Pop-ups are popping up
Pop-ups have literally popped up (sorry) everywhere recently, and in this article we’ve gathered the best of the best to get you through what is shaping up to be a brutal winter.
After going through this list of pop-ups you have to check out, you’ll be well-versed in the comings-and-goings of the food trucks, vans and stalls of Melbourne in no time!
1. Coburg Drive-In Food Trucks
A stellar way to begin our food-truck journey, the already popular Coburg drive-in location has upped the ante by introducing, for a few nights each month, an amazing array of food trucks, where you can grab a bite of pretty much ANY cuisine and truly flatter your taste buds (they work hard for us, guys) with some incredible culinary delights.
One of my fave things about this festival is that it caters to all; you have fancy trucks for the mighty Matt Prestons of the world (The Brûlée Cart, White Guy Cooks Thai), some foreign fare (Trailermade and my Latin truck-of-choice Dos Diablos) and also some well-known chains (for those among us who fancy a bit of a cheeky Nandos).
Get down there, get around some great food, and bring all of your mates for a possibly cold but definitely enjoyable outing.
Address: 155 Newlands Rd, Coburg North VIC 3058
Website: here
2. Queen Victoria Night Market
Again (I know, I can’t help it) I reference this Melbourne institution as an obvious choice, but how can I not? I’ve covered what goes on at this place during the DAY, but haven’t even scratched the surface of the glorious nighttime escapades housed in this staple of our city.
Onto its fourth year and running until August 26th, this Winter Market is full of excitement; great food stalls, great art and fantastic entertainment. The food is based around keeping warm, and includes (but definitely not limited to) burgers (Burn City Smokers, Dragon Joe’s), bagels and pretzels (Bretzel.Biz) and desserts (The Dessert Project is a must), while also somehow squeezing in a variety of international wonders; Spanish, Thai, even Nepalese.
I think the ‘Mind & Body’ section is one of my favourites; as a candle aficionado, I always swing by Green Candle Co., and there are also many henna stations, and places selling makeup and body products. As usual the QVM delivers something for everybody’s taste, and makes for an enchanting night out under the stars.
Address: Corner of Elizabeth and Victoria Streets, Melbourne VIC 3000
Website: here
3. Dockyard
Located @ Seaworks, this new food truck haven is a godsend, and is so recent that you’ll be heralded by everyone you know when you spread the word, because it truly is too good to be missed.
While new ventures take a while to adapt to their sea legs (ha ha, Dockyard, get it, the sea), the word from Dockyard’s opening night is that it was a raging success, and the vans are just clamouring for a place. Williamstown is a picturesque town, located right on Hobson’s Bay, and hosts incredible food, wine and views from the pier, straight through to the lights of the big city.
Dockyard boasts heaters (thank God) and a new fantastic lineup (Gorilla Grill, La Revolucion), so seriously people, what more could you ask for?
Address: 2 Ann St, Williamstown VIC 3016
Website: here
4. European Night Market
If you are craving some warmth (let’s be honest, we all are, it’s five degrees all the damn time), you better heed my advice and get down to Madame Brussels Lane in the CBD for the European Night Market; a smorgasbord of continental delights that will have you coming back week after week.
It is a FREE EVENT (big tick), you can buy all sorts of amazing food (Polish dumplings thanks to Eastern Bloc, Turkish fare from Göz City) and there’s even music and mulled wine (warm alcohol after work? Why the hell not). It runs for four Friday nights, so get there quick before everyone else figures it out.
Address: Madame Brussels Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
5. Hank Marvin Markets
Hank Marvin (aka rhyming slang for ‘starvin’’, clever people) is a groovy name and in a groovy place, and is sure to have the who’s who of the Melbourne crowds dropping in for some food after its launch on August 2nd.
This market doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere, thank the Lord, so we get to enjoy the excellent food put forward by some amazing vendors, attracted to HM due to the passion that those who are running this event display. They got HOY PINOY, Pierogi Pierogi, The Little Mushroom Co., and many more jumping on board! Check it out, no excuses to miss it. See you there!
Address: Alma Park, St Kilda East VIC 3183
Website: here
6. Trailerpark
‘Popular’ doesn’t’ even cover the feelings that those in the pop-up scene in Melbourne have towards Trailerpark; it’s more ‘obsessed with’, ‘enamoured’ and ‘can’t get enough of.’ It may look like another gathering of food trucks, but woah, can you say THEMED?
Week One is based around North American bites, so hop on down to grab some Mr. Burger and Smokin Barrys, and the trucks will be there for months, rotating every month and bringing you more tastes from around the globe! Trailerpark truly is encapsulated in these four words: a truckin’ good time!
Address: 557 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004
Website: here
7. Scarf
This pop-up is very important, and needs to be spread around the town like wildfire. The Scarf story is a big one; it is an initiative that pops up at various Melbourne restaurants in the winter months (now at The Lincoln in Carlton) and is based around the importance of providing mentoring and guidance to those who face barriers in the hospitality industry.
The mentors provided by Scarf teach these trainees all of the skills required in hospitality and diners get to see the joy of learning and succeeding that Scarf enables for these young people. You can book a dinner and see for yourself the amazing work that this pop-up does for people, and leave with a full belly and full heart.
Address: 91 Cardigan St, Carlton VIC 3053
Website: here
8. Food Trucks
It seems only fair when talking about the pop-up scene to acknowledge what exactly is popping up, and it is these amazing food trucks; meals cooked in a tiny space, but with a big taste. Here are a few of the best:
Bean To Melbourne: Okay folks, be real. What are we known for, here in Melbourne? The MCG? Eureka Building? The coffee, people. This lil bean truck will satisfy any coffee connoisseur, so dive in.
Website: here
Happy Camper Pizza: The truck used by these delish pizza people is mint as, and can even be hired out! The food is excellent too- hot, cheesy pizza. Just what we need to survive this winter.
Website: here
Greek Street Food: You got souvas, you got chips, you got vego, vegan and gluten-free options. There’s salad and chips. The street food kills it, and if you close your eyes, you can feel for a second like you are in sunny Santorini.
Website: here
Little Creatures: One of my all-time top food stops (with restaurants in Fitzroy and Geelong), and now in truck form! See for yourself, and make sure to indulge big-time on the chips.
Website: here
Sweet Forbidden Journey: Everyone for dessert? Cool, the you gotta hit up SFJ for some ol’ school snackin’. They sell sweets and the van is gorg on wheels. Check it out!
Website: here
These vans are roving around constantly, so make sure you visit Where the Truck At so you get up-to-date notifications about where to find your favourite meal on wheels.
Grab them before they go
That’s all folks, but keep your eyes and ears peeled for the birth of many more amazing opportunities to dine from the constantly changing experiences Melbourne has to offer!