Ethnic Eating - Trending Cuisine in Melbourne
What are the most trending cuisines in Melbourne? The truth is - the metaphorical melting pot that is the capital of Victoria boasts a multitude of multicultural dining choices. Blessed with the many migrant cultures who hit our downunder shores every year, and who bring with them their exceptionally varied cultural cuisines, we are, admittedly, spoilt for choice.
For this reason, the culinary possibilities Melbourne has to offer are almost endless. From Ethiopian to Middle Eastern, the ethnic eating options are abundant. The hardest part - which popular Melbourne eatery to feast at first?
Let us help you choose.
Eastern European and Israeli Cuisine
In certain parts of Melbourne, Eastern European and Israeli cuisine abounds.
The Polish-descended owner of South Melbourne’s Schmuck’s Bagels proudly slings spectacular bagel sandwiches that reflect his heritage. Take the ‘Oy Vey’ or the ‘Polish Hot Brown’ menu options for example. Loaded with premium ingredients, even the most established of Jewish bakeries would be impressed with these offerings.
African Feasts
Appetising as they are rich, the African feasts at Melburnians’ fingertips are fresh, wholesome, and always delicious. Indeed, high-quality Ethiopian restaurants, in particular, have become so numerous that the battle for the best Ethiopian restaurant in Melbourne is largely inconclusive.
But what makes African cuisine so delectable? Arguably, it comes down to the spice. Fiery, fragrant and tantalisingly tasty, these traditionally prepared dishes of steaming goodness are sure to please even the most discerning of Melburnian taste buds.
Italian Delicacies
Far from just humble pizza, Italian cuisine in Melbourne has become much more refined. Popular dining area Carlton, at the northern end of the CBD, has a multitude of Italian restaurants dotting its streetscapes, especially on the popular Lygon Street.
So whether you’re hankering for a home-cooked pasta dish or a traditional meal of veal scallopini, Melbourne’s Italian restaurant scene will certainly not disappoint.
Greek Tavernas
If you’re interested in Greek culture, you may already know that the city of Melbourne hosts the largest Greek-speaking population outside of Greece. For this reason, it’s unsurprising that Melburnians are blessed with Greek tavernas aplenty!
Notorious for their ridiculously generous feasting menus, the portion sizes in these traditional taverns are usually massive. One of the most renowned of these restaurants is the institution that is Stalactites, located in Melbourne’s CBD. The buzzing eatery slings souvlakis well into the early hours of the morning, curing the cravings of city revellers and party-goers feeling hunger pangs on their way home from wild nights out on the town.
Middle Eastern Mezze
Similar in style to the dishes served up at a traditional Greek feast is delicious Middle Eastern mezze. Featuring fresh salads, char-grilled meats and zesty sides of labneh yoghurt, flatbread and tabouli, if you choose to dine at one of Melbourne’s many Lebanese or Turkish restaurants, you’re in for a treat.However, if you’re a drinker, you may find that some of these restaurants do not serve alcohol. Most likely for religious reasons, the beverage offerings here will often include freshly squeezed fruit juices, sweetened herbal teas, and soft drinks instead.
Fusion Asian Temptations
Fusion Asian is a major trend in Melbourne’s dining scene, with spots like Mr. Miyagi offering creative twists on traditional Asian flavors. From Japanese-inspired dishes at Hakata Gensuke Ramen to Mediterranean-Asian blends at Hellenic Republic, Melbourne’s fusion eateries reflect the city’s diverse food culture. Alongside this, Nepalese cuisine is growing in popularity, with restaurants serving flavorful momos, curries, and stews, adding to the city’s rich offering of Indian and other Asian cuisines. Melbourne’s food scene continues to thrive with something for every taste.
Usually featuring clever combinations of different types of cuisines - such as salmon nori tacos fashioned from seaweed, seafood in tangy sauces, and spicy noodle dishes, this is a genre that is likely to stay popular with Melburnians for quite some time.
It almost goes without saying - as food lovers, Melburnians are spoilt for choice. Thanks to our melting pot of migrant culture, we have access to almost everything - from Ethiopian to Eastern European cuisine, and Middle Eastern mezze to traditional Greek feasts. Not forgetting, of course, the delightful Italian eateries or the on-trend Fusian Asian hotspots.
Multiculturalism has indeed blessed the Melbourne foodie scene, and our dining habits demonstrate that we know this well. Melburnians love to eat out, and trying different cuisines can be considered our collective hobby. But, with so many different exotic cuisines to choose from in Melbourne, the only question is - where to dine next?
