Budget Travel Tips: Melbourne: A Paradise of Culinary Delights

6850310445_581ba22dd4_z-1507056

Consider yourself a connoisseur of fine foods? Melbourne, perhaps more than any other Australian city, offers an array of food options that is unrivalled. Between the cafes, restaurants, and increasingly – pop-up vans, you’re bound to find exactly what you’re after, no matter what it is.

If you’re planning a trip to Melbourne and food is high on the agenda, here’s a take on what makes Melbourne such a hub for dining.

A quick history lesson

The taste and appreciation for good food is bred in Australians, with original settlers fast establishing an interest in Anglo-Celtic recipes. As cultures from Mediterranean and Asian regions migrated, a wide range of new tastes – sophisticated and delicate – began to spread, it wasn’t before too long that cuisine from China, Greece, Germany, Lebanon, Thailand, Italy, Vietnam, and beyond started having a tremendous impact.

Fast forward to today, and the historical link to food is still running strong in kitchens across Melbourne. Whether it be the big and robust tastes, or delicate and sophisticated, Australia’s heritage is locked into the culinary fabric that’s served up in thousands of tables each day.

lanewaycafe-1565979

Seafood Heaven

Seafood is everywhere, a popular ingredient in most homes and restaurants. The famous ‘Throw another shrimp on the barbie’ didn’t come out of thin air. The Australian shrimp industry is small but known for its quality. They have a reputation for producing and distributing the best shrimp and are exported to every corner of the world. The clean ocean provides the highest quality lobsters, prawn, tuna, abalone and more, making seafood a huge part of the food culture here. You can taste this quality produce anywhere, be it some fish and chips shop on the street or a pan-fried barramundi in one of Melbourne’s outstanding seafood restaurants.

Lazy breakfast

If a good sleep-in is your thing, there are more cafes than not that cater for those who enjoy the luxury of a late breakfast. Brunch – for some, is not just an occasional treat, but a way of life, and this is pretty obvious by the amount of eateries who keep the breakfast menu going right through the day (and sometimes, beyond!).

6451863637_444b1b7a93_z-9017988

Notable mentions for breakfasts:

– Don Vincenzo, Fitzroy. They possibly have the best Salmon Florentine known to man. Big call, but we dare you to prove us wrong!

– Three Bags Full, Abbotsford. This hugely popular eating joint fills up quickly and often has you waiting outside for your name to be called just to get a seat, but this is for good reason – they rule the roost! This quirky place is divided up into three main sections: a large modern and vibey space that leads into a more intimate bridging room that finally opens up into an amazing bustling space, complete with interesting industrial décor and a large communal table made from a reclaimed bowling alley.

acafc3a9indegravesstreetimagecourtesynagarjunflicr-5184280

Exceptional selection of Wines

Outside of the excellent dining experience in Melbourne, you’re in for a treat when it comes to the wine. Australia is one the five largest exporters of wine in the world. With regions such as Yarra Valley, King Valley and King Valley, you can easily spend a weekend checking out the grapes of Melbourne!

267641403_95af49245d_z-3440599


Coffee, of course

If there’s one thing Melbourne does well, it’s coffee. There are too many places too mention here, and the fact is there’s good coffee everywhere you go. A good starting point is the breakfast paces already mentioned, as they all do fantastic coffee.

Melbourne is one stunning and diverse city. It’s a brilliant place to live, but also there’s plenty on offer for those wanting a great weekend experience. Pack your bags and get ready to indulge the senses!

Avatar
Joanna Owens/ author of the article
Hello, everyone! My name is Joanna Owens, and I'm a tourist guide. One of the things that sets me apart as a tourist guide is my enthusiasm and passion for what I do. I believe that travel should be about more than just checking off items on a bucket list; it should be about experiencing new cultures, meeting new people, and discovering the world in all its beauty and complexity. I strive to create tours and experiences that are not only informative but also engaging and interactive, so that my clients can truly immerse themselves in the places they visit.
Budget Travel Tips