Finding the Best Asian Food in Melbourne – Exploring Multicultural Box Hill

Getting there

Box Hill and its surrounding suburbs are easily accessible by train, bus and tram. A number of education providers have campuses located to the east of the city centre, so you’ll always be surrounded by students on their way to and from classes. By using Public Transport Victoria’s handy Journey Planner, you can see what transport options and routes are available to you.

If you’re an international undergraduate student, you may be eligible for an Undergraduate Student Education pass (iUSEpass), which will save you 50% on unlimited public transport travel for a year.

Stop 1: Grand Taipei Bakery

Is there anything better than freshly baked bread in the morning? To start our day, we headed to Grand Taipei Bakery, a spot famous for its Taiwanese breakfasts. You have an opportunity to sit down and eat, or grab some pastries for on-the-go. We sampled a coconut bun and spring onion bread. When you visit, make sure to grab some of the Bakery’s homemade pineapple tarts to take home.

Stop 2: Shopping for the essentials

Box Hill is abundant with Asian supermarkets, all packed with fresh produce and imported goods. For Neha, these stores are a great opportunity to stock up on ingredients and snacks she recognises from back home in Indonesia. There are a number of shop options, mostly clustered in and around Box Hill Central. 

Stop 3: Box Hill Central Food Court

While it may seem unassuming, the Box Hill Central Food Court is a Melbourne foodie’s dream. The main food court features Uighur, Sichuan, Cantonese, Taiwanese and Japanese snacks, just to name a few. We grabbed crêpes from Pancake Village, curry puffs from Grain Asian Dessert and cold noodles from Fu’s Kitchen. The food court is always busy, no matter what time of day, and is an affordable lunchtime destination, perfect for students.

Stop 4: Wattle Park

A short bus ride away from Box Hill is Wattle Park. This peaceful oasis provides an escape from the bustling city. On a sunny day, it’s perfect for a short walk to relax before heading to lectures. In the evening, you and your friends can make use of the public barbeques and enjoy a dinner together under the stars. 

Stop 5: Tien Dat

Tien Dat was the first Vietnamese restaurant in Box Hill, established in 1983. It’s even still owned by the same family! Serving traditional dishes influenced predominantly by the flavours of North Vietnam, Tien Dat is a slice of Melbourne food history. Make sure to plan a lunch or dinner at this iconic spot with your mates. 

How will you spend your day in Box Hill?