6 Venues to Take Your Food to the Streets

From the markets to the food trucks trundling around the city, street food plays an integral part in the Australian food map.

Whether it’s good old fish and chips, a meat pie or more exotic fare such as karaage chicken Thai fish cakes or authentic Korean barbequed meat, we all have our go-to street food favourites.

Here are six venues to put on your street food culinary map:

Fusing Southeast Asian influences with incredible Tasmanian produce, head to Small Grain on Charles Street in Launceston for punchy flavours and recipes handed down through family generations. This compact eatery blends exposed brick with blond wood and potted greenery to create a chilled-out vibe for checking out a seasonal menu inspired by traditional Japanese food, made with love.

 

Graze on crispy fried lotus chips or popcorn cauliflower to start your street food journey, before devouring a grilled beef and housemade kimchi banh mi with lettuce, cucumber, bean sprouts, coriander, chilli and mayo in a crusty baguette; those with heartier appetites opt for a karaage chicken or veggie rice bowl.

Born out of a passion for travel to Asia, a palate for fresh taste and a desire to share these flavours with other diners, Café Michael 2, located on Rundle Street in the heart of the city, is well-loved on the Adelaide foodie scene. This family-owned and operated restaurant serves up authentic tastes from Thailand in vibrant surrounds of red-coloured walls, white-clothed tables, potted greenery and traditional accents.

 

Start your street food journey with prawn spring rolls and sweet chilli dipping sauce, or spicy chicken wings; moving onto house specialties such as garlic and pepper squid with vegetables, or a bowl of red duck curry with pineapple, cherry tomatoes and sides of steamed rice and stir-fried seasonal vegetables.

Those seeking unlimited Korean BBQ dishes head along Peel Street in North Melbourne to find Eat All K-BBQ restaurant. Make great memories with family and friends at this buffet dining destination, where all manner of delicacies can be grilled at your table after selecting fresh meat, seafood and vegetables from the menu.

Start with kimchi soup, Korean pancakes and spicy rice cakes, before refilling your plate with Korean fried chicken, salad, vegetables, side dishes and steamed rice. Choose your protein to cook your way from options such as sweet soy chicken fillet, Wagyu chuck eye roll, beef short rib, Angus oyster blade and beef brisket roll, along with beef bulgogi; wash it all down with a rice wine or icy beer.

There’s more than just steaming bowls of Vietnamese pho on offer at Café Saba on The Parade in Norwood. Nestled in the Parade Pavilion, this family-run café is the ideal spot for a catchup with friends, quick lunch away from the office, or a relaxing dinner with a glass of wine in hand.

 

A leafy alfresco courtyard beckons on balmy days, or dine indoors surrounded by high tables and black stools, matte grey walls adorned with traditional artwork and hanging red lanterns. With more than 60 dishes on the menu, there’s a plate to tempt all tastes – think street food like prawn dumplings, fish cakes, banh mi and spring rolls.

Bringing high roller energy to Flinders Lane, head to Cha Ching in the heart of Melbourne for Asian-inspired fare with flair and spicy cocktails. An intersection of East and West, Cha Ching has wowed Melburnians since opening late in 2022 with top-tier fusion dishes and one of the coolest interiors to grace a CBD laneway – think moody lighting, neon signage, banquette and cosy table settings, ideal for a special night out.

 

Drool over street food dishes such as Korean fried chicken with mother-in-law sauce, daikon pickles, spring onions and sesame, or Wagyu cheeseburger spring rolls with lettuce, pickled cucumber and cheddar cheese dip; mains such as five-spice crispy pork belly always entice, served with chilli caramel, black vinegar and spicy green apple slaw.

For traditional Thai, Indian and Nonya, all in one place, go no further than Hanuman on Mitchell Street in the heart of Darwin. Part of the Holiday Inn Esplanade complex, this modern Asian restaurant boasts a magnificent alfresco dining area and stylish cocktail bar, while the décor has been sourced from around the world adding to the truly exotic experience.

 

Street food starters like deep-fried soft-shell crab, chicken and prawn moneybags and Nonya pork rolls will tempt tastebuds, while mains such as South Indian goat curry entice adventurous palates, best enjoyed with coconut jasmine rice and stir-fried seasonal greens.