Food transportation is the best. Seriously.

Melbourne is famed for its multiculturalism and food, above all else. Garden State? More like the Foodie State.

Not only does Melbourne host a diverse variety of cuisines from Slovak, Armenian and Cambodian, to Nigerian and Soul food, it has mastered the classics: Italian, Greek, Indian, Mexican, Vietnamese, Chinese and Thai.

Friday’s traditional takeaway night just got complicated.

What do Australians eat? Well everything, we have mastered the spag-bol, Chinese stir fry’s are a breeze, Mexican fiestas welcome in the summertime and on a cold winters night it is not uncommon to knock up a Hungarian Goulash or Indian curry. And what Melbournian has not purchased a sushi making set with the best intention of using it, only to find that the local Japanese place can knock out a $2 tuna handroll with a lot less fuss?

There’s just no typical Melbourne cuisine.

So, back to food transportation. It is the reason Melbournians, despite being geographical remote, like to think they are cultured. The idea is that through food, you experience culture.

With Melbourne’s unique cultural hubs, it is possible to soak up unique and diverse cultures.

Seven continents, seven meals, two snacks and drinks in one weekend? Breath… It can be done.

So here it is, Melbourne’s (Food) World Tour:

Friday Night: South America

(It’s time to let your hair down).

Head to Fitzroy, also known as Melbourne’s Latin Quarter for some Argentinian, after dinner head to Copacabana International for some Cuban Salsa.

Saturday Breakfast aka. Hangover Recovery: North America

After a big night on the mojitos, you need some serious grease to soak up the alcohol, how does bacon with bottomless coffee sound? Can’t beat Subway.

Saturday Lunch and Snack: Africa and Asia 

From Africa to Asia in under five mins? It can be done. Head to Footscray, Melbourne’s thriving cultural hub. Since the arrival of the Vietnamese in the 1970s, it has become home to Melbourne’s newly arrived migrant communities.

Lunch – African

Take your pick from Somali, Ethiopian or Nigerian. But make sure you have the injera.

It seriously is the best thing ever and being gluten free it is god’s gift to Celiacs.

Next head to Little Saigon market and feast on some Vietnamese rice paper rolls.

Saturday Night: Middle Eastern (“the Middle East” is not a continent, but the food is amazing.)

Head to Sydney road, home of Melbourne’s Middle Eastern community. Feast on Lebanese mezze’s, kebabs, turkish delight and baklava.

Finish off with some Turkish apple tea and try a hookah (smoking pipe).

Sunday breakfast: Europe

Europeans are serious about their coffee and the place to head for good coffee is Melbourne’s laneways. Feast on a French croissant in Hardware Lane, wear your best sunglasses and people watch.

Sunday lunch:  Asia

(I know it’s already been done but who in their right mind can classify Indian, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese as “Asian?” WHO? About the only thing, they have in common is rice).

Ok back to Sunday lunch: Time for a little soul searching? It is Sunday after all. Head to Hari Krinsha’s Gopals in the city for some wholesome vegetarian Indian food. Incense, chanting, it’s got the works. Try an afternoon yoga class afterwards.

Sunday Dinner: Back home… Australia! (It is a continent you know)

Okay, I know I said there was no typically Australian cuisine, but…

Sunday is the night for a Barbie (or BBQ but definitely not barbeque).  Aside from vegemite and meat pies, a snag (sausage) in bread is our staple. Preferably white bread with a fair shake of the tomato sauce (thanks, Kevin 07) and a VB in hand…oh my apologies, we are MELBOURIANS. So scrap that, Little Creatures, it has got to be Little Creatures, that is until the next overpriced boutique beer comes in. (Don’t get me started on Melbournians beer snobbery). Oh yeah, do your Barbie in a park (there was a reason Victoria was named the Garden state).  Or by the beach, it is the “Aussie” thing to do.

Sunday Dessert: Antarctica (n)? Ha, well no, ice (cream). 

A trip through Melbourne’s cultural precincts wouldn’t be complete without some gelati in Lygon street Carlton, home of Melbourne’s Italian community. It really is the icing on the cake.