Vegetable Samosa from Dropout Chaiwala

It was my last workday in Melbourne, and my manager and I left early to just chat and enjoy chai and snacks at Dropout Chaiwala. As we settled in, the rain began to fall, creating a cozy atmosphere.

We ordered the cardamom chai, which was incredible. I'd never had anything quite like it before—it was fragrant, with the perfect hint of spice, and wonderfully warm on such a chilly day. The rich aroma of cardamom filled the air, making each sip both soothing and invigorating. We paired it with vegetable samosas, which were crispy on the outside, with a flavorful, spiced filling that complemented the chai perfectly.

Vegetable Samosa from Dropout Chaiwala

I’m honestly going to miss Melbourne. I wish I could stay longer; I’ve felt so at home and comfortable here.

Chicken Chowmein and Momo combo from Magic Momo Kafe

Did I ever tell you how blessed I am that all my managers so far have been truly amazing people? My current manager went to the office today (Friday), which is usually a work-from-home day for us, just to make sure that I wasn't alone.

Chicken Chowmein and Momo from Magic Momo Kafe

We had lunch at Magic Momo Kafe nearby, where I got a combo of chicken chowmein and momo. It was good, but the company made it even better.

Korean fried chicken from Samsam Chicken

Happy Thursday! I asked colleagues at random if they wanted to join me for dinner. While I knew many had other plans, five agreed to spend their evening with me.

We originally planned to go to a Japanese restaurant, but it was too small to accommodate us. Instead, we ended up at Samsam Chicken. It was delicious! I can't remember exactly what we ordered, but I know this is my second Korean fried chicken spot in Melbourne, and it's much better because of the friends I've made.

Samsam Chicken

It feels strange to be hanging out with people after work, as I'm not used to doing this in Canada. I'll truly miss this beautiful city.

Miss U Lox from Schmuck's Bagels

Happy Thursday! Today, for our company-paid team lunch, we enjoyed a delicious bagel theme. The Melbourne office is a huge fan of Schmuck's Bagels, and for good reason. It's one of the few places that can consistently handle large orders on the same day.

Miss U Lox from Schmuck's Bagels
Smoked salmon, creamy cream cheese, pickled red onion, tomato, capers, fresh dill, & lemon on rye

I opted for the "Miss u Lox" bagel, my go-to choice for a bagel sandwich with salmon and capers. The smoked salmon provided a rich, salty flavor, complemented by the smooth, tangy cream cheese. The pickled red onion and tomato added a burst of acidity and sweetness, while the capers provided a briny, salty kick. The fresh dill and lemon added a bright, herbaceous flavor, although the lemon was a bit overpowering for my taste. Overall, it was a delicious bagel sandwich, but I would have preferred less lemon.

This is my second bagel sandwich in Melbourne, and I still prefer the version from Brown Bagels.

Dinner at The Galbi BBQ

We had planned to visit the Queen Victoria Night Market but opted for a Korean barbecue nearby instead.

I enjoyed a delightful evening with colleagues who genuinely wanted to connect and get to know me. Their camaraderie and laughter were truly appreciated.

The Galbi BBQ

The Galbi BBQ

I'm unsure of my colleagues' specific choices, but the Korean barbecue was fantastic. It's hard to go wrong with such a delicious cuisine.

Nasi Goreng Kampung from D'Penyetz & D'Cendol

Happy Wednesday! I can't believe I'm returning to Vancouver in a few days. For lunch today, a fellow Filipina and I decided to treat ourselves to a delicious meal. After getting approval from HR, I invited a known foodie in our company to join us. When asked about cuisines we don't have many of in Vancouver, he suggested D'Penyetz & D'Cendol.

I indulged in my favorite Cendol Original, a refreshing concoction of sugar cane, coconut, and other delightful ingredients. It was absolutely delicious!

Cemdol Original from D'Penyetz & D'Cendol

For my main dish, I opted for the Nasi Goreng Kampung with Satay Chicken. Nasi Goreng Kampung is a classic Indonesian fried rice dish known for its bold and complex flavors. The savory umami taste of anchovies (ikan bilis) provides a rich foundation, while the heat from chili peppers adds a fiery kick. The sweetness of kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) balances the spiciness, creating a satisfying contrast. The addition of fragrant herbs and spices, such as garlic, ginger, and turmeric, further enhances the flavor profile. It was the best nasi goreng I've had in a long time. The seasoning and flavor were perfectly balanced and incredibly comforting.

Nasi Goreng Kampung from D'Penyetz & D'Cendol

While Indonesia and the Philippines share cultural similarities, their culinary traditions have distinct nuances. The flavors of this dish felt both familiar and exotic, a delightful combination that was difficult to describe.

Team Dinner at Desi Dhaba

Happy Tuesday! For dinner tonight, the team had a company-paid team feast at Desi Dhaba. It was my first time enjoying Indian food with someone who grew up and knows the cuisine well.

We ordered the usual butter chicken and all my favorite dishes - chicken vindaloo, palak paneer, garlic naan, and rice.

Some of the dishes we ordered from Desi Dhaba

The food was delicious, but the company was even better. I felt warm and fuzzy being surrounded by people I genuinely enjoy spending time with. After dinner, a colleague and his fiancée joined me to watch an AFLW match at Ikon Park.

Green Curry from Dodee Paidang in Little Collins

Happy Tuesday! This is my second week back in Melbourne, and all my colleagues are also working from the office. Today, we welcomed a new employee and celebrated with lunch at Dodee Paidang in Little Collins Street, a company tradition for new hires.

This was my second Thai restaurant experience in Melbourne, and I again ordered my favorite: chicken green curry. It was a delightful blend of spicy, savory, and creamy flavors. The tender eggplant and bamboo shoots contrasted nicely with the slightly crunchy snake beans. The basil added a fresh, herbaceous aroma, and the coconut milk provided a smooth, velvety texture.

Green Curry from Dodee Paidang
Thai eggplants, Basil, bamboo shoot, fish sauce, chilli, snake bean cooked in homemade green curry paste and coconut milk

While it was a significant improvement over any green curry I've had in Vancouver, the one I had last week at Pa Tong Thai Restaurant was still slightly superior.

Ortolana Pizza from Gradi inside Crown Melbourne

Happy Monday! Today, I had a delightful lunch experience enjoying dim sum (yum cha) with our co-CEO, who speaks Cantonese. It was a highlight of my day, and we even received complimentary egg tarts! Unfortunately, I didn't have the chance to take a photo of our meal.

After work, I met up with a former manager from my time in the Philippines for dinner at Gradi inside Crown. It was wonderful to catch up and reminisce about our lives since leaving the Philippines.

Ortolana Pizza from Gradi
Pizzaa in Bianco, Fior di Latte, roasted capsicum marinated with garlic & parsley, fried eggplant, zucchini, onion, cabbage, Basil, and extra virgin olive oil

I chose the Ortolana pizza, a delicious vegetarian classic that showcases the vibrant flavors and textures of fresh, seasonal vegetables. This pizza featured roasted capsicum, fried eggplant, zucchini, onion, cabbage, and basil. It was absolutely delicious!

Gelato from Zero Gradi

We even indulged in gelato from Zero Gradi afterward.

Karakuchi Ramen from Shujinko

After a tiring day exploring Healesville Sanctuary and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, I took the train back to the Central Business District. While I considered walking around the city further, I was feeling exhausted.

For a quick and comforting dinner, I went to nearby Shujinko for a bowl of ramen. I ordered the Karakuchi Ramen, but it wasn't as spicy as I anticipated. Unfortunately, we have better ramen options in Vancouver.

Karakuchi Ramen from Shujinko
Our signature original ramen in tonkotsu soup base (pork broth) with spicy seasoning. Served with bok choy, spring onion, bean sprout, marinated egg, and signature grilled pork belly

To enhance the flavor, I also ordered chicken karaage and allowed it to soak in the broth, which made a significant improvement.

Karaage from Shujinko
Japanese-style fried chicken, served with fresh salad, Mayo, and lemon

After dinner, I returned to my hotel room and slept soundly.

Walking around Melbourne CBD and lunch at Grill'd

Happy Saturday! I arrived in Melbourne a week ago and spent most of today walking around the city and experiencing its unusual weather.

I started the day by waking up late (no alarms!) and enjoying a hearty breakfast from the hotel buffet.

Then, I walked to the historic Flinders Station and then to Fed Square. It began to drizzle, so I used my trusty umbrella while exploring the area. The rain stopped as I crossed Princes Bridge to Alexandra Gardens. Afterward, there was a heavy downpour for about 10 minutes accompanied by strong winds. My umbrella did its best to keep me as dry as possible.

I walked through Kings Domain to the Shrine of Remembrance. I spent from 10:00 AM to noon learning about Australia's wartime service.

I spent the next couple of hours strolling through the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. Afterward, I crossed the Morell Bridge to get a closer look at AAMI Park, John Cain Arena, and the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground. I was feeling hungry by this point, which was around 3:00 PM. I walked across the William Barak Bridge to Batman Avenue.

Finally, time for food! I had lunch at Grill'd, the office's go-to choice for team lunches when the theme is burgers. I opted for the Simply Grill'd, which is as basic as it gets—a 100% Australian, grass-fed, free-range beef patty with lettuce, tomato, onion, relish, and herbed mayo between a sesame burger bun. It was a satisfying, classic burger.

Simply Grill'd Beef Burger with Famous Grill'd Chips with Chipotle Mayo Dip

I also ordered their famous Grill'd chips (fries for us North Americans) with a delicious chipotle mayo dip.

Simply Grill'd from Grill'd
100% Austrlian, grass-fed, free-range beef patty, cos lettuce, tomato, Spanish onion, reslish, & herbed mayo

After enjoying my meal, I walked back to the hotel and rested my legs for an hour before taking the tram to St. Patrick's Cathedral for Mass. After an hour, I walked back to the hotel. According to Google Fit, I took more than 22,000 steps today. I love it!

Homemade Beef Mustard Pie from Platform 270 Restaurant & Bar

My first week in Melbourne is nearly over. It's hard to believe how quickly time has flown! After work today, I went up the Eureka Tower with one of our CEOs and our HR department. Our CEO, being born and raised in Melbourne, was able to share insights into the city's history and point out significant landmarks. Going up the tower gave me a good sense of where to explore tomorrow on my only day alone.

Homemade Beef Mustard Pie from Platform 270 Restaurant & Bar
Served with Irish Champ

After our time at the Eureka Tower, I grabbed dinner at the hotel restaurant, Platform 270 Restaurant & Bar. Of course, I ordered what I considered the most Australian dish—pie! I opted for their Homemade Beef Mustard Pie served with Irish Champ.

Homemade Beef Mustard Pie from Platform 270 Restaurant & Bar
Served with Irish Champ

This was an upscale version of the pie, served in an iron skillet with a flaky crust that barely covered the flavorful ground beef and gravy. It was delicious and satisfying, but the Costco pie still had the edge in terms of price and better-seasoned gravy.

Smoked Salmon Bagel Sandwich from Brown Bagels

Happy Friday! Although it's a work-from-home day, our HR and my manager were kind enough to come into the office to ensure I didn't feel alone.

For lunch, HR and I went to her favorite bagel shop, Brown Bagels, which serves delicious bagels. I opted for the Smoked Salmon Gourmet Bagel Sandwich, my go-to combination.

Smoked Salmon Gourmet Bagel Sandwich from Brown Bagels
Chives cream cheese, avocado, cucumber, red onion, rockat and capers

The sandwich featured smoked salmon, perfectly balanced by chives cream cheese, avocado, cucumber, red onion, and capers. The flavours and textures complemented each other beautifully, creating a satisfying and flavorful lunch.

Beef Kare-Kare from Ceree

Happy Thursday! I'm feeling truly blessed. The Melbourne Museum is open after its usual hours today, giving me a chance to explore its exhibits and make the most of my only weekend.

Before heading to the Melbourne Museum, I had dinner at Ceree, a Filipino restaurant recommended by one of my Filipino colleagues. I scanned the menu but knew deep down that I needed to have kare-kare. It's a peanut-based beef stew with vegetables, served with bagoong (shrimp paste) on the side. Their version is absolutely perfect—creamy, saucy, with tender beef that pairs incredibly well with the garlic rice.

Beef Kare-Kare from Ceree
Beef with green beans, bok choy, eggplant in peanut sauce and sauteed shrimp

They served the beef kare-kare in a clay pot!

Garlic Fried Rice from Ceree
No Filipino meal is complete without rice!

For dessert, I indulged in a slice of ube cake. It was delicious! I felt so happy and satisfied.

Ube Flan from Ceree (baked by Pastry Plus Melbourne)
Light and soft ube sponge, muscovado cream, ube custard flan, and purple yam jam

I took a leisurely walk to the nearby Carlton Gardens, which was bustling with runners, bikers, and people enjoying the beautiful weather. I admired the Royal Exhibition Building and had a wonderful time exploring the Melbourne Museum.

Fire Island and Pepperoni from Sal's Authentic New York Pizza

Happy Wednesday! This is the only evening I have with no dinner plans. I'm still adjusting to the time difference, and the rain outside makes walking around less appealing. I decided to grab a couple of slices of pizza from our company's favorite, Sal's Authentic New York Pizza.

I ordered the Little Neck Combo, which includes two slices of pizza (I chose Fire Island and Pepperoni), two knots, Sal's legendary sauce, and a can of soda.

Vancouver also has New York-style pizza, but only AJ's Brooklyn Pizza comes close to this.

The Little Neck Combo from Sal's Authentic New York Pizza
Two slices of pizza, two garlic knots, Sal's legendary sauce, and a can of soda

A slice of Pepperoni pizza from Sal's Authentic New York Pizza
Sal's famous New York pepperoni

The Pepperoni was delicious, but the Fire Island had the perfect balance—savory and meaty pepperoni, spicy jalapenos, and a sweet and spicy hot honey drizzle. It was absolutely yummy!

I enjoyed my food in my hotel room, and it was the perfect ending to the day. Watching free Australian channels (like "The Amazing Race Australia Celebrity Edition") while eating pizza and then falling asleep — life is good. Thank you, Lord!

Curry Chicken Pepper Rice from Pepper Lunch Australia

About twelve years ago, when Pepper Lunch first opened in Makati, Philippines, I absolutely fell in love with it. I was thrilled to see it in Vancouver, but unfortunately, they have since closed their only location in the city.

For lunch today, I went with my favorite Australian-born and raised colleague and one of our developers. I managed to ask my work-related questions while also taking the opportunity to get to know them better. We dined at Pepper Lunch.

I ordered my usual Curry Chicken Pepper Rice. It has a subtle heat that I enjoy, and I love the crunchy bits of rice that are stuck to the sizzling hot plate. The dish offers a satisfying blend of curry and juicy chicken.

Curry Chicken Pepper Rice from Pepper Lunch

Curry Chciken Pepper Rice from Pepper Lunch

As we took the tram back to the office, we discussed which snacks I should try, such as lamington, Anzac biscuits, and Vegemite. A friendly stranger on the tram even chimed in with his recommendations. I felt so at home in this vibrant city.

Korean Deep Fried Chicken from Doma Korean Eatery

After a full day at work, I returned to the hotel to freshen up. Two of my colleagues decided to spend their after-work hours having dinner with me, and they suggested going to Doma Korean Eatery.

Jap Chae from Doma Korean Eatery

We ordered Japchae, a seafood pancake, and fried chicken (original and snowing cheese). While the Japchae and seafood pancake were merely average, the chicken was exceptional. It had the expected crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. Although I typically prefer the original flavor, the snowing cheese variant won me over. The fried chicken was coated in a special cheese powder that resembled falling snow. This powder was a blend of various cheeses, including parmesan and mozzarella.

Original Korean Deep-Fried Chicken from Doma Korean Eatery

Snowing Cheese Korean Deep-Fried Chicken from Doma Korean Eatery

We spent the next couple of hours chatting away. I suddenly realized how it felt to have friends and a sense of social life, something I hadn't experienced regularly since I left the Philippines nine years ago.

Greee Curry from Pa Tong Thai Restaurant

It was my first day in the office with all of my colleagues working there as well. I received warm hugs from several colleagues who were excited to see me in person. For lunch, HR arranged for me to eat with two colleagues, and we decided to go for Thai because I needed a comforting bowl of rice.

We walked to the nearby Patong restaurant. I ordered my usual green curry with rice and boy, was it amazing! I realized how watered-down the Thai food we have in Vancouver truly is. Sheesh!

Green Chicken Curry with rice from Pa Tong Thai Restaurant

This green curry had the perfect balance of heat and was incredibly creamy due to the rich coconut milk. The flavours were vibrant and authentic, a far cry from what I was used to back home. It was a delightful and satisfying meal that made my first day even more memorable.

Aussie Steak Pie from Costco food court

I survived my first day working in our Melbourne office today. I met my manager for the first time in person and also spent time with HR and our CEOs.

After work, I was tired, so I went back to the hotel to freshen up and rest for a bit. Then, I took the bus to Costco in Docklands. My goal was to check out the food menu and walk around.

The Costco was so empty compared to the ones I've visited in Canada and the US. To be fair, I visited at around 5:00 PM on a Monday. I have the Costco food court menu here.

Aussie Steak Pie from Costco Australia

A peek of what's inside the Aussie Steak Pie from the Costco food court

For dinner, I decided to try their Aussie Steak Pie. The is filled with tender slow-cooked steak in a rich, savoury gravy and the pie is encased in a flaky, buttery pastry crust golden brown and crisp. It is such a comforting and satisfying meal!

The Melbourne Star viewed from Costco Docklands

House Down Under in Docklands, Melbourne Australia

I enjoyed my pie outside, away from the prying eyes of seagulls. Then, I walked around the Docklands area and took a tram back to my hotel. What a great way to end my first full day in Australia!

Riding my first tram in Australia!

Avocado Toast from MockTurtle Degraves

For my first meal in Melbourne, I had the pleasure of dining with my colleagues at MockTurtle Degraves. We decided to try their famous avocado toast, and it was absolutely delicious.

The dish was a masterpiece of flavour and texture. The perfectly ripe avocado was creamy and smooth, complemented by the tangy Danish feta and the sweet, earthy beetroot hummus. The almond dukkah added a delightful crunch, while the corn salsa provided a burst of freshness. The sourdough bread was the perfect base for this delicious combination.

Avocado Toast from MockTurtke Degraves
Danish feta, tomato, almond dukkah, beetroot hummus, corn salsa, and sourdough

I was particularly impressed by the quality of the ingredients. The beetroot hummus was especially memorable, with a rich, sweet flavour that was simply magical.

If you're ever in Melbourne, I highly recommend stopping by MockTurtle Degraves and trying their avocado toast. It's a must-try for any foodie visiting the city.