Melbourne is famous for a lot of things, but its international culinary scene ought to be high atop the list. You’re sure to find delicious international foods from Middle Eastern restaurants to Thai, Korean, and more! Whether you’re in the mood for classic Australian fare or craving something a bit more exotic such as good Middle Eastern food, my top international cuisine recommendations are sure to offer something to suit your fancy!
- Oneyada Thai Cafe
Oneyada Thai is one place where you won’t find lazy riffs off Western breakfast items or claims that a squeeze of lime, a garnish of coriander, or a drizzle of chili oil turns a plate of eggs into a ‘Thai-flavoured dish’. Instead, you’ll receive inventive and creative fusion breakfasts like the kai toon tom yum: a firm, chawanmushi-like steamed egg custard with spinach, topped with a lively tom yum broth containing mushrooms and bouncy prawns. I also recommend the kai gra ta: Isaan-style baked eggs with a trio of pork in the form of sauteed mince, cocktail sausages and the sweeter Chinese sausage, for great Thai food that’s as creative as it is delicious.
- Dukkah
A classic Middle Eastern restaurant near me that never fails to amaze, Dukkah serves up a great menu of family-based recipes that are all extremely affordable and filling. Their pride and joy are their Middle Eastern food fusion dishes, arising from decades of traditional recipes the owners and chefs have tweaked to make entirely their own. Each meal is designed to totally satisfy and their delicious halal food is some of the best near me. The lamb tagine is some of the best I’ve ever had, and finishing the evening with Kunafa, an angel-hair pastry with mango, cream, and pistachio flavours artfully woven in is a true treat. One of the best restaurants in Melbourne, Dukkah is near the top of any of my best restaurants-list!
- Dari Korean Cafe and Bar
Asian-style sandwiches are the toasts of the town and Dari Korean Café has brought Korean-inspired sandwiches into the spotlight. Dari offers plenty of fusion items that are inventive and coloured with cultural twists from across the world. My favourite, the Idol Sandwich, is four slices of white bread containing thick layers of Mexican salad and strawberry jam. It sounds intense (and it is), but all the elements fuse to create creamy bursts of sweet and savoury – not unlike a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
- The Hardware Cafe
The Hardware Club sets itself apart from other Italian restaurants thanks to its homey, comfortable food. On the menu, bold and robust wines from small-scale vineyards paired with simple flavors such as tinned anchovies on house-baked bread complement roast chicken with baked brussels sprouts and of course, the traditional Italian pizza options.
