By Gary Lee
Craving a snack to eat on the go? Well, there is plenty to choose from when you are in the suburbs of Footscray (and surrounds). There is no need to compromise on taste. These ready-to-eat meals (and others quick to prepare) are ideal options for those seeking both deliciousness and convenience.
To’s Bakery & Cafe
To’s Bakery & Cafe is an absolute institution in Melbourne for traditional Vietnamese desserts and savoury bites. It is my go-to for an afternoon-tea treat. I recommend trying the bánh tai yến, also known as Vietnamese bird’s nest cake (which I mistakenly referred to as UFO for quite some time, but my Vietnamese friends indulged me as they understood my reference), is a classic sweet delicacy from Vietnam. They are prepared using a mixture of rice flour, tapioca starch, coconut milk, and sugar. Slightly more less-known than other Vietnamese fried desserts, it has crispy edges with a soft, spongy and cake-like centre.
HS Bakery
If you find yourself wandering through Footscray and catch a distinctive aroma in the air, it is most likely coming from HS Cakes Footscray, a bakery renowned for its wide array of cakes and pastries, including those flavoured with durian. This shop is particularly popular among durian aficionados, offering a unique twist that sets it apart in the local culinary scene. If you want to try a Malaysian classic, get their yau char kwai or youtiao, deep fried bread dough and have it with coffee. I like to dip mine into black coffee! The savoury fried dough soaks up the bitter sweetness of the coffee to make a delicious breakfast or teatime snack.
Gong Cha
Gong Cha at Footscray Square is a popular destination for bubble tea enthusiasts. Founded in Taiwan in 2006, Gong Cha was one of the first main bubble tea shops in Melbourne. We enjoy getting a bánh mì or pastry from shops nearby to enjoy with a bubble tea at one of the shared tables in the square. Gong Cha provides a variety of customisable options, allowing customers to choose from an array of tea bases, toppings, and sweetness levels. Whether you prefer classic milk tea or various fruit blends, Gong Cha caters to all tastes.
Seddon’s Eatery
Seddon’s Eatery has established itself as a beloved destination for those seeking tasty pies and sausage rolls, alongside a selection of fresh bánh mì, with the crispy roast pork and grilled chicken being the more popular selections. Frequented regularly by tradies in the area, they also serve hash browns and pork meatballs. While the menu does feature a few simple sweet treats such as slices, donuts, and cookies, these offerings serve more as a pleasant diversion rather than the main attraction – their Vietnamese sandwich!
T. Cavallaro & Sons
T. Cavallaro & Sons in Footscray is renowned for their exceptional cannoli and has been a beloved establishment for many years. This is a charming little store with old school decor and warm Italian hospitality. During this visit, we enjoyed their freshly piped classic combination, which consists of vanilla and chocolate patisserie cream; and they were delightful. Their craft is highly regarded, with an increased willingness of customers to travel into Footscray for their cannoli, biscotti, and made-to-order cakes. (Editor note – relatives of the Footscray Cavallaro’s have a bakery in North Carlton called Biscotteria which is worth a trip across the Maribyrnong)
Just Kebabz
Just Kebabz offers a diverse selection of kebabs including lamb, chicken, falafel along with other dishes such as the mix meal and mix shish meal. We love the lamb kebab with garlic sauce but recently tried their hot, crispy chips and we are going back for more. Each bite offers a satisfying, audible crunch, revealing a pillow-soft, steaming potato centre. Located on Geelong Road, Just Kebabz offers parking and dining tables for guests.
Know of other places that we should try?
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