Australia

Australia's most populous city, Melbourne, is defined by its trendy creative scene, numerous indie venues, bustling electro parties—and penchant for high quality coffee. 

HighSchool

Melbourne

If you’re out west and feeling peckish, look no further than Fresh Chilli Deli. Sitting right in the heart of St Albans town centre, it’s a local staple and an unofficial meeting point for breakfast, lunch, or even an early dinner goers alike. There’s plenty of seating out front, perfect for demolishing your banh mi the proper way, that is, immediately after purchase. It is a light, healthy banh mi, with an innovative fried, crispy caramelized onion curveball that adds a sweet crunch you won’t see coming. An unami, somewhat gamey but not too oily banh mi with just enough fresh bird’s eye chilli lining the base of the bread to make sure the product lives up to its name. 

Luke’s is part of the new school of gentrified banh mi spots, but don’t let that put you off. Served in tiger bread and brimming with fried shallots, this vietnamese roll ain’t for the faint hearted. It’s substantial, very filling and borderline gluttonous — the kind of banh mi that will silence the fiercest of hunger. It’s heavy, rich, maybe not the healthiest but definitely the most delicious - and all for the fair price of a flat tenner. The meat is cooked to perfection, tender and juicy, and the vegetarian options are impressive, with eight different choices for the non-meat eaters. Sure, there’s usually a pretty major queue out front, but that’s just proof it’s the real deal. Grab yourself a coffee from Brunetti’s a few doors down and wait it out because Luke’s banh mi is most definitely worth it.  

As soon as you walk through the door, you know Bun Bun Bakery means business. Freshly baked baguettes cool beside bread ovens out the back, a Buddhist shrine behind the counter holds a banh mi offering shrouded in incense smoke, and a production line of staff assemble each sandwich with specialiaed precision. Bun Bun keeps it traditional — no frills, no gimmicks, just quality ingredients and recipes perfected over the years. Their salad game is unmatched: plentiful and fresh. The use of ghee instead of butter or mayo adds a unique richness you won’t find anywhere else. Each type of banh mi is slipped into a different coloured bag depending on the protein you opted for — a small but satisfying touch indicative of Bun Bun’s care and attention to detail.

We’re starting with a classic. N. Lee Bakery on Smith Street in Collingwood has been holding it down since 1991. Every good banh mi starts with good bread and N. Lee has the best in the business - baked fresh on site, with a superbly crisp crust and a soft, fluffy centre. The perfect ratio of pâté, mayo, and hoisin blends into a heavenly creamyness, offset by the pickled julienned daikon that runs throughout. It’s simple and clean, a staple, an everyday banh mi, a banh mi that never gets old. Local tip: Pick up a fresh detox salon juice from Sonsa Market next door, perfect collab with any N. Lee banh mi.

At first glance, To’s banh mi might seem pretty stripped back - maybe even unremarkable - but a closer look (and bite) reveals something quietly brilliant. The baguette is sprinkled with sesame seeds, with a touch of cracked pepper inside for a subtle kick. Coriander takes centre stage, and yesterday’s bread is cubed into croutons adding an innovative and resourceful crunch. To’s is reliable and consistent — it has everything you want in a banh mi and nothing you don’t. It’s the kind of roll that keeps you coming back again and again.

“Silence the Fiercest of Hunger” -  Melbourne’s Best Bánh Mì Spots With HighSchool

Share a gukbab soup with a pal. Dump the rice in when it rocks up, adjust flavour with pickled shrimp and sauces.

Best ramen in the city, though the childish will use the long lines as an excuse to argue. Show up at 3pm for quickest seats at a table.

Book ahead, order the "shao long bao" and go hard on the chef's recommendations.

Visit with a group of three or more and ask for the pork set. Kimchi jjigae is included.

My favourite Thai street food in the CBD can be a bit tricky to find because it's literally in a carpark.

Quick Indonesian. Can't go wrong with a balado or a bakar. Get a combo and ration the teh for spicy moments.

Best char siu bao and dou sha bao if you need a cheap snack on the go.

The fit-out is stunning, but so is the broth. Go easy on the hot sauces and remember, mild is still spicy in the Sichuan universe.

Outstanding Korean fried chicken, and it's open late.

Melbourne’s Best Spots for Asian Food by Yeo

Crybaby

Music Room has quickly become one of my favourite venues. The intimate, stylish setting and excellent sound system create an immersive music experience that stands out. Their carefully curated selection of DJs makes each visit feel fresh and unique. It's a refined space where like-minded music lovers gather and I always leave feeling inspired and satisfied. 

As someone who is half-Lebanese, finding authentic Middle Eastern food that feels like home is special to me and Tiba's Restaurant delivers. Their mini cheese pides are perfection that hits the spot every time. The casual, welcoming vibe makes it even better!

Old Palm Liquor is a fantastic spot for a low-lit, relaxing meal. Although it specialises in steaks, I highly recommend the kingfish. Their cocktails and drinks menu is also extremely good. The staff are friendly and make you feel right at home. Overall, it’s a great spot for a hearty experience or a casual night out with friends. 

If you’re looking for authentic Mexican in Melbourne, La Tortilleria is hard to beat. Their tortillas are made fresh daily, and it shows in every bite—the quality is consistently excellent. The menu is simple but well-executed, with standout dishes including the Al Pastor and Carne Asada tacos. Laid-back and seriously delicious. 


Earth Angels' chef Narit Kimsat constantly changes the menu, so every visit feels fresh. Whether it's a Thai-inspired dish or something completely unexpected, you can count on his creativity to surprise you. 10/10!

Kumo excels in Japanese soufflé pancakes, known for their exceptional fluffiness. The Biscoff pancakes are the best! It’s honestly a great spot for a quality dessert experience. 

Intimate Sound Systems and Fluffy Pancakes: Crybaby’s Guide to Naarm (Melbourne)

Kira Puru

A no-frills dive bar in the heart of Fitzroy. It's been one of my favourite haunts for like ten years and it literally hasn't changed that entire time.

A classic all-rounder, great for first dates, meet-the-parents, business meetings, or drinks with mates. The vibe is awesome, sangria is delicious, food is great, though it's a high risk game taking Americans out for Mexican. The fish taco is lit.

A tiny little cafe on Sparta Lane in Brunswick. I go for the lone barista, Michael's dry banter, but yeah, the coffee is good too.

This is your cheap and cheerful date night shit. $9 will get you a massive pasta but $40 will get you a literal 3 course meal for two. If you're broke and into carbs, this is it.

The wine list is always short but great, and if you can't get dirty martinis dirty enough. Here's your joint.

First Saturday of every month, this is the hot tip for cheap designer vintage gems, and yeah, you can drink while you shop.

Pretty sure I had the best dinner of my life here. I guess you've gotta like meat though. Seriously take a day off eating before you go here because it's really sad when you're full.

My two rogue punk mates own this dive bar in Thornbury, it's a safe bet for random weird times and a very diverse crowd.

So close to the city but so handy if you need to be amongst some nature and clear your mind for a bit. Perfect for a little afternoon bike ride.

This is a real cute first date vibe. The decor is simple and stylish, the staff are sweet and there's always a great record spinning.

Melbourne with Kira Puru

Excellent resource for niche interest books and publications, as well as architectural, art, design and esoteric stuff. New and out of print material. Located in the city's iconic Chicago school Nicholas Building.

There's hundreds of fancy wine and food bars in Melbourne, but Embla just always seems more delicious.

Also housed within the Nicholas Building, this is Melbourne's latest and greatest new record shop. Experimentally focussed, superbly curated – vinyl, CDs and publications.

Situated in a weird, grimy walk-through arcade in Preston, cooking homemade dumplings and noodles with delicious slow-cooked broth.

Stunning 100 hectare arboretum of both native and exotic species, not far from where I live, in the Dandenong Ranges. You'll probably find me walking my dog here or foraging for something. Beautiful sequoia plantations and lush native fern gullies. Good place to picnic or just meander around and get lost.

A mysterious, strange and eerie clustered rock formation on Wurundjeri/Dja Dja Wurrung/Taungurung country just outside of Melbourne. Truly interesting, beautiful energy to literally get lost in.

Not technically in Melbourne, but if you've made it this far, you may as well go an extra couple of hours for the most beautiful, varied, sometimes alien landscapes that Victoria has to offer. Home to my favourite Victorian beach, Fairy Cove. A really nice (long) day trip, but the overnight camping situations here are even better for the secret secluded stuff.

Amazing, delicious tapas and no frills vibe situated near my place.

For all your drip requirements! Located in the iconic Curtin House in the city – once home to Melbourne's communist party.

CS + Kreme’s Ultimate Guide to Melbourne

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