Melbourne is a collection of the world’s most intriguing flavors. From the Jewish heart of Caulfield to the Greek streets of Oakleigh and the Vietnamese pulse of Windsor, we wanted to see how the city’s diaspora keeps its heritage alive through food. So we did.
Where’s the fluffiest pita in the Southern Hemisphere?
Our first stop was Caulfield, home to one of the largest Jewish diasporas in Australia. We found ourselves at The Pita Man, where the pitas have the texture of a cloud. They remind me of the ones we had when we were in Jerusalem a few years ago. The falafel here is crisp and perfectly seasoned with Amba sauce.
Pro tip: If you’re there on a Friday morning, grab a babka. It’s a layered masterpiece that is worth every calorie. (We’ll show you what we mean in the podcast.)
A Greek odyssey in Oakleigh
Next, we hopped a tram to Oakleigh. You can’t walk a block here without seeing signs in Greek. We stepped into Nikos Quality Cakes, a local institution that has been serving up traditional treats for decades. The display cases are full of honey, nuts, and phyllo dough. We sampled the melomakarona. These are honey and walnut cookies that are light and dangerously addictive. The boys even found a vegan-friendly carrot cupcake that ended up being our favorite.
Pro tip: In Oakleigh, the coffee is as important as the pastry. Greek coffee is finely ground coffee boiled in a small pot called a briki and served unfiltered. It’s the perfect companion to a honey cookie.
The banh mis and baos of Windsor
We rounded out our food tour in Windsor, a neighborhood known for its high density of Vietnamese restaurants. At Madam Saigon, the banh mi is all about texture: a crusty baguette filled with crispy tofu and pickled vegetables. One afternoon, we just sat there and kept ordering food, it was so good. (There goes our food budget!)
Beyond the plate: Meeting the locals at Mt. Rothwell
The trip was about more than eating. We took a detour to the Mt. Rothwell Biodiversity Interpretation Centre (here’s my story about it for Forbes).
This is a sanctuary dedicated to protecting some of Australia’s most endangered species. Meeting the Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies was a highlight for Aren and Iden. These curious, tiny creatures are only about two feet tall. But they’re vital to the ecosystem. Managing these populations is a delicate balance. Our visit was a sobering reminder that while we enjoy the flavors of a city, the natural world around it requires our constant attention.
What’s our verdict on Melbourne?
Melbourne is a city that prides itself on its layers. It is sophisticated, slightly edgy, and deeply committed to its cultural roots. You might go for the coffee, the pitas, or the wallabies (please, don’t try to eat them). Either way, you will find a city that is constantly reimagining itself while staying true to its heritage.
The only downside? The weather. One minute you’re enjoying a coffee in the sun, and the next, an Antarctic blast nearly knocks your pastry into the gutter.
Question of the week: What is the most exotic animal you’ve ever eaten? (Bonus points if you tell us where!) The top commenter this week gets a free one-year subscription to Elliott Confidential.
