Discover Melbourne's budget-friendly dining scene with Mia as your guide. From savouring Malaysian delicacies at Lulu's to uncovering hidden Thai gems at Soi 38, Mia's top picks ensure you can indulge in flavourful cuisine without emptying your wallet. Join her on a culinary journey where affordability meets deliciousness in the heart of Melbourne.
Them Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine & Rolls
5/60 Siddeley St, Docklands VIC 3008
Them Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine & Rolls, located in Docklands under the Flinders Wharf complex, offers a genuine taste of Vietnam. Their extensive menu features a wide range of authentic Vietnamese dishes and traditional rolls, highlighting the diverse and flavourful cuisine of Vietnam. Whether you're craving pho, banh mi, or other Vietnamese specialties, this restaurant brings the essence of Vietnamese cuisine to Docklands, making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic dining experience.
Shanghai Street
342 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
303-305 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000
146/148 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
When this dumpling house quietly emerged in 2010, the xiao long bao intrigued and mystified non-Shanghainese diners, sometimes even causing burnt tongues. Now, with three venues under its belt, it's become a top destination for impeccable XLBs. The menu boasts five different varieties and classic favourites such as shu mai, wonton soup, spring onion pancakes, mapo tofu, and kung pao chicken. Individual rice and noodle dishes, as well as bamboo baskets of steamed dumplings, all come in under the $20 mark.
Hector’s Deli
1/94 Buckingham St, Richmond VIC 3121
111 Moor St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
253 Coventry St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Hector’s Deli, initially in Richmond and now also in Fitzroy and South Melbourne, specializes in artisanal sandwiches that draw long queues. With a menu featuring six hot sandwiches and five fresh options, choosing a favourite is tough because they're all exceptional. Don't underestimate the HCT; it's possibly the finest ham and cheese toasties around. Expect indulgent, visually appealing, and budget-friendly sandwiches, all under $17.
Soi 38
38 Mcilwraith Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000
Bowltiful, an unassuming shop, excels in serving authentic hand-pulled Chinese noodles, particularly the Chinese-Muslim style beef noodle. With a variety of noodle shapes and thicknesses, you can pair them with eight different dishes, featuring ingredients like beef, lamb offal, bean pastes, tomato, and garlic-rich gravy. The noodles' impressive chewiness is a testament to their high-quality preparation, but be cautious with the thickest noodles to avoid splattering.
Lulu’s Char Koay Teow
27-31 Hardware Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Lulu's Char Koay Teow in Melbourne offers a true taste of Malaysian culture with its crowd-pleasing dishes, including the signature char koay teow and expanding menu items like jawa mee. The secret sauce, reminiscent of Penang's flavours, sets them apart. Despite the bustling atmosphere and queues, it's a must-visit for authentic Malaysian cuisine. Morning visits are an option, starting at 10:30am on Sundays and 11am other days, for a delightful tek tarik and a nostalgic atmosphere.
Bowltiful
382-384 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000
249 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Soi 38, a hidden gem in a CBD carpark, captures the essence of Thailand with enticing scents. Established by Andy Buchan and Top Kijphavee, it began with boat noodles and prawn wontons, now boasting a diverse menu featuring delights like duck larb. Evening diners can savour Thai barbecue and hotpot. The process is simple: choose your dishes, order at the counter, and wait with anticipation. La Cave Garage, a nearby wine shop, offers excellent wine pairings. Whether heading to Bangkok or staying in Melbourne, Soi 38 is a culinary must-visit.
Mr Ramen San
12a/200 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
344 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
The line outside Mid City Arcade's Mr. Ramen San on Bourke Street speaks volumes about its quality. Their pork bone broth, simmered for a minimum of 10 hours, achieves a silky creaminess without heaviness. Handcrafted thin wheat noodles perfectly complement the lighter tonkotsu soup. Toppings include spring onion, pickled bamboo shoots, seaweed, and a soy egg. Prices range from $16.90 to $17.90, and a bonus: you can get extra noodles at no extra cost.
Delhi Streets
22 Katherine Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000
Delhi Streets, despite its name paying homage to India's capital, offers a diverse menu spanning the country's culinary landscape. Thali plates, a well-rounded meal featuring rice, naan, pappadum, and two curries, are priced between $17 and $20. You can also savour a masala dosa, a thin crispy pancake filled with spiced potatoes, for just $18. Additionally, their Indian-inspired wraps and pizzas are budget-friendly options.
