What food and cuisine have you tried and what is your favourite?

Cause im vegetarian, im quite limited in the new dishes i can try, however since being in New Zealand, i have tried new things bagels, aioli dip and NZ classic Kumara Pie! Im especially a big fan of the coffee in NZ! Id suggest everyone try out the pies here and give coffee a chance even if you’re a tea person.

Eversince moving to japan, food has always been a top priority of mine, as in i would never pass on an opportunity to try out local cuisines if given. There's so many to choose from, as Japan has one of the most diverse cuisines in the world, but i have to go with ramen as my favorite, rather the entire Ramen family to put it.

To begin with there's always the usual hard hitters like Tonkotsu, but then there's so much more to it, as each prefecture offers a different flavor profile, like miso ramen being a hokkaido specialty, and shoyu for yamanashi, there's so much flavor profiles to try, and to add it all up there's a variation too being tsukemen, where you dip the noodles in the broth instead and it's sooo good.

When I first travelled abroad, one of my most memorable food experiences was in Hanoi, where I tasted Phở (Vietnamese rice noodles) for the very first time. The combination of fragrant broth, tender beef slices, fresh herbs, and smooth rice noodles created a dish that felt both comforting and sophisticated. It completely changed the way I thought about simple meals, showing me how balance and freshness can elevate everyday food into something extraordinary.

After moving to Melbourne, I discovered an amazing variety of international cuisines, and one dish that stood out instantly was the Bánh mì with crispy pork belly. The crunch of the baguette, paired with the richness of the pork belly, pickled vegetables, pâté, and fresh coriander, creates a perfect fusion of French and Vietnamese influences. It has since become my absolute favourite because it is affordable, flavour-packed, and uniquely satisfying.

Another unforgettable dish I discovered here in Melbourne is Thailand’s Poo Nim Pad Phong Karee (soft-shell crab with curry sauce). The crispy shell contrasts beautifully with the tender crab meat, while the aromatic curry sauce adds layers of sweetness, spice, and creaminess. It was one of those meals that left me craving more, and it remains a close second on my list of favourites.

For recommendations, I suggest anyone in Melbourne explore the city’s vibrant Vietnamese food scene, where every banh mi shop has its own special twist, and visit authentic Thai restaurants for seafood dishes like Poo Nim Pad Phong Karee. These meals not only showcase the multicultural richness of the city but also offer a taste of global flavours without leaving Australia.

I have had the chance to try many Japanese dishes such as ramen, tempura, udon, onigiri ( a snack), and sushi. Each of them offered me a new experience in flavor and texture, making me appreciate the richness of Japanese cuisine. Among these, my absolute favorite is the tuna mayo onigiri. It quickly became my go to snack due to its blend of creamy tuna and rice wrapped in seaweed. My second favorite dish is udon, which impressed me so much that I even learned how to prepare it myself. I enjoy making it at home because it is cost effective, filling, and takes less than 45 mins to have a delicious, ready meal. The thick, chewy noodles combined with a light broth creates a comfort food that I can eat at any time of the day. For anyone visiting Japan, I would highly recommend trying tuna mayo onigiri from convenience stores and a bowl of freshly made udon. You might find yourself hooked just like I was.

Oh, there are just too many to count! One of the things I really love about Melbourne is its amazing food scene and the diversity of choices. I’ve tried so many for the first time like Banh Mi, Japanese skewers, different kinds of cheeses, cheesecakes, steaks, ramen, and of course, pizza (so good!). It might sound cliché, but exploring food here has been one of the highlights of my experience.

As for my favorites, it’s hard to choose, but my top three would be Izakaya Domo in Post Lane on Bourke Street, the Pizzas at Il Mercato Centrale on Collins Street, and the Burgers at Grill’d, which you can find all around Melbourne. I’m already hungry but just mentioning all of them! Haha

Since moving to Japan, one of the most memorable dishes I tried for the first time was houtou, a traditional noodle dish from Yamanashi Prefecture. It’s a hearty soup with flat, wide noodles, pumpkin, and seasonal vegetables, simmered in a miso-based broth. What makes it special for me is not just the taste: it’s deeply tied to the local culture and history. Houtou has long been considered a comforting, “home-style” dish that represents the identity of the region.

Another dish I really enjoyed discovering is kaiseki ryōri (traditional Japanese haute cuisine). It’s a multi-course meal that focuses on seasonality, aesthetics, and harmony of flavors. Trying it is a delightful experience as it reflects core concepts of Japanese culture such as balance, seasonality (shun) and wabi-sabi.

As for recommendations, I’d say to try local specialties wherever you are in Japan, they often reveal as much about the culture as books do!