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WHAT TO EAT IN MELBOURNE (PART 11)
During the past few weeks, I’ve been taking the time to explore the international food scene in Melbourne. Specifically, the cuisine of Central and Eastern Europe (“CEE”). As you can guess, there really aren’t that many options, but we do have a few scattered around the city. I have a dedicated reel for Polish cuisine - see “What to eat in Melbourne (Part 1) for that; but in this episode, I am excited to share restaurants from 3 other CEE countries; 2 of which are so humble that they don’t even have an IG account!
UMBRELLA LOUNGE BAR
338-340 Glen Huntly Rd, Elsternwick
Temo opened this Georgian restaurant in 2014, and while the interior may appear slightly dated and tacky, the food is really good. I loved the Kachapuri, which was baked to order. It arrived at the table piping hot, cheese stretchy and oozy. The bread was so soft and fresh. I’d return just for this alone. Xinkali, filled with minced meat and juices, was tasty.
THE LITTLE HUNGARIAN RESTAURANT
708 Glen Huntly Rd, Caulfield South
Elizabeth, who is in her 70’s, started this Hungarian restaurant about 8 years ago after many years in a catering business. TLHR is clearly very popular, being fully booked and packed at peak dining hours. I had a splendid meal here: enjoying the schnitzels, matzo and noodle soup, Hungarian goulash and even the curious dessert of dumplings filled with apricots and served with vanilla ice cream.
OTAKOÏ
@otakoi_ukrainian_restaurant
34 Chapel St, Windsor
Just a few months old, Otakoï means “wow” in Ukrainian. The restaurant is owned by Hanna (from Ukraine) and her Australian husband (Michael). She is FOH and he cooks. I enjoyed the borschch (did you know this beetroot soup originated from Ukraine?), the varenyky, and chicken kiev. And they serve you bread as soon as you step into the restaurant, as Ukrainian tradition and hospitality dictates.
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