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Original poster

Australia / Melbourne supermarket shopping tips

127 replies

squishee · 09/08/2023 03:32

Recently arrived from the UK by way of Europe. Will be staying long-term but temporarily. So I want to make the most of it!
As the subject is so vast (and I'll keep restaurants for a separate thread), I'll start with supermarket fare. So far, as a child of 70s UK I have enjoyed:

Proper bacon!
Pies
Gammon steaks (which seem to be called loin steaks here?)
Crumpets
Soft white rolls
Coleslaw
ALLLL the Asian ingredients.
Affordable avocados that are perfect (not brown or black) inside!
Clementines

What else should I look out for?

TIA.

OP posts:
Louloulouenna · 15/08/2023 14:23

Out of interest how do you all find supermarkets in Oz compared to the UK? I spent a few months in Melbourne last year and whilst I really really loved a lot of the stuff I could get there I couldn’t help but feel the better supermarkets in the UK had the edge overall.

I was in Camberwell and only went to the two local ones so perhaps next time I’m there I should extend my reach.

Scotinoz · 15/08/2023 22:00

Maggie Beer’s quince paste was delicious.

I miss cheesymite scrolls from bakers delight - the ones I make at home aren’t quite the same.

And we were fond of cakes/buns from Breadtop

Morestrangerthings1 · 16/08/2023 00:55

squishee · 15/08/2023 08:52

Oh well, I'll get stuck in and try to make fish pie (love cooking, but usually quite simple things). At least we have fab fish and potatoes to work with here!

Am eating Haigh's chocolate as I write (OMG so good) and I have that Red Rock dip in the fridge. Next up, Mersey Cheddar. I see there is a pickled onion one!

Funny how some things here are just like in the UK (pies), others made to a different recipe (Ritz crackers) and some not a thing at all (fish pie, tinned curries, tinned green beans).

Born and bred in Aus but obviously not the part of the country that has Haighs chocolate! I’ve been making do with Cadburys Dairy Milk but I swear they changed the recipe about 20 years ago and it’s no longer as good. Must find Haighs.

its a very niche specialty thing but if you are anywhere near Rose Bay in Sydney, stop at Perfection Chocolates - family owned business for generations - best chocolate I’ve ever tasted in any country. Costs a bomb, but it’s a treat. It’s very rich and you don’t need much. I don’t usually like strawberry flavours, except real strawberries in season. But ‘Perfection’ makes these chocolate coated strawberry creams to die for - even better with a cup of tea or a good coffee.

Oh NZ chocolate - Whittakers - in many supermarkets - is v good too.

Chocolate is my thing so can’t work out how Haighs has eluded me.

Morestrangerthings1 · 16/08/2023 01:03

TerrorAustralis · 11/08/2023 03:32

And yes, it's not hard to find a good coffee here! I wonder what coffee shops do differently in Aus / NZ?

It’s the influence of Italian migrants, post-WWII, so they use Italian-style espresso. Start with excellent beans and generally make it a lot stronger. The water is hot, but not enough to burn the coffee. Also, for milky coffees, make sure the milk is warmed/frothed correctly and not scorched.

Agree. And if on the rare occasion it is scorched tell them, and ask for a fresh one. Good coffee shops will always be happy to comply.

LovelaceBiggWither · 16/08/2023 01:03

Louloulouenna · 15/08/2023 14:23

Out of interest how do you all find supermarkets in Oz compared to the UK? I spent a few months in Melbourne last year and whilst I really really loved a lot of the stuff I could get there I couldn’t help but feel the better supermarkets in the UK had the edge overall.

I was in Camberwell and only went to the two local ones so perhaps next time I’m there I should extend my reach.

We do have fancier supermarkets--Harris Farm and some of the independent IGAs. The IGA close to me has a cheese room withamazing cheeses.

Morestrangerthings1 · 16/08/2023 01:09

Fraaahnces · 11/08/2023 14:08

@squishee one of the best things about living in Melbourne is finding out! Most people end up with a “local” cafe as well as a pub. I made myself very homesick. If you like wine, there are fabulous vineyard tours to do in towns everywhere. You mustn’t leave without exploring the Yarra Valley vineyards with their lovely Pinot Noir.
Australian cities do get less and less European in flavour the further North you go, (and West. Mustn’t forget Adelaide and Perth - or Hobart and Launceston in the South!). Like every country each city is unique, but I think because of the distances between each one and the very different climates, it is much more obvious here. Enjoy Melbourne, but try and see as much of the rest as you can. I’ve travelled a lot. (Used to be a flight attendant). If you ever want ideas, feel free to PM me. I have spent time in every major city here.

I’ve got to say when in London I found the best pub. I was with friends and they like a drink but I don’t drink. I asked if I could get a cup of tea? Thinking I had no chance. They brought out a tray with teapot, milk jug, sugar bowl and cup/saucer. That’s not going to happen in Aus. You’ll get a teabag dangling out of a paper coffee takeaway container - if you’re lucky.

TerrorAustralis · 16/08/2023 01:24

Scotinoz · 15/08/2023 22:00

Maggie Beer’s quince paste was delicious.

I miss cheesymite scrolls from bakers delight - the ones I make at home aren’t quite the same.

And we were fond of cakes/buns from Breadtop

On the topic of Maggie Beer, her ice cream range is to die for. The burnt fig and caramel is divine!

LovelaceBiggWither · 16/08/2023 01:33

OMG her ice cream is amazing! Just remembered I have some stashed from my last visit to Harris Farm. Is it too early in the morning to eat it?

Seddon · 16/08/2023 01:33

You haven't said where you are I don't think, and as you know Melbourne is huge, but the best Asian supermarkets IMO are Minh Phat in Richmond, and the KFL chain which is in a few places.

Footscray Market is epic for fresh ingredients for Asian dishes.

*When we say Asian we mean what you would call SE Asian. Not Indian.

Original poster
squishee · 16/08/2023 01:44

I'm in Port Melbourne.

Glad I started this thread, it's grown into a treasure trove of tips!

OP posts:
JauntyRedShoes · 16/08/2023 05:14

Not too far from South Melbourne markets OP. I get a cheesy potato topped fish pie from the butcher in Blackrock. I’m going to Prahran market on Saturday, there is a fabulous cheese stall opposite the main entrance and a deli that sells what is called “the best dip in the world”. It’s a mixture of three dips and tastes divine. I love this thread. Have you tasted the croissants at Baker Bleu?

StartupRepair · 16/08/2023 05:21

Pop out to Essendon and explore La Manna. Huge gourmet supermarket with an Italian emphasis and a great cafe inside.

Seddon · 16/08/2023 05:23

Oh well if you're in Port Melbourne then Sth Melbourne Market should definitely be your go-to!

PP is right about Agathe bakery but I prefer the pandan flan over the croissant... omg the custard is to die for.

The seafood there is great, including the ready-to-eat bar with oysters, sushi and things. Beautiful cannoli. The line for boreks from the food court is always out the door. The guys barbequeing fish sandwiches outside Claypots - YUM! Georgie's Harvest for posh/rare vegies and condiments. The dim sims are famous all over Melbourne.

alwayscrashinginthesamecar1 · 16/08/2023 06:31

JauntyRedShoes · 16/08/2023 05:14

Not too far from South Melbourne markets OP. I get a cheesy potato topped fish pie from the butcher in Blackrock. I’m going to Prahran market on Saturday, there is a fabulous cheese stall opposite the main entrance and a deli that sells what is called “the best dip in the world”. It’s a mixture of three dips and tastes divine. I love this thread. Have you tasted the croissants at Baker Bleu?

I've had that dip! it was bloody lovely! Although I did prefer Queen Vic to Prahan market, although I'd be happy with either nearby TBH.

Fraaahnces · 16/08/2023 10:24

Is The Essential Ingredient still in Sth Melbourne? That’s also a great place to shop.

windmill26 · 16/08/2023 14:04

JauntyRedShoes · 16/08/2023 05:14

Not too far from South Melbourne markets OP. I get a cheesy potato topped fish pie from the butcher in Blackrock. I’m going to Prahran market on Saturday, there is a fabulous cheese stall opposite the main entrance and a deli that sells what is called “the best dip in the world”. It’s a mixture of three dips and tastes divine. I love this thread. Have you tasted the croissants at Baker Bleu?

We had the best EVER cheese toasties at Prahran Market.

windmill26 · 16/08/2023 14:17

Louloulouenna · 15/08/2023 14:23

Out of interest how do you all find supermarkets in Oz compared to the UK? I spent a few months in Melbourne last year and whilst I really really loved a lot of the stuff I could get there I couldn’t help but feel the better supermarkets in the UK had the edge overall.

I was in Camberwell and only went to the two local ones so perhaps next time I’m there I should extend my reach.

I think it depends from area to area but I have been to a couple of Coles that were amazing.Much better offerings than Waitrose and Sainsburys .

Hippyhippybake · 16/08/2023 16:50

Hmmm, not sure I agree. I’ve yet to find a Coles that matches a big Waitrose or M&S in terms of quality but perhaps I’ve been unlucky.

windmill26 · 16/08/2023 19:19

Hippyhippybake · 16/08/2023 16:50

Hmmm, not sure I agree. I’ve yet to find a Coles that matches a big Waitrose or M&S in terms of quality but perhaps I’ve been unlucky.

The Coles in Melbourne Moonee Ponds is great . I live close to a big Sainsburys ,2 normal size Waitrose and 10 minutes by car to another Sainsburys and M&S and I still think that Coles Moonee Ponds is way better. I also ended up in pretty ropy supermarkets when we were living in Sydney 😀.I guess it also depends on personal preference and budgets. I shop in all the above plus a few bits from Lidl and Aldi .If I had to do my weekly shopping just at Waitrose or M&S I would need to remortgage the house the way prices are going.

TerrorAustralis · 17/08/2023 01:48

I think the closest you’ll find is a good IGA or some of the Italian-run supermarkets, like Piedimonte’s in Fitzroy North.

IGA’s are individually owned, so vary wildly in terms of size and offering. But the good ones are excellent (and sometimes very expensive).

Weenurse · 17/08/2023 02:07

For good chocolate try Coal river farm in the Block Arcade in the city.
Very expensive but yum.
There is also a Haigs shop there , but I prefer coal river farm.
I have found my local green grocer Colonial Fruit has produce that is similar in quality and priced similar to Queen VIC Market.
Also try dried mango from your local Asian grocery

Fraaahnces · 17/08/2023 03:15

Oooh, I forgot this danger zone for those of us who love food. It’s a giant Italian-style fruit and veg place with a Pâtisserie. Lunch area, deli, etc. It often has handmade Italian bowls, fabulous imported European bits and bobs, etc…To die for. If you’re heading to DFO or the airport, don’t go past this one.
La Manna

Louloulouenna · 17/08/2023 08:04

@TerrorAustralis Thanks for the tip about IGAs k hadn’t realised that. Also will check out Piedmonte’s - that sounds fab. Love the good greengrocers you can stull
find in Oz, sadly a rarity in many parts of the UK now.

JauntyRedShoes · 17/08/2023 08:37

Don’t forget a Rolser shopping trolley OP. There are cheaper models available but I had to have one of these. To push or to pull is the question and I’ve not figured it out. The trolley and I have promenaded down Gleadale St at the Richmond markets with two containers of peanut butter rumbling about in the bottom, run over feet at leaf in Elwood where I had to fumble about in the depths of the trolley to find my purse at the checkout and knocked into legs, produce, pushchairs at Prahran market. Useful if you want a protection zone around you. Took it to the beach once with towels, sunscreen etc and dragged it through the sand and then carried it. It sits under the stairs now waiting for an excursion while I take my backpack.

TerrorAustralis · 17/08/2023 08:42

JauntyRedShoes · 17/08/2023 08:37

Don’t forget a Rolser shopping trolley OP. There are cheaper models available but I had to have one of these. To push or to pull is the question and I’ve not figured it out. The trolley and I have promenaded down Gleadale St at the Richmond markets with two containers of peanut butter rumbling about in the bottom, run over feet at leaf in Elwood where I had to fumble about in the depths of the trolley to find my purse at the checkout and knocked into legs, produce, pushchairs at Prahran market. Useful if you want a protection zone around you. Took it to the beach once with towels, sunscreen etc and dragged it through the sand and then carried it. It sits under the stairs now waiting for an excursion while I take my backpack.

Always pull the trolley! Pushing makes the wheels jump and veer in unpredictable directions.