When on an exciting journey, no one can ignore the pangs of hunger. The best parts of vacations are the delicious cuisine and the exciting new things you discover. When taking a vacation for pleasure in a city, we look for the same kinds of genuine experiences that people value so highly.

One such alternative is eating at a street vendor, who may provide a sample of the local specialities that will leave you wanting more. Melbourne’s street cuisine will make you feel the same way. The city’s street food will satisfy your appetite and your desire to try something new and authentic. Read about some of the best melbourne streetfood. 

The Best Street Food In Melbourne To Try

Melbourne, Australia, is known for its diverse and vibrant street food scene. The city offers a wide variety of delicious and unique street foods that cater to different tastes and preferences. Here are some of the best street foods you can find in Melbourne:

1. Arepas

Arepas are a delightful and popular street food originating from Venezuela and Colombia. These cornmeal patties are versatile and can be filled with a variety of delicious savoury fillings. When in Melbourne, keep an eye out for Venezuelan and Colombian food trucks, pop-ups, or stalls that serve authentic and tasty arepas.

Here are some classic arepa fillings you might come across:

• Reina Pepiada: This filling is a Venezuelan favourite, consisting of shredded chicken mixed with avocado, mayonnaise, and sometimes onions.
• Pabellón: A popular Venezuelan combination featuring shredded beef, black beans, sweet fried plantains, and cheese.
• Carne Mechada: Slow-cooked, tender shredded beef with a rich tomato-based sauce.
• Chorizo con Queso: Grilled chorizo sausage with melted cheese, a flavorful choice for meat lovers.
• Perico: A Venezuelan scrambled egg dish with tomatoes, onions, and sometimes bell peppers, providing a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Domino: Black beans and crumbled white cheese, a classic and straightforward combination.
• Cheese and Avocado: Simple yet delicious, the combination of melted cheese and creamy avocado is always a hit.

When you find a place serving arepas, you’ll often have the opportunity to choose your preferred filling, and some vendors might even offer the option to create your combination. Arepas are typically made with pre-cooked cornmeal, which gives them a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, doughy interior.

Eating arepas is a delightful experience, and they make for a satisfying and flavorful snack or meal. Don’t miss the chance to try this wonderful South American street food when you’re in Melbourne!

2. Japanese Takoyaki

Takoyaki is a beloved Japanese street food that originated in Osaka and has become popular worldwide. These savoury octopus balls are made from a batter filled with diced octopus, tempura scraps (tenkasu), pickled ginger, and green onions, cooked in a special takoyaki pan to form their characteristic round shape.

When you’re in Melbourne, keep an eye out for stalls, food trucks, or Japanese food festivals where you can find authentic and delicious takoyaki.

Here’s what to expect when enjoying takoyaki:

• Takoyaki Sauce: The savoury takoyaki sauce is similar to a thick Worcestershire sauce, imparting a tangy and umami flavour to the dish.
• Japanese Mayonnaise: Creamy Japanese mayo is drizzled on top of the takoyaki, adding a rich and slightly sweet element to complement the savoury flavours.
• Bonito Flakes: Thin, shaved flakes of dried bonito fish are sprinkled over the takoyaki. They appear to “dance” due to the heat of the dish, creating a visually captivating experience.
• Aonori (Seaweed Flakes): Dried green seaweed flakes add a touch of colour and a subtle sea flavour to the takoyaki.

Takoyaki is usually served piping hot, and the combination of the tender octopus inside the crispy exterior, along with the flavorful toppings, makes it an irresistible treat for both locals and tourists alike. Eating takoyaki is a fun experience as well, as they are often served in small trays or containers with toothpicks or skewers for easy handling.

If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine or simply looking to try something unique and delicious, don’t miss out on the opportunity to indulge in this fantastic Japanese street food in Melbourne.

3. Indian Samosas

Indian samosas are a popular and flavorful street food that you can find in many cities around the world, including Melbourne. These delicious triangular pastries are made with a crispy outer layer, usually filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes minced meat or other variations.

When searching for Indian street food vendors in Melbourne, keep an eye out for places that offer samosas as part of their menu. You might find them in food markets, festivals, or Indian food trucks/stalls in various neighbourhoods. Here’s what you can expect when enjoying Indian samosas:

• Spiced Potato Filling: The classic samosa filling consists of mashed potatoes seasoned with various spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. The spices give the filling its distinctive Indian flavours.
• Peas: Along with the spiced potatoes, you’ll often find green peas in the filling, adding a touch of sweetness and texture.
• Minced Meat (Optional): Some samosas also include minced meat, such as lamb, chicken, or beef, as an alternative filling option. This variation provides an additional savoury and meaty element to the dish.
• Crispy Pastry: The outer layer of the samosa is made from thin pastry dough, usually made with flour and ghee (clarified butter). The samosas are deep-fried until they turn golden and crispy.
• Chutneys: Samosas are often served with various chutneys, such as tamarind chutney or mint-coriander chutney, which add a tangy and refreshing element to the dish.

Indian samosas are perfect as a snack or appetizer, and they are a favourite among people with diverse taste preferences. Whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat lover, you’re sure to find a version of samosas that suits your palate.

Exploring Indian street food in Melbourne and savouring these delicious samosas is a delightful way to experience the rich and diverse flavours of Indian cuisine. Enjoy the wonderful combination of spices and textures that make Indian samosas a true culinary treat!

4. Churros

Churros are a delightful Spanish-inspired treat that has become popular worldwide, including in Melbourne. These fried dough pastries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often dusted with cinnamon sugar for a sweet and aromatic flavour. They are commonly served with a warm chocolate dipping sauce, making them a delicious and indulgent dessert or snack option.

When you’re in Melbourne, keep an eye out for cafes, food markets, or food trucks that offer churros on their menu. Here’s what you can expect when enjoying churros:

• Churros: The churros themselves are made from a simple dough consisting of flour, water, and a pinch of salt. The dough is piped into hot oil, creating long, thin shapes that become golden brown and crispy when fried.
• Cinnamon Sugar: After frying, the churros are rolled in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, giving them a delightful sweet and spiced coating.
• Chocolate Dipping Sauce: The classic accompaniment to churros is a thick and rich chocolate sauce, often made from melted dark chocolate or a combination of cocoa powder, sugar, and milk. Some variations may include a hint of cinnamon or vanilla for added flavour.

Eating churros is a delightful experience, especially when they are freshly fried and served warm with a rich chocolate dip. In some places, you might find churros served in a cone or a paper bag, making them easy to enjoy on the go.

Churros are a favourite treat for people of all ages and are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Whether you’re exploring the city or simply looking for a delicious dessert, indulging in churros with warm chocolate sauce is a must-try experience in Melbourne!

5. Thai Mango Sticky Rice

Thai Mango Sticky Rice, also known as Khao Niew Mamuang, is a beloved Thai dessert that offers a delightful combination of flavours and textures. When you’re in Melbourne, keep an eye out for Thai dessert stalls or Thai food markets that serve this delicious treat.

Here’s what you can expect when enjoying Thai Mango Sticky Rice:

• Sweet Glutinous Rice: The base of the dessert is made from glutinous rice, also known as sticky rice, which has a naturally sweet and chewy texture.
• Ripe Mangoes: Sliced ripe mangoes are placed on top of or alongside the sticky rice. The sweet, juicy mangoes perfectly complement the slightly salty and creamy rice.
• Coconut Cream: To enhance the flavour and add a creamy element, the dish is drizzled with rich and luscious coconut cream. The coconut cream infuses the dessert with a tropical aroma and taste.

Sometimes, the sticky rice is also topped with sesame seeds or toasted mung beans for added texture and flavour. Thai Mango Sticky Rice is typically served warm, making it a comforting and satisfying dessert option.

This Thai delicacy is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth or an appreciation for Thai cuisine. The combination of sweet, salty, and creamy flavours in Mango Sticky Rice creates a truly delightful and memorable dessert experience. Enjoy this delightful Thai dessert whenever you come across a Thai dessert stall or Thai food market in Melbourne!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Melbourne, Australia, offers a diverse and vibrant street food scene that caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences. From local Australian favourites to international cuisines, the city’s streets are filled with a delightful array of delicious treats.

Whether you’re in the mood for gourmet burgers, authentic Vietnamese pho, delectable Indian samosas, or Spanish-inspired churros, Melbourne has something to satisfy every craving.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the mouthwatering Venezuelan and Colombian arepas, Japanese takoyaki with its savoury octopus filling, and the traditional South American empanadas. For a taste of the Mediterranean, indulge in Greek souvlaki wraps, Italian gelato, or Moroccan tagine.

And for those with a sweet tooth, seek out Thai dessert stalls for the delightful combination of mango sticky rice with sweet glutinous rice, ripe mangoes, and coconut cream, or enjoy a classic Indian street food experience with hot samosas and flavorful chutneys.

Melbourne’s street food offerings reflect its multicultural and cosmopolitan nature, making it a culinary paradise for food enthusiasts. As you explore the city, keep an open mind and palate, savouring the diverse flavours and aromas that make Melbourne’s street food scene a truly unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the tantalizing street food options in Melbourne are sure to leave you with lasting and delicious memories.