Melbourne’s street food scene is a paradise for food lovers, offering a rich blend of Asian flavours. The city offers a mouthwatering selection of authentic street eats, from crispy Thai curry puffs to sizzling Malaysian char kway teow. Whether you’re strolling through Chinatown, exploring Springvale, or visiting Queen Victoria Market, there’s always something new and delicious to try.
More than just quick bites, Melbourne’s street food is a celebration of culture, tradition, and bold flavours. From sizzling noodles to crispy pancakes, every dish brings a taste of Asia to the city’s vibrant streets. This guide will introduce you to some of Melbourne’s most iconic Asian street foods, where to find them, and tips to enhance your food adventure.
How to Navigate Melbourne’s Street Food Scene
Melbourne’s street food scene is full of exciting flavours, but knowing when to go, how to pay, and what to expect can make your experience even smoother. Here’s what you need to know.
- Best times to go: Night markets and food festivals offer the best variety and atmosphere. Events like the Queen Victoria Night Market are a must-visit for street food lovers.
- Payment tips: Some vendors are cash-only, so carry small banknotes or use contactless payment options.
- Customisation: Most vendors allow you to tweak spice levels, toppings, and condiments to suit your taste.
- Street food etiquette: Be prepared for limited seating and shared dining spaces. It’s part of the experience.
With the right timing, payment tips, and a sense of adventure, you can make the most of Melbourne’s street food scene. Follow these tips, explore with confidence, and enjoy every bite.
Must-Try Asian Street Food in Melbourne
Melbourne’s street food scene is packed with Asian flavours, from crispy curry puffs to smoky Char Kway Teow. Here are some iconic Asian dishes in Melbourne that bring authentic flavours to the city’s bustling streets.
- Thai Curry Puffs
These golden, flaky pastries are a must-try for lovers of rich, aromatic flavours. With a crispy shell and a warmly spiced filling, they’re the perfect street food snack.
Key Ingredients: Puff pastry, curry-spiced potatoes, minced meat (optional), onion, and spices.
Taste & Texture: Light and crispy on the outside, with a warm, fragrant filling inside. Typically served with a sweet chili dipping sauce for extra flavour.
Where to Find It in Melbourne
- Bang Bang at the Rifle Club (Elsternwick): A modern take on this classic snack.
- Chat Thai (CBD): Authentic Bangkok-style street snacks.
Insider Tip: Pair with Thai iced tea for a perfect sweet and savoury combination.
- Vietnamese Banh Xeo
This crispy, turmeric-infused pancake is packed with fresh, vibrant ingredients. Wrapped in lettuce and dipped in sauce, it’s a crunchy, refreshing delight.
Key Ingredients: Rice flour, turmeric, coconut milk, prawns, pork, bean sprouts, fresh herbs.
Taste & Texture: Golden, crispy edges with a soft, savoury filling. Best enjoyed wrapped in lettuce and fresh herbs.
Where to Find It in Melbourne:
- Co Do (Richmond): Generous servings with plenty of fresh greens.
- Pho Hung Vuong 2 (Springvale): A must-visit for a truly authentic experience.
Insider Tip: Ask for extra crispy edges for the ultimate texture.
- Japanese Takoyaki
These bite-sized, crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside octopus balls are a Japanese street food classic, topped with savoury sauces and dancing bonito flakes.
Key Ingredients: Wheat flour batter, octopus, green onion, bonito flakes, takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise.
Taste & Texture: Crispy outside, soft and gooey inside. Topped with bonito flakes that move from the heat.
Where to Find It in Melbourne:
- Dohtonbori (CBD): Osaka-style takoyaki.
- Nihonshu (Chinatown): A great late-night snack spot.
Insider Tip: Try it with melon soda or a matcha latte.
- Chinese Jianbing
A popular Chinese street breakfast, Jianbing is a crispy, savoury crepe layered with eggs, hoisin sauce, and crunchy wontons, perfect for an on-the-go bite.
Key Ingredients: Mung bean and wheat flour batter, eggs, crispy wonton, hoisin sauce, chili, scallions.
Taste & Texture: A thin, crispy crepe with layers of texture and bold flavours. A popular grab-and-go breakfast in China.
Where to Find It in Melbourne:
- Mr. Huang Jin (CBD): Authentic Jianbing with traditional fillings.
- Wonderbao (CBD): Fusion-style crepes with a unique twist.
Insider Tip: Ask for extra chilli sauce if you like it spicy.
- Malaysian Char Kway Teow
A wok-fried noodle dish bursting with smoky “wok hei” flavour, this Malaysian favorite is loaded with prawns, sausage, and just the right amount of spice.
Key Ingredients: Flat rice noodles, prawns, Chinese sausage, eggs, bean sprouts, dark soy sauce.
Taste & Texture: Stir-fried over high heat for a deep, smoky “wok hei” flavour. Savoury with just the right amount of spice.
Where to Find It in Melbourne:
- Hawker Chan (CBD): Known for its intense smoky aroma.
- PappaRich (various locations): A crowd-favourite, well-balanced version.
Insider Tip: Teh Tarik (Malaysian pulled milk tea) complements the bold flavours.
- Indonesian Martabak
Whether sweet or savoury, Martabak is a thick, stuffed pancake filled with indulgent flavours. Think gooey chocolate and cheese or spiced minced meat in every bite.
Key Ingredients: Flour, eggs, condensed milk, chocolate, cheese (sweet version), or minced meat and onions (savoury version).
Taste & Texture: A thick, fluffy pancake stuffed with rich, decadent fillings. Both sweet and savoury options are available.
Where to Find It in Melbourne:
- Yoi (CBD): Famous for its gooey, sweet Martabak.
- Warung Agus (West Melbourne): Authentic savoury version.
Insider Tip: Try a matcha-flavoured Martabak for a unique twist.
- Indian Pani Puri
A beloved Indian street food, pani puri is all about the crunch and the burst of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavours in every bite-sized, water-filled puri.
Key Ingredients: Semolina puris, spiced potato filling, tangy tamarind water, fresh coriander.
Taste & Texture: Crunchy puris bursting with an explosion of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavours.
Where to Find It in Melbourne:
- Delhi Streets (CBD): Offers a variety of flavoured waters.
- Babu Ji (St Kilda): A modern take on this classic Indian favourite.
Insider Tip: Mango lassi helps cool down the spice.
Melbourne’s Asian street food offers a rich variety of flavours, from flaky snacks to sizzling noodles. These must-try dishes showcase the city’s vibrant culinary diversity.
Seasonal & Special Events
Melbourne’s street food scene truly comes alive during seasonal festivals and special events, where the city’s best vendors gather to serve authentic Asian flavours in a vibrant atmosphere. From night markets to cultural celebrations, these events offer a feast for every food lover.
- Hawker 88 Night Market (Queen Victoria Market): A must-visit for Asian street eats, from satays to dumplings.
- Lunar New Year Festivals (Box Hill, Chinatown, Footscray): The perfect time to explore traditional Asian street food stalls.
- Queen Victoria Night Market: Features a rotating selection of top street food vendors.
- Asia TOPA Festival (Biennial event): A blend of Asian food, music, and cultural performances.
From sizzling satays to festive dumplings, these events offer the perfect opportunity to experience Melbourne’s dynamic street food culture at its finest.
Conclusion: Start Your Melbourne Street Food Adventure
Melbourne’s Asian street food scene is a celebration of culture, flavour, and tradition, offering something for every palate. Whether you’re indulging in crispy curry puffs, savouring wok-fried noodles, or exploring vibrant food festivals, each bite brings a taste of Asia to the city’s streets. With countless options to discover, from bustling markets to hidden gems, Melbourne remains a top destination for authentic Asian street eats. So, grab your appetite and explore the rich, diverse flavours that make Melbourne a true street food paradise.
