Melbourne

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

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

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)

For some nature Blairgowrie Rock Pools are found on this beach - f*cking insane!

Start with a cocktail at the speakeasy downstairs at GOGO Bar.

After Horn Please Indian, take a walk through the Edinburgh Gardens with a Billy Van’s ice cream (coconut sorbet all the way!)

My favourite out of the three buildings is the Heide II - a white lime stone modernist building and gallery. Eat at the cafe (you’ll need reservations!) or take a picnic and walk through the sculpture gardens - get into the bush!

Bobby Clark's Guide to Melbourne

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.

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