Heartbaker: The Art of Banh Mi

No exploration of Melbourne’s multicultural food scene is complete without a stop for a world-class Banh Mi. At Heartbaker, located in the heart of the CBD, this Vietnamese classic is elevated through high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques. As a featured stop on our Foodie Discovery Walk, it represents the vibrant fusion flavours that have come to define our city's laneway culture.  

The Perfect Fusion

The Banh Mi is a beautiful example of culinary history—a French baguette filled with traditional Vietnamese ingredients.  

• The Bread: Heartbaker focuses on a crusty, light Vietnamese Tiger Baguette that provides the perfect crunch. All baked fresh daily in the Heartbaker inhouse bakery!!

• The Fillings: Expect a balance of savoury proteins, rich pâté, and fresh, zesty pickled vegetables.  

• Local Expertise: Like all our partners, Heartbaker is chosen because they are masters of their craft, working at the intersection of traditional storytelling and modern flavours.  

Why We Love It

• A Tour Highlight: It is a key savoury component of the Foodie Discovery Walk, ensuring our guests leave the tour feeling very full and satisfied.

• Authentically Melbourne: While the origins are international, the way Heartbaker serves the city's busy professionals and hungry explorers is quintessential Melbourne.  

• Accessibility: The venue fits perfectly into our easy walking routes through the flat, accessible streets of the Hoddle Grid.  

Travel Tips for Your Visit

• Arrive Early: Like most of Melbourne's best lunch spots, the queues for a fresh Banh Mi can grow quickly during the midday rush.

• The Perfect Lunch: If you aren't on a tour, a Heartbaker Banh Mi is widely considered one of the best value-for-money lunches in the CBD.

• Dietaries: Ask about their vegetarian options, which offer the same fresh, crunchy experience without the meat.

Taste the Stories of the Laneways

Ready to discover why this Banh Mi is a local favourite? Join us on our Foodie Discovery Walk, where we take you behind the scenes to meet the makers who bring these incredible flavours to life. Our guides are experts in the people and history behind the food, ensuring every bite comes with a story.

Shandong Mama Mini: A Laneway Legend

Tucked away in the iconic, graffiti-covered Centre Place, Shandong Mama Mini is a quintessential Melbourne hole-in-the-wall joint that proves the best things often come in small packages. A standout stop on both our Foodie Discovery and Dumpling Discovery tours, this tiny venue is a masterclass in authentic flavours and family tradition.  

The Story Behind the Dumpling

The restaurant is a passion project led by Meiyang—affectionately known as "Mama"—who moved her family from the Shandong province of China to Melbourne in 2012.  

• The Peninsula Heritage: Mama hails from the Shandong peninsula, located between Beijing and Shanghai.  

• Regional Specialties: Her recipes are inspired by the coastal city of Yantai, famous for its unique seafood-based dumplings.  

• Family Secrets: Every family in Yantai has a distinct recipe, and Mama has spent years perfecting her signature blends for Melbourne diners.  

What to Eat

While the restaurant itself is small, the food is world-class and hand-crafted in an open garage-style kitchen.  

• The Signature Mackerel Dumpling: This is the dish that put them on the map. Fresh mackerel is hand-whipped into a delicate mousse with ginger and coriander, then pan-fried into tubes of deliciousness.  

• The Vegan Favourite: For those looking for plant-based options, their vegan zucchini and tofu dumplings are a hit for their fresh, crunchy texture.  

• The Authentic Sauce: To eat like a local from Northern China, avoid the soy bottle. Instead, reach for the black vinegar ('V') and a dash of chilli for the most authentic experience.  

Travel Tips for Your Visit

• Embrace the Crowd: Part of the fun at Shandong Mama Mini is huddling around the long table and soaking up the bustling laneway atmosphere.  

• Watch the Craft: You can marvel at the speed and precision of the chefs as they work in the compact kitchen space.  

Discover the Heart of Chinatown

Want to devour these famous mackerel dumplings without the guesswork? Join us on our Dumpling Discovery or Foodie Discovery Walks, where we handle the ordering and share the history behind every bite.

Discover Melbourne's Timeless Arcades: A Travel Guide

While our laneways are famous for their grit and graffiti, Melbourne’s historic arcades offer a different kind of magic: grand architecture, mosaic floors, and a glimpse into the city's sophisticated past. Originally built to provide shoppers refuge from the weather and the bustle of horse-drawn traffic, these arcades remain the jewel of the Hoddle Grid.

Here are the must-visit stops for your next self-guided stroll.

The Royal Arcade: A Step Back to 1870

As the first arcade built in Melbourne and the longest-standing in Australia, the Royal Arcade is a true heritage icon.

• The Highlight: Look up to see Gog and Magog, the two giant mythical figures flanking Gaunt’s Clock. Since 1892, they have struck the chimes every hour on the hour.

• The Vibe: Designed in a beautiful Italianate style, it’s home to unique boutiques and the famous Koko Black chocolate shop.

• Location: Connects Little Bourke Street to Bourke Street Mall.

The Block Arcade: Golden Era Glamour

If you want to see how Melbourne looked during the gold rush, head to The Block Arcade. Inspired by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, it features incredible mosaic tile flooring and a magnificent glass canopy.

• Don't Miss: The Tea Rooms 1892 (formerly Hopetoun Tea Rooms). It’s one of the city's most fashionable spots for high tea, with a window display that has been stopping passers-by for over a century.

• Shopping: You’ll find Haigh’s Chocolates at the Collins Street entrance—an essential Melbourne treat.

• Location: Connects Collins Street to Elizabeth Street.

Cathedral Arcade: Art Deco Elegance

Tucked inside the iconic Nicholas Building, the Cathedral Arcade is a hidden gem for fans of Art Deco.

• The Architecture: Completed in 1925, it features a stunning leadlight archway and central domes that glow with a soft, ethereal light.

• The Experience: The building above is a vertical village for artists and designers. While the arcade is quiet, it’s the gateway to some of the city's most creative independent studios.

• Location: Corner of Flinders Lane and Swanston Street.

Manchester Unity Arcade: A Neo-Gothic Marvel

Located just across from the Town Hall, this arcade is part of the Manchester Unity Building, once the tallest in Melbourne.

• Look Closely: The ground floor arcade features ornate elevators and a black-and-gold marble interior that feels like a scene from a 1930s film.

• Location: Corner of Collins and Swanston Streets.

Travel Tips for Arcade Explorers

• Look Up: The best architectural details, from glass skylights to carved stone faces (and the Greek god Chronos in the Royal Arcade), are often high above the shopfronts.

• Avoid the Rush: These arcades are busiest during lunch hours (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM). Visit mid-morning to appreciate the architecture without the crowds.

• Easy Walking: Like most of the CBD, our historic arcades are on flat ground and are easily accessible for all fitness levels.

• Photography: Most arcades allow photography, but please be mindful of the small, independent retailers who keep these historic spaces alive.

Experience the History for Yourself

The best way to truly appreciate the grandeur of the Block and Royal Arcades is to walk through them with a guide who knows the secrets hidden behind the stone and glass. On our Foodie Discovery Walk, we weave through these historic spaces, sharing the stories of  Melbourne while stopping for some of the city's finest treats.

Our team of local experts are passionate about bringing Melbourne's past to life. Whether you want to know about the 1850s gold rush or the best hidden coffee spot in a quiet corner, our guides have the local knowledge to make your visit unforgettable.

Ready to Explore?

• Book Your Tour: Secure your spot directly through our website for the best value and an intimate group experience.

• Got Questions? Visit our FAQs page to find out more about what to wear, how much we walk, and what to expect on the day.

• Get in Touch: If you have a specific enquiry or are interested in a private tour, feel free to contact us directly.

Melbourne Spring Itinerary - Food Lovers Weekend

Spring foodie Weekend in Melbourne

Friday night

Drop your bags at your hotel and head straight to Chinatown! On a dry evening there will be a buzz of people walking up and down Little Bourke St which is one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world.  If you’d like cheap and cheerful, head to Shanghai Street (the name of the restaurant, not the street) for xiao long bao or Juicy Bao for sheng jian bao. Both are right on Little Bourke St, either side of Russell St. You’ll need to queue at both, but the line typically moves quickly.  If you want to splash out, try the Flower Drum, but make sure you’ve booked weeks in advance. For somewhere in the middle, try Mr. Bo. 

Chinese restaurants are not typically known for their excellent drinks list, but there are some great laneway bars in Chinatown if you’d like to indulge after dinner. Try One or Two or the Union Electric.

China Town  | © Visit Victoria

Saturday 

Melbourne has literally a thousand places to get a morning coffee, so why not explore a few on our Coffee Lovers Walk. You’ll leave with a new found respect for your flat white!

After the tour concludes, jump on a tram and head to the Royal Botanic Gardens for lunch at The Terrace and enjoy a sunny spring afternoon wandering around and relaxing. For those more interested in a bit of culture, spend your time at the NGV. You’ve got two venues to choose from either on St Kilda Road for international art or at Federation Square for Australian Art. 

Speaking of Federation Square, this is your dinner venue. Grab one of the outdoor tables and enjoy flavours from all over the world at the many eateries on offer. After that you might like a wander along the river and have a drink with a view at Ponyfish Island(under the Evan Walker Bridge) or Yarra Botanica (a pontoon floating in the river). Both have lovely night time view of the city lights.  

Royal Botanic Gardens  | © Visit Victoria

Royal Botanic Gardens | © Visit Victoria

Sunday

Head just out of the city to South Melbourne Market (which is an easy walk from Crown) and join the  locals doing their Sunday morning grocery shopping and enjoying breakfast. There’s a lot of options to choose from here from pastries and coffee to freshly shucked oysters and crayfish!  

For your final Spring meal in Melbourne, head to the renowned Hardware Lane for the best Malaysian flavours in the town at Lulu’s, followed by a coffee at Maker and a gelato at Piccolina, all within a few steps of each other. 

South Melbourne Market | © Visit Victoria

South Melbourne Market | © Visit Victoria

A Foodie's Guide to the Melbourne Grand Prix

Melbourne Grand Prix 2024 - A Foodie’s Guide

Grand Prix weekend is one of the most exciting times to be in Melbourne. The festival descends upon Albert Park and all the F1 fans fill the city with a real sense of occasion. While there are lots of things to eat at the track, visitors to Melbourne can also enjoy a whole city of culinary delights while they’re in town.

Whether you’re interested in our amazing brunch scene, a quick drink and a snack or dinner after a day at the track, Melbourne’s hundreds of cafes, restaurants and bars covering a myriad of cuisines are ready for you to enjoy. Whether it’s your first time in Australia or a regular visitor, our amazing hospitality professionals are ready to welcome you during your time here for the F1 Grand Prix.

Best Spots for Quick Bites

Melbourne is renowned for it’s ‘laneways’ - which are small streets like alleyways - often filled with cafes and stores. They are pedestrian only, which makes them great for people watching while you grab a bite at one of the very informal and casual eateries. You could try Centre Place which is full of cafes for breakfast and lunch or if you’re after something later in the day, you’ll find ShanDong Mama mini open for Chinese dumplings for dinner.

Hardware Lane is also a good option for laneway people watching with a bunch of great food options open three meals per day. Maker coffee is great for breakfast and if you like an extra punch of flavour try Lulu’s for the best Malaysian food in town. Nearby, Rice Paper Scissors will pair your Asian fusion with a delicious cocktail.

Fine Dining Experiences

If you prefer your dining environment a little more refined, pursue the myriad of options along Flinders Lane between Swanston st and Spring st. This is one of the best dining districts in Australia and you can’t walk more than a few meters without passing somewhere wonderful to eat or drink. Not all the entrances are directly on Flinders Lane. Don’t be afraid to head upstairs… or downstairs… or down the side alleys to find the entrances to the restaurants. Some highlights include Nomad, Cumulus Inc or Lucy Liu.

Relaxation Spots

Botanical Gardens Melbourne

If it’s a lovely day you might like to take yourself away from the buzz of the track for a quiet morning wandering through the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Terrace cafe has recently been revamped by one of Melbourne’s best cafe owners, so you won’t go hungry either.

To relax with a quiet drink, the open air bars under Princes Bridge near Federation Square have a lovely atmosphere. Riverland and Pilgrim might still be busy, being near the river and amongst the trees of Birrarung Marr is still a nice place to relax. If you’re looking for slightly more adventurous flavors, head into the main piazza at Fed Square and try some indigenous flavors (and maybe even a cocktail!) at Big Esso.

Activities and Attractions

National Gallery of Victoria

While you might be in town for the race, there are so many other things to do in Melbourne while you’re visiting. While art and F1 are not a classic combination, Melbourne’s hosts some of the best art galleries in the country. The NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) is hosting a once every three year exhibition - aptly named the Triennial - where cutting edge modern art from around the world is scattered through the permanent collection of much older and more traditional art making for a fascinating experience.

You could also try for an evening experience at one of Melbourne’s classic theaters to catch a show. Head to Halftix on Little Collins St (just behind the Town Hall) to snatch some last minute discounted tickets to any number of Melbourne’s theatre shows.

Foodie Discovery Walk

Of course, one of the ultimate Melbourne experiences is to immerse yourself a walking tour with a local to soak up the local history. Our Melbourne Foodie Discovery Walk will answer all your questions and you’ll get fed with some of Melbourne's most delicious bites from places you wouldn’t find on your own. Book our Foodie Discovery Walk today!

Melbourne Tours Uncovered - An Insider's Guide

Discovering Melbourne: Food, History, and Hidden Gems

When choosing a Melbourne Tour, a walking tour is a perfect way to explore the famous alleyways, laneways and arcades of the city. These laneways are pedestrian-only zones and are often filled with cafes, delicious local food vendors and small stores that exude charm. Melbourne is an incredibly multicultural city and this is reflected in what’s on offer for you in the laneways of Melbourne.

What Makes Walk Melbourne Tours Unique?

At Walk Melbourne Tours we love to share Melbourne’s stories through food. Since 2012, our small group walking tours have been delighting guests from all around the world. Food is central to our tours, so tastings are included in the price of every tour.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-time visitor to Melbourne looking for a comprehensive overview or a local with a specific interest. We have a tour for you:

• Coffee Tours: Dive deep into Melbourne's renowned coffee scene.

• Dumpling Tours: Taste the city's most delicious dumplings.

• Foodie Tours: Indulge in Melbourne's most delicious morsels.

• Laneway & Rooftop Bars Tours:Explore unique spots and spectacular views

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Foodie Discovery Walk

The Foodie Discovery Walk is the best Melbourne tour if you want a great overview of Melbourne and a range of different tastings. It’s perfect if you only have a short stay and want to taste a bunch of delicious things!

Coffee Lovers Walk

Our Coffee Lovers Walk is for those wanting to deep dive into Melbourne’s coffee obsession. It doesn’t matter if you simply enjoy a cappuccino or if you are a home roasting expert. We can cater to everyone’s tastes - as long as it’s coffee! You’ll visit multiple cafes, try different styles of coffee and leave with lots of food for thought about your next cup.

Dumpling Discovery Walk

Our Dumpling Discovery Walk is for those who love a fun evening experience with a little bit of history thrown in. We visit several dumpling houses - typically always Chinese - and try something different at each one. You’ll make your own dipping sauce and have a great night out with other dumpling lovers!

Rooftop Bars Tour

Our Rooftop Bars tour is a Melbourne Tour for those of you wanting to find some great spots for a drink with friends. This is only for private groups, so grab a few friends and we’ll show you some nice views, share a bit of history and buy you some drinks!

““This tour that was so much more than I was expecting! It was a history lesson, as well as an introduction to Melbourne architecture, iconic events, and the influential people who helped grow this beautiful city. As for the food and drinks…there is plenty, it’s all delicious, and you are taken on a journey with each stop providing its own fascinating story. I can’t recommend this tour highly enough, a wonderful introduction to what Melbourne has to offer””

— Vicki, June 2023

FAQs

What Can You Expect in a Walk Melbourne Tour?

Your local guide will meet you with a smile and confirm your dietary requirements and preferences.

The groups are always small and may include local Melbournians discovering their own backyard or international guests from any corner of the world. We encourage everyone to get to know each other!

Our tour guides are locals and want you to get the best out of your time in Melbourne. All our tours include the laneways of Melbourne, history and commentary about the food that we’re eating. Our guides are all passionate about the city and are happy to provide some recommendations for the rest of your stay.

Are Tastings Included in the Price?

Your tastings are included in the price. We visit small businesses that the locals love and on every tour we hear people say ‘we would never have found this place without you!’.

How Do I Book a Melbourne Tour with Walk Melbourne?

All our availability is viewable in real time on our website. Just click the Book Now button to book your Melbourne tour.

Are Walk Melbourne Tours Suitable for Children?

Our tours aren’t really suitable for kids under 10 years old, unless they’re adventurous eaters. If you think they will have all the tastings, they are charged at full price. If you’d like to bring them along, but you don’t think they’ll eat, they are welcome to attend free of charge. But please let us know in advance so we can accommodate seating for them (our venues are small). You are welcome to buy them extra tastings along the way. All kids over 10 years old are charged at full price. If you have any questions, please get in contact.

What Should I Bring on a Walk Melbourne Tour?

Please bring your own water bottle, rain jacket, umbrella, hat and sunscreen. Some people also like to bring some hand sanitiser, as we are eating at outdoor venues. Apart from that please bring your sense of curiosity and enthusiasm!

Why Choose Walk Melbourne for Your Melbourne Tour Experience?

We have been operating foodie walking tours of Melbourne since 2012 with great reviews from our customers! Our groups are small, our tour guides are locals and tastings are included in the price. We visit small businesses that the locals love and on every tour we hear people say ‘we would never have found this place without you!’. All our tours include the laneways of Melbourne, history and commentary about the food that we’re eating. We want you to get the best out of your time in Melbourne and we’re always happy to provide some recommendations for the rest of your stay.