There’s always room for dessert.
Desserts are the ultimate mood booster for a rough time. And with lockdowns and a pandemic going on, travelling the world seems so out of reach. You may not be able to go sightseeing, but you can still eat your way around the world with some of the best desserts Melbourne has to offer. From baklava to tiramisu, Melbourne is bursting with global sweet treats that are waiting to be devoured. Here are eight of our favourite desserts from around the world, and where to find them in Melbourne.
1. Belgian Waffles from Black Waffle
When it comes to Belgian waffles, this café in Northcote knows what’s up. Try Belgian waffles in all sorts of flavour combinations, from the warm apple and cinnamon to the citrusy lemon custard and raspberry purée.
Find Black Waffle at 262 High St, Northcote VIC 3070.
2. Korean Bingsu from Sulbing
If you haven’t had bingsu, a delectable shaved ice dessert from South Korea, do yourself a favour and head to Sulbing on Lonsdale Street. Perfect in summer or winter, feast upon a mountain of creamy, shaved ice, topped with classic flavours like red bean or injeolmi, or sweeter options like chocolate brownie or strawberry. This dessert café has had lines out the door since opening in December 2020, so you know you’re in for a good time!
Find Sulbing on 168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000.
3. Italian Tiramisu from Grossi A Casa
Now this is tiramisu you can take away! This tiramisu is based on a Grossi family recipe and has stood the test of time. Enjoy the aroma of sambuca instead of brandy and Pavesini biscuits instead of ladyfingers. Order before 4pm for pick up or delivery the next day. They deliver up to 35km away from Melbourne CBD so you can enjoy it at home.
Or, if you’d prefer to get it yourself, you can pick it up at 80 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000.
4. Polish Cheesecake from Monarch Cakes
Monarch Cakes has been baking cakes in Melbourne for over 80 years! Created by a Polish woman and her family, many of these cake recipes originate from their original cake shop in Poland. Tradition is important, and their Polish cheesecake has been baked the same way since the early 1920s. This cheesecake is baked to perfection with German quark and a touch of lemon, perfectly decadent and rich with history.
Discover Monarch Cakes at 103 Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182.
5. French crepes from Roule Galette
Tucked away in Flinders Lane and Scott Alley is Roule Galette, a French creperie that serves classic crepes, flambéed crepes and traditional buckwheat galettes. Be transported to France as you listen to French music and try their home-made sauces and French cheeses.
Find them at Shop 1/241 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000.
6. Lebanese Baklava from Balha’s Pastry
This family business has been serving delicious Lebanese pastries to Melburnians since 1991. They have a wide range of sweet desserts, as well as a variety of baklava for you to sink your teeth into. Try it with walnuts, cashews and pistachios. Try them without sugar or opt for a vegan option. No matter what, there’s something for everyone.
Find Balha’s Pastry at 761-763 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056.
7. Japanese Strawberry Shortcake from Ichigo
Ichigo makes their strawberry shortcakes in limited quantities, but when you get your hands on it, it’s something special. Light, moist and airy, this sponge cake has layers of whipped Chantilly crème and fresh strawberries. Grab a slice or order a whole cake for yourself.
Find Ichigo at Shop 3/155 Franklin St, Melbourne VIC 3000.
8. Greek Loukoumades from Lukumades
Enjoy hand-crafted Greek doughnuts with a modern twist at Lukumades. Starting out as a food truck in 2016, they now have four stores around Melbourne. Try their original honey and cinnamon flavour, or choose different flavours like chocolate and biscuit, strawberry jam, peanut butter, matcha – even bacon!
Find Lukumades at 83 Peel St, West Melbourne VIC 3003, or see their other locations here.