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Melbourne has very good food and drink culture. You can see people indulging in a meat pie during a sports match, sipping a glass of shiraz by the coast, having a barebque at your mate’s place, having fresh seafood at a beachside café and enjoying fish & chips very commonly.
From fish & chips to chicken parma and from flat white to bubble tea, you will find a lot of popular food and drinks option in Melbourne, here’s a look at some of the popular food and drinks in Melbourne.
Popular Food
Fish and Chips
We can easily say that Melbourne and over Australia is a hotspot for fresh seafood. Fried fish or grilled served with hot chips are really popular from the kids to the adults. You can almost find at least on fish and chips shop at almost every shopping centres.
Meat Pies
The humble meat pie is a quintessential Australian snack. These flaky pastries are filled with hearty ingredients such as minced meat, gravy, and onions. Gourmet versions often include creative fillings like steak, mushroom, or curry.
Barbecued Meats ("Barbie")
Aussies are famous for their love of barbecues, where sausages (“snags”), steaks, lamb chops, and seafood like prawns and barramundi take center stage. Barbecuing is not just a way of cooking—it’s a cherished social activity.
Vegemite on Toast
If you are in Melbourne or in Australia in general, then you will come across Vegemite a lot. It is a savory spread made from yeast extract and a uniquely Australian classic. Its salty, umami flavor is polarizing, but it’s a very popular on breakfast tables, often spread thinly on toast with butter.
Chicken Parmigiana ("Parma")
Often served in pubs, this dish features breaded chicken topped with tomato sauce, melted cheese, and sometimes ham. It’s a hearty meal usually accompanied by chips and salad.
Lamingtons
Known as Australia’s national cake, lamingtons are sponge cakes coated in chocolate icing and desiccated coconut. Some variations include a layer of jam or cream in the middle.
Sushi
Sushi is another very popular food in Melbourne which is a Japanese culinary art that blends simplicity, precision, and fresh ingredients to create an unforgettable dining experience. Sushi is made with vinegared rice combined with a variety of ingredients like raw or cooked seafood, or chicken, vegetables, and sometimes tropical fruits. It’s often served with soy sauce, pickled ginger (gari), and a hint of wasabi for an added kick.
Pizza
We can never go past Pizza anywhere in the world, when you are craving for some cheesy food and Melbourne is no exception. Melbourne is a paradise for pizza lovers. From authentic Italian pizzerias to creative modern interpretations, the city offers a diverse range of options to satisfy every craving.
Whether you’re a fan of classic Margherita, adventurous gourmet toppings, or vegan-friendly creations, Melbourne’s pizza scene has something for everyone. Each slice tells a story of passion, creativity, and a love for good food.
Seafood
Australia’s coastal waters are home to a bounty of seafood. Popular choices include prawns (shrimp), oysters, lobster, and barramundi, often prepared fresh or grilled.
Pavlova
This meringue-based dessert is a summertime favorite, often topped with fresh fruits like strawberries, kiwi, and passionfruit. Its origin is debated between Australia and New Zealand, but it holds a special place in Aussie celebrations.
Dumplings
Chinatown in Melbourne is a haven for dumpling enthusiasts. From xiao long bao (soup dumplings) to pan-fried potstickers, venues like HuTong Dumpling Bar and Din Tai Fung offer a feast of flavors.
Popular Drinks
Coffee
Melbourne’s coffee culture is legendary. The flat white, a velvety espresso-based drink, is particularly popular. Cafés like Market Lane Coffee and Seven Seeds are must-visits for coffee connoisseurs. The city’s laneways, such as Degraves Street, are dotted with independent cafés offering expertly brewed coffee.
Flat White
Australian coffee culture is renowned, and the flat white is a flagship drink. This creamy espresso-based coffee is similar to a latte but with a thinner layer of foam.
Craft Beer
The craft beer scene in Australia is thriving, with breweries like Little Creatures, Balter Brewing, and Stone & Wood producing a diverse range of flavors. Local pubs and beer gardens are great places to explore these brews.
Australian Wine
Australia is one of the world’s largest wine producers, with regions like the Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley, and Margaret River offering exceptional wines. Shiraz and chardonnay are particularly notable.
Bundaberg
Rum A signature Australian spirit, Bundaberg Rum has a distinct flavor and is often enjoyed with cola or ginger beer
Ginger Beer
Non-alcoholic ginger beer, particularly brands like Bundaberg, is a refreshing beverage loved for its spicy-sweet flavor. It’s often used in cocktails as well.
Iced Coffee
Iced coffee, often bottled and creamy, is widely consumed as a sweet pick-me-up. Brands like Dare and Farmers Union are household names.
Milkshakes and Thickshakes
Thick and indulgent, milkshakes and thickshakes are popular across Australian cafés. They often feature flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and caramel, sometimes with added toppings like whipped cream.
Bubble Tea
Bubble tea, or boba, has become increasingly popular among Melbourne’s younger crowd. Shops like Chatime and Gong Cha offer a variety of flavors, from traditional milk tea to fruit-based options, often with toppings like tapioca pearls or jelly.
Other Street Food and Casual Eats
Melbourne’s multicultural influence has introduced a variety of street foods to the scene, including:
Dim Sims: A local twist on Chinese dumplings, often deep-fried or steamed.
Chiko Rolls: Similar to an egg roll, Chiko Rolls are filled with meat, vegetables, and spices, then deep-fried.
Souvlaki: Inspired by Greek cuisine, souvlaki is a pita wrap filled with grilled meat, salad, and sauces.