four gout-inducing days would be worthy of a spot on this list, but the one I can’t stop thinking about is Jimmy Toone’s koji-cured kangaroo tail, served at a collaboration lunch Toone cooked alongside Pipit’s Ben Devlin at the Coffin Bay Yacht Club. It was a scene-stealer: tender nuggets of kangaroo tail fried in a macadamia nut crumb and served in a caramelised garlic vinaigrette. I could have drunk that sauce. – Lucy Bell Bird, national assistant editor