Melbourne is a city that celebrates its diversity in many ways, and food is one of the best representations of this. From bustling laneways to food trucks and vibrant markets, you’ll find street food from all over the world in this amazing city. Melbourne’s multicultural vibe offers everything from fiery Mexican tacos to delicate Japanese takoyaki, making it a street food lover’s dream. Here’s a deeper dive into 10 of the best international street food dishes you need to try when you’re in Melbourne.
10 Best International Street Food Dishes in Melbourne
1. Korean BBQ (Samgyeopsal)
Korean BBQ, particularly Samgyeopsal, has become a Melbourne staple, and for good reason. This dish features thick slices of pork belly, which are grilled right at your table, giving you the perfect balance of crispy and juicy. What sets this Korean food in Melbourne apart is the interactive experience. You get to grill your own meat on a small tabletop barbecue, served alongside a range of banchan (small side dishes), like kimchi, pickled radish, and sautéed vegetables. The meat is traditionally eaten by wrapping it in a leaf of lettuce, with a dollop of gochujang (spicy paste) or ssamjang (a thick, spicy-sweet paste), and a small spoonful of rice.
Fun Fact: Korean BBQ isn’t just about the meat – it’s about the social experience of grilling together and sharing different flavours with friends and family!
2. Gimbap (Korean Sushi Rolls)
Think of Gimbap as Korea’s version of sushi, but with cooked ingredients instead of raw fish. Gimbap consists of rice, vegetables, and a protein (like egg, beef, or tuna) rolled up in a sheet of seaweed. It’s cut into bite-sized pieces, making it an easy, portable meal perfect for a quick snack. It’s often served with kimchi and pickled radish to add an extra punch of flavour.
Fun Fact: Gimbap is not just a street food – it’s also a popular picnic food in Korea, often seen in lunchboxes or at family outings.
3. Tacos (Mexico)
There’s no denying that tacos are a global sensation, and Melbourne is no stranger to this Mexican street food classic. The taco is a tortilla (usually soft corn) stuffed with everything from grilled meats like carnitas (slow-cooked pork) and al pastor (marinated pork), to crispy fish, grilled chicken, or even vegetables. The toppings are where things get interesting – think tangy salsa, guacamole, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime to bring everything together.
Fun Fact: Mexican tacos are often eaten as a light meal or snack, and it’s not uncommon to have a taco feast with several different fillings!
4. Bao Buns (Taiwan)
Soft, pillowy Bao Buns are a Taiwanese street food that has gained massive popularity in Melbourne. These steamed buns come with a variety of fillings – from crispy fried chicken to braised pork belly, and even tofu for the vegetarian crowd. The bao itself is incredibly soft and fluffy, providing the perfect texture to balance the juicy filling inside. These buns are often topped with pickles or fresh herbs for a burst of flavour.
Fun Fact: Bao buns are believed to have originated in China, but the Taiwanese version with more fillings and sauces has become the go-to street snack in Melbourne!
5. Japanese Takoyaki
Takoyaki are Japanese street food favourites that consist of little batter balls filled with diced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onions. They’re cooked in a special takoyaki pan, giving them that crispy exterior with a soft, gooey centre. Once cooked, they’re topped with takoyaki sauce (a sweet and savoury sauce) and bonito flakes, which dance on top due to the heat.
Fun Fact: Takoyaki was originally sold as a street snack in Osaka, Japan, and now it’s loved all over the world!
6. Vietnamese Bánh Mì
Bánh Mì is a Vietnamese sandwich that combines the best of both French and Vietnamese culinary traditions. The crispy French baguette is filled with a delicious combination of pickled carrots, daikon, cucumber, cilantro, and a protein like grilled pork, lemongrass chicken, or tofu. It’s typically served with a touch of mayonnaise, chilli, and soy sauce for an extra burst of flavour.
Fun Fact: The name “Bánh Mì” actually refers to the bread itself, but nowadays, it’s commonly used to describe the sandwich.
7. Indian/Nepali Samosas
Samosas are deep-fried pockets of crispy goodness filled with spiced potatoes, peas, or minced meat, making them a go-to street food snack. Whether you prefer them with a spicy chutney or a cooling yoghourt dip, samosas are easy to enjoy while you’re walking around. The crunchy exterior gives way to a deliciously spiced filling that’s both satisfying and flavourful. Renowned Nepalese restaurants, such as Old Durbar, bring this delicacy to Melbourne for you to enjoy.
Fun Fact: Samosas were originally from the Middle East but have been embraced and perfected in India and other South Asian countries!
8. Middle Eastern Falafel Wraps
Falafel wraps are made from crispy, deep-fried balls of ground chickpeas and spices, often served in a soft pita or flatbread. This vegetarian street food classic is packed with fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and herbs, and then drizzled with tahini or hummus for a rich, creamy finish. It’s perfect for those looking for a healthy and satisfying meal on the go.
Fun Fact: Falafel is thought to have originated in Egypt, but it is now widely eaten throughout the Middle East.
9. Thai Satay Skewers
Satay skewers are one of Thailand’s most popular street foods, and Melbourne is home to some delicious versions. These skewers typically feature marinated chicken or beef that’s grilled to perfection, then served with a peanut dipping sauce. Often, they come with a side of cucumber relish to balance the richness of the peanut sauce.
Fun Fact: Satay originated in Indonesia but has become a staple in Thai street food culture, and it’s popular across Southeast Asia.
10. American-Style Hot Dogs
Sometimes, you just need a classic American-style hot dog. Served in a soft bun, these hot dogs are topped with everything from ketchup and mustard to spicy onions, sauerkraut, or even jalapeños. While this may seem like an American dish, Melbourne has its own take on it, with hot dog vendors adding a creative twist.
Fun Fact: The humble hot dog was inspired by German sausages but became a staple American food, particularly at baseball games and street corners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where can I find the best street food in Melbourne?
Melbourne is full of amazing street food spots! You can check out food markets like Queen Victoria Market, South Melbourne Market, or explore laneways such as Hardware Lane or Block Arcade for a great variety of international street foods. Food trucks are also scattered around the city, offering delicious options all day.
2. Is Korean BBQ popular in Melbourne?
Absolutely! Korean BBQ is very popular in Melbourne. It’s a fun, interactive dining experience where you can grill your own meat at the table, served with delicious sides like kimchi and pickled vegetables. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves grilled food and a social dining experience.
3. Are there vegetarian options in street food?
Definitely! Many international street food dishes have fantastic vegetarian options. For example, gimbap (Korean sushi rolls) often features tofu or egg as a protein, falafel wraps are made from chickpeas, and bao buns can be filled with tofu or vegetables. Melbourne’s street food scene is diverse and caters to many dietary preferences.
4. Can I find international street food in Melbourne all year round?
Yes! Melbourne’s food scene is lively throughout the year. Markets like Queen Victoria Market and various food truck festivals operate year-round, offering a wide variety of international street food. However, during the summer months, there’s often a bigger presence of food trucks and outdoor pop-ups.
5. How can I make my own street food at home?
Making street food at home is easier than you might think! For tacos, grab some tortillas, protein of choice (like chicken or beef), and toppings like salsa, guacamole, and cheese. For samosas, use pre-made pastry and fill it with spiced potatoes, peas, and other fillings. Online recipes for almost every dish mentioned above can help you recreate these delicious meals in your own kitchen.
With these 10 international street food dishes, Melbourne truly offers a world of flavours to explore. Whether you’re craving Korean BBQ or a crispy falafel wrap, Melbourne’s street food scene is a must-experience for any foodie!