Eat, Drink, Explore: Melbourne

@cieestudyabroad Eat, Drink, Explore: Melbourne, Australia Check out our NEW study abroad programs in Melbourne in our bio! #ciee #cieestudyabroad #studyabroad #melbourne #australia #eatdrinkexplore Show Me How - Men I Trust

BEST FOOD TO EAT IN MELBOURNE

When it comes to Australia's culinary scene, there's nothing more quintessentially "Aussie" than a Sunday roast. Since the country's early days of British colonization, Australia has been a sheep-rearing nation, making lamb a common and inexpensive selection of meat you'll find in nearly every pub; not to mention a home-cooked weekend ritual many locals regularly partake in to symbolize the Australian dream. Whether you partake in a Sunday roast in one of the country's 6,000+ pubs or in the home of a local Aussie, enjoy a traditional roasted leg of lamb served with slow-cooked potatoes, green peas, and decadent gravy.

Top Cultural Foods To Try in Melbourne

Excited to live like a local in Melbourne? While there are no single region-specific foods that are unique to Melbourne, there are a variety of dishes that make the city a diverse culinary hub for locals and travelers alike:

• Chicken Parma: With a Melbourne twist, this classic dish features a juicy chicken cutlet covered in marinara sauce and mozzarella. Typically, you'll find it served with fries and a salad on the side.
• Aussie Dim Sim: Invented in Melbourne, this is a distinct Australian take on the traditional Chinese dumpling. It consists of a large and savory dumpling that is thick and doughy, typically filled with minced meat, shredded cabbage and seasonings. Whether you enjoy it steamed, deep-fried or barbecued, you are in for a delightful meal.
• Vegemite: You've probably heard of Vegemite before, but did you know it was invented in Melbourne? Vegemite is a thick and salty food spread that is a staple in Australian pantries, and an important part of Aussie national identity. While abroad, you absolutely need to try the Vegemite on toast breakfast that is nostalgic for most Australians!

BEST DRINK IN MELBOURNE

The epicenter of Australia's caffeine scene, Melbourne is known globally for its coffee obsession. The city's love affair with coffee dates back to post-World War II when Italian and Greek immigrants arrived on Australia's shores, bringing with them their beloved European-style espresso machines. The espresso boom of the 1950s paved the way for the 2000s' "Third Wave" of the coffee scene, resulting in a multigenerational café culture. Today, Melbournians expect the highest quality coffee, typically ordering lattes, flat whites, cappuccinos, long blacks, or espressos. Live like the Aussies and start your day with a "cuppa joe" at one of Melbourne's 2,000+ cafés!

Top Cultural Drinks To Try in Melbourne

Here are some of the top traditional drinks to try while you're studying in Melbourne:

• Melbourne Magic: Melbourne has a very renowned coffee scene that is perfect for coffee lovers looking to assimilate to the local culture. A "magic" is a specific type of coffee order that is popular among locals. This go-to order for locals includes a double ristretto espresso shot in a flat white, and the "magic" that makes it unique is a reduced amount of steamed milk that creates a more flavorful, rich and creamy coffee drink.
• Regional Melbourne Wines: Within a short drive of Melbourne, you'll find some of Australia's most diverse and prestigious vineyards that produce deliciously complex wines. The Yarra Valley is widely recognized for incredible Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines, and is a major tourist attraction for travelers worldwide.

BEST PLACE TO EXPLORE IN MELBOURNE

A popular 90-minute day trip from Melbourne, Phillip Island is a haven for Australia's incredible wildlife. Situated just off the southern coast of the country, Phillip Island is home to koalas, Australian fur seals, pelicans, shearwater birds, migrating whales, kangaroos, and Australia's largest colony of penguins. From petting koalas to hand-feeding kangaroos to watching penguins waddle during sunset, Phillip Island is one of the top wildlife sighting locations in greater Melbourne. Don't miss the chance to experience all this incredible landmark has to offer!

Top Cultural Attractions to Visit in Melbourne

Here are some of the top cultural attractions to visit while you're studying in Melbourne:

• The Shrine of Remembrance: This national war memorial located in the heart of Melbourne is a significant historical site that honors the service and sacrifice of all Australians who have served in war and peacekeeping operations. It showcases various exhibitions that allow you to view various artifacts and gain a deeper understanding of Australia's military history. It's also a focal point for major national holidays like Remembrance Day!
• Royal Botanic Gardens: This cherished green space in the city is known for being one of the finest botanical gardens in the world! In addition to meticulously landscaped gardens and lakes that feature over 8,500 different plant species from around the world, the gardens are also a major center for plant research and conservation.
• Queen Victoria Market: Affectionately known as "Queen Vic" or "The Vic Market" by locals, the Queen Victoria Market is a popular landmark and major marketplace in the central business district. Here, you'll find the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. Find fresh produce, an artisan Deli Hall, ready-to-eat food from stalls and food trucks, as well as Night Markets that pop up in the summer and winter.

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