It’s hard to believe I am almost two months into studying abroad in Melbourne, Australia. While I am absolutely in love with everything this city has to offer, Melbourne’s food and coffee scene is second to none. I am definitely the foodie friend: always attempting to take aesthetic photos of dinner, searching Instagram for restaurants, and down for a coffee run. Needless to say, I am thriving here!
Brunch in Brighton Beach
This city’s famous cafes are around every corner, serving delicious baked goods and espresso-based drinks like magic coffee. As far as restaurants are concerned, Melbourne has every type of cuisine you could desire. Recently, I have been loving the Italian food in Carlton, an Indonesian place near campus, and Bowltiful, a beloved halal Lanzhou noodle shop.
Bowltiful noodles!
But, as a university student, all these culinary conquests quickly cost you! The USD to AUD conversion rate favors us, which is helpful. Still, living in a big city far from your home country makes it easy to eat out more frequently and expensively than you would usually. Here are some considerations I would keep in mind to eat well on a budget here in Melb:
Look for Deals
Google is your friend when you study abroad! I will look up deals based on the day I want to eat out. Usually, if you search for the type of food you want and the suburb you will be in, there’s something on! Trivia nights are big here (my roommates and I are determined to win at least once), and many pubs do a dinner deal beforehand. Additionally, restaurants and pubs do steak and chicken parma (an Aussie staple) nights throughout the week.
Happy hours for food also abound. In the mornings, many cafes do a toastie (hot sandwich, usually grilled cheese) and coffee deal. For lunch, many places near University and in the CBD do lunch combo specials. For example, a ramen place near me has a $12 daily special with a huge portion size.
Ramen one block from my house
There are also some places that are inexpensive all the time. I frequent a sushi shop near the Victoria State Library with $3 rolls and a Carlton café with $5 meals. You don’t have to go to a nice coffee shop every day; grabbing a $2 coffee from the 7-Eleven is perfectly normal here. There really are limitless options in a city this big! I personally have a running list of places I want to eat in my notes app, so if I am walking around in the city and see a good spot, I will write it down!
Bloomwood Bakery
Check Your Uni
The University of Melbourne has heaps of events with free or very inexpensive food. You just have to look for them! Right now, they have free breakfasts on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and a welfare brunch on Thursday. Just get there early because lines can be long! Sometimes, when I wait in line, I’ll take the time to call family and friends. Student societies will also have events with free food and beverages. My favorite one I have joined has been the coffee club; you can guess why! Further, there’s a canteen on campus that has $5 meals every day.
Cook at Home
Finally, and perhaps most obviously, cook at home! I go to an Aldi across the street from my apartment to get groceries at low prices. If eating at home seems boring, mix it up by cooking with friends. My roommates and I take turns cooking dinner every Monday night. Taking the time to sit down around a home-cooked meal also might reduce homesickness.
We also have a terrace outside our building where students in the TEAN program often go to grill out. I also enjoy a picnic at a local park! Just because you are eating your own food doesn’t mean you can’t make it part of the study abroad experience.
Make a Budget
I suggest figuring out a weekly budget for your time abroad. That way, you can balance expenditures on travel and activities with the money you spend on food.
It’s a foodie paradise here Down Under! Until next time, y’all!