Melbourne is a culinary paradise, offering a diverse array of flavours from around the world.
Among the most popular and beloved cuisines is Asian food, which boasts a rich tapestry of tastes and textures. From savoury and spicy to sweet and sour, the best Asian food in Melbourne promises an unforgettable culinary adventure. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, here are some must-try Asian dishes that will tantalise your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Top 15 Asian Dishes in Melbourne You Must Try
1. Pho
Pho is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup that has become a beloved comfort food around the world. It features a rich, aromatic broth made from simmered beef bones, spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves, and fish sauce. The broth is served over rice noodles and topped with thinly sliced beef or chicken, fresh herbs like basil and cilantro, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chilli slices. Richmond and Footscray, known for its vibrant Vietnamese community, is the place to savour authentic pho.
2. Sushi
Sushi is a Japanese dish that combines vinegared rice with a variety of ingredients, including fresh seafood, vegetables, and sometimes tropical fruits. Common types of sushi include nigiri (slices of fish on rice), maki (rolls), and sashimi (sliced raw fish). The key to perfect sushi is the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the chef. Melbourne’s CBD is home to numerous high-end sushi bars where you can experience this delicate art form, making it one of the best places to try Japanese foods in Australia. Whether you’re a sushi enthusiast or trying it for the first time, Melbourne offers a top-tier experience.
3. Dim Sum
Dim Sum is a Cantonese tradition offering a variety of bite-sized dishes typically served in bamboo steamers. Popular items include har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork dumplings), and char siu bao (barbecue pork buns). These small plates are often enjoyed with tea in a brunch setting. Chinatown in the CBD is the ideal location to enjoy a delightful dim sum feast.
4. Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a staple of Thai cuisine, featuring stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, shrimp, and a mix of vegetables like bean sprouts and scallions, all tossed in a tangy tamarind sauce. Garnished with crushed peanuts and lime wedges, this dish is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours. The Thai restaurants in Melbourne are known for their serving this popular dish, especially in CBD and Abbotsford.
5. Bibimbap
Bibimbap is a colourful and nutritious Korean dish consisting of a bowl of warm rice topped with an assortment of sautéed vegetables, sliced beef (or tofu for a vegetarian option), a fried egg, and gochujang (Korean chilli paste). The ingredients are mixed together just before eating, creating a harmony of flavours and textures. The CBD and Brunswick are hubs for vibrant Korean dining scenes.
6. Ramen
Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup that has gained global popularity. It features wheat noodles served in a rich, flavorful broth, which can be pork-based (tonkotsu), soy sauce-based (shoyu), or miso-based. Toppings often include chashu (braised pork belly), soft-boiled eggs, nori (seaweed), and green onions. The Japanese restaurants in Melbourne and CBD are famous for their authentic and flavorful ramen bowls.
7. Laksa
Laksa is a spicy noodle soup from Malaysia and Singapore that combines elements of Chinese and Malay cuisine. The soup is coconut milk-based and rich with flavours from lemongrass, garlic, and chilli. It includes rice noodles, chicken, prawns, and tofu puffs. Topped with bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lime, laksa is both hearty and refreshing. Flemington and Deer Park are top spots to enjoy a steaming bowl of laksa.
8. Banh Mi
Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that exemplifies the perfect fusion of French and Vietnamese culinary traditions. It features a crispy baguette filled with savoury ingredients like pâté, various cuts of pork (such as grilled or cold cuts), pickled vegetables (carrots and daikon), fresh cilantro, cucumber slices, and a spread of mayonnaise. Collingwood and the CBD are great places to find delicious banh mi sandwiches.
9. Gyoza
Gyoza are Japanese pan-fried dumplings that are crispy on the bottom and tender on top. They are typically filled with ground pork, cabbage, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. These dumplings are first pan-fried until golden brown and then steamed to perfection. The CBD and South Melbourne offer various Japanese restaurants serving these delicious bites.
10. Satay
Satay consists of skewered and grilled meat, often chicken or beef, served with a rich peanut sauce. The meat is marinated in a mixture of spices, coconut milk, and turmeric before being grilled to a smoky, charred perfection. The accompanying peanut sauce adds a creamy, nutty flavour that complements the savoury meat. The CBD and Carlton are known for their mouthwatering satay skewers.
11. Char Kway Teow
Char Kway Teow is a beloved Malaysian stir-fried noodle dish. It features flat rice noodles cooked with shrimp, Chinese sausage, eggs, and bean sprouts, all tossed in a savoury soy sauce. The dish is known for its smoky flavour, achieved by stir-frying the ingredients over high heat. Hawthorn and Springvale are known for their vibrant Malaysian dining scenes.
12. Peking Duck
Peking Duck is a classic Chinese dish known for its crispy skin and tender meat. The duck is seasoned, air-dried, and roasted until the skin is golden and crisp. It is traditionally served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions. Diners wrap the duck slices in the pancakes along with the accompaniments. Box Hill and Doncaster are famous for their Chinese restaurants that offer exquisite Peking Duck.
13. Tom Yum Soup
Tom Yum Soup is a hot and sour Thai soup, often made with shrimp. It features a broth flavoured with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, fish sauce, lime juice, and chilli peppers. The soup is both spicy and tangy, with a depth of flavour that comes from the combination of herbs and spices. If you’re exploring Thai foods in Melbourne, Glen Waverley and Richmond are the go-to places for this flavorful and aromatic soup.
14. Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese Chicken Rice is a simple yet flavorful dish consisting of poached chicken and seasoned rice. The chicken is cooked until tender and juicy, while the rice is cooked in chicken broth with garlic and ginger. It is served with a side of chilli sauce, soy sauce, and cucumber garnishes. Footscray and Springvale are top spots to enjoy this dish.
15. Korean Fried Chicken
Korean Fried Chicken is famous for its crispy exterior and juicy interior, often coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. The chicken is double-fried to achieve its signature crunch and then tossed in a sauce made from gochujang (Korean chilli paste), honey, soy sauce, and garlic. If you’re looking to experience this dish at its finest, the Korean restaurants in Melbourne are known for their numerous eateries serving this delectable fried chicken with authentic flavours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Asian cuisine so diverse?
Asian cuisine is incredibly diverse due to the vast number of countries and cultures it encompasses, each with its unique cooking methods, ingredients, and flavour profiles. This diversity results in a rich variety of dishes, from the spicy and aromatic flavours of Thai and Indian food to the delicate and refined tastes of Japanese and Korean cuisine.
Is Asian food in Melbourne authentic?
Yes, Melbourne is known for its authentic Asian food, thanks to its multicultural population and the presence of many immigrants who have brought their culinary traditions with them. Many restaurants in Melbourne strive to offer authentic dishes using traditional recipes and ingredients.
Are there vegetarian options available in Asian cuisine?
Absolutely. Many Asian cuisines offer a wide range of vegetarian dishes. For example, you can find vegetarian versions of sushi, dim sum, pad thai, bibimbap, and many other dishes. Tofu, vegetables, and legumes are often used as main ingredients in these dishes.
How spicy is Asian food?
The level of spiciness in Asian food varies widely depending on the cuisine and the specific dish. Thai, Indian, and some Korean dishes are known for their spiciness, while Japanese and Chinese cuisines tend to have milder options. Most restaurants will adjust the spice level to your preference.
Can I find gluten-free options in Asian cuisine?
Yes, many Asian dishes are naturally gluten-free or can be made gluten-free with slight modifications. Dishes that use rice noodles, rice, and fresh vegetables are typically gluten-free. However, always inform the restaurant of your dietary needs to ensure your meal is prepared accordingly.
What are some typical ingredients used in Asian cuisine?
Common ingredients in Asian cuisine include rice, noodles, soy sauce, fish sauce, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, chilies, coconut milk, tofu, and a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables. These ingredients are used in various combinations to create the distinct flavours of each cuisine.
Explore These Must-Try Asian Dishes
Melbourne’s vibrant culinary scene offers an abundance of Asian food options that are sure to delight your palate. Whether you’re craving the comforting flavours of pho, the delicate artistry of sushi, or the bold and spicy notes of laksa, you’ll find some of the best Asian food Melbourne has to offer. So, embark on a culinary adventure and explore these must-try Asian dishes in Melbourne – your taste buds will thank you!
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