By Gary Lee
There is so much to do, see and eat in Footscray. This melting pot of cultures makes it easy to sample food from all over the world just by taking a short stroll through this vibrant neighbourhood. Here’s what we ate in a day!
Lutong Pinoy
The menu may be simple, yet it features all the beloved Filipino classics. The bistek, which consists of beef braised in soy sauce, calamansi juice, garlic, ground black pepper and onions, along with Bicol Express, a dish of pork simmered in coconut milk and chili peppers, are both rich in flavour and ideally enjoyed with rice. Additionally, we ordered lumpia, or spring rolls (didn’t make it to the photo as they were consumed immediately), accompanied by a banana sauce that we acquired from a nearby grocery store, along with some coconut macaroons.
D&K Seafood
D&K seafood is a great spot to visit, especially with kids, as it’s a free mini aquarium! For adults, however, the primary draw is the seafood, with a notable emphasis on the oyster bar. They offer an impressive variety sourced from regions such as Coffin Bay, Boomer Bay, and Port Douglas. Guests can select their preferred oysters, which boast flavor profiles that range from buttery and creamy to sweet and salty. Oysters are shucked on-site, allowing patrons to enjoy this exquisite delicacy on the post. A wide array of condiments is available, allowing guests to customise to suit their preferred tastes.
Papelon
Papelon is a recent addition to Footscray, showcasing a fusion of dishes from Latin America and the Caribbean, spanning from Mexico to Patagonia. The menu is extensive and continually evolving, but this place is particularly renowned for its arepas—cornbread filled with a variety of beloved ingredients, including slow-cooked meats, homemade sauces, creamy cheese, avocado, and salsa. On this occasion, we opted for their breaded cheese sticks known as tequeños, which are served with a cane sugar syrup (or papelón) for dipping and chorizo jalapenos.
HS Bakery
HS Bakery is an icon in Footscray, and is famous for durian pastries, and durians, the actual fruit!
This is a family-owned cake business and has run for over 20 years offering a range of desserts and cakes such as egg tarts, Chinese donuts and cakes.
We like the ham chim Peng (fried savory dough) with a delightful red bean filling, and they go great with coffee!
Kariton Sorbetes
Kariton Sorbetes, sometimes referred to as the ‘Asian Messina’ is often buzzing. It’s gelato with a difference. The offerings are notably unique, blending salty and sweet flavors in innovative ways. Each day, patrons can choose from approximately ten freshly crafted gelato flavors, available in a cup, cone, or milk bun. Among my personal favorites include the Ube Halaya (purple yam, unique to the Philippines), and the Turon, a banana-flavored gelato. On this occasion, however, I chose the halo-halo, a traditional Filipino dessert consisting of shaved ice adorned with sweetened beans, fruits, and jellies, all generously topped with milk, Leche flan, purple yam jam, and ice cream.
No doubt, the biggest trouble with Footscray is that there’s so much to eat in a day, but that’s why it’s a destination that people keep coming back to.
@garyleecious @divers_eat_y
