The Dishes You Must Eat in Melbourne

https://pixabay.com/en/food-lunch-doll-beans-caf%C3%A9-2375468/
https://pixabay.com/en/food-lunch-doll-beans-caf%C3%A9-2375468/
Monique La Terra

Melbourne seems to have an infinite number of restaurants and cafés, but with so many options something as simple as lunch or dinner can become overwhelming. Culture Trip has gorged through Melbourne’s menus and found the dishes that best represent this multi-cultural city. Tip: wear your stretchy pants.

Ricotta Hotcakes at Top Paddock

As picturesque as a Monet masterpiece the blueberry and ricotta hotcake at Richmond’s Top Paddock looks too good to eat. The popular brunch spot serves the fluffy hotcakes with seasonal fruits and berries, crunchy seeds, organic maple syrup and a dollop of cream. Stare in awe, take an Instagram-worthy shot and then dig in.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Margherita Pizza at 400 Gradi

Claiming the top spot at the World Pizza Championships in 2014, Johnny Di Francesco’s Margherita Pizza is smeared with homemade tomato sauce, dotted with creamy fior di latte cheese and sprinkled with basil leaves. The pizza has an impossibly thin base and is cooked for 400 degrees for 90 seconds. The entire menu at 400 Gradi is so authentically Italian you can practically hear Dean Martin singing it to you.

Baller Bucket at Belle’s Hot Chicken

Now with three locations in Melbourne, it’s easier than ever to satisfy your craving for succulent chicken. The Baller Bucker includes 16 fried chicken wings, four sides and four sauces. Still hungry? Order mac and cheese, roast yam salad or old bay fries. Belle’s Hot Chicken also has a selection of beer, because you can’t have a chicken without a pint.

Desserts at Din Tai Fung

Din Tai Fung might be renowned for their dumplings, but their refreshing list of desserts keeps people coming back for more. Black sesame, taro, green tea, or mango sorbet are just some of the simple but delectable flavours on offer. Don’t leave Din Tai Fung without indulging in dessert.

Coconut Yogurt at Kettle Black

Start your day with the coconut yogurt at Kettle Black. Made in-house daily by head chef Jesse McTavish the dairy-free yogurt uses vegan culture, coconut cream and agave syrup. The yogurt is topped with grains, nuts and seeds, as well as seasonal fruits, finished with a sprinkling of citrus powder.

Boat Noodles at Jinda Thai

Traditionally sold on boats along the canals in Thailand, boat noodles make for a satisfying comfort meal. Jinda Thai’s hawker boat noodles are a tangled mess of goodness bathed in a dark, thick broth with tender beef strips and pork crackling. Fresh herbs and spices play on the palette and enhance the experience.

Korean Pork Hock at Lucy Liu


The most dramatic dish at Michael Lambie’s new pan-Asian diner Lucy Liu is the Korean pork hock which arrives at the table stabbed by a carving knife. With a prep time upwards of 36 hours the pock hock is packed full of flavour, and the crisp exterior sits beautifully in contrast to the gelatinous flesh. The meal is served with steamed pancake and apple kimichi salad which adds a sweet bite.

Lamington Jaffles at Bad Frankie


Celebrating two Australian icons – the jaffle and the lamington – Bad Frankie has assembled one of the most true-blue Aussie desserts you’ll ever taste in Melbourne. Soaked in chocolate the sponge cake is filled with jam and rolled in toasted coconut before being pressed in the jaffle iron. The mouth-watering jaffle is served with thickened cream.

Hot Meat Donuts at Dexter

Catering to Melbourne’s most carnivorous, Dexter is a meat-eatery on High Street Preston. While their entire menu borders on wacky with pigs head croquette and bone marrow mash, their Hot Meat Donuts are always in demand. Stuffed with burnt brisket ends, the donuts are rolled in paprika and sugar before being deep fried. Dip them into the spicy capsicum relish for a bigger flavour hit.

One of the specials at Gelato Messina

The array of ice cream flavours at Gelato Messina is anything but vanilla… You can order vanilla, but Culture Trip recommends trying one of their specials. Each week five new flavours are written on the chalk board in eye-catching calligraphy and past favourites include hot cross bun, key lime pie, Mr. Potato head, and wagon wheel.

Massaman Curry of Coconut Braised Beef at Chin Chin

Waiting in line is just part of the experience at Chin Chin – one of Melbourne’s most successful restaurants, but the wait is totally worth it. Make the most of your time inside and order the Massman curry of coconut braised beef with kipfler potatoes, nuts and fried shallots. It will leave you drooling.
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