A Brunch Tour That Takes You Beyond Your Postcode
How well do we really know Melbourne?
It’s easy to stick to our own patch. The same cafés. The same streets. The same tram line. But every so often, something nudges us to look a little further afield — and that’s when the magic happens.
When Kathy joins the Coburg Brunch Tour with Flavourhood Tours, she steps into a neighbourhood layered with migration stories, family recipes and fiercely loyal local customers. Coburg may not be polished and glossy, but as she discovers, it’s full of heart.
Here’s Kathy’s experience, in her own words.
Kathy’s review of Flavourhood Tours
Melbourne is often described as a sprawling and rapidly growing city. Perhaps most of us only know a small corner of its environs and their treasures and secrets. Indeed, demographers tell us that most people eventually settle to live only kilometres from where we grew up.
On leaving home as a young adult, I discovered more of multi-cultural Melbourne by sharing several student houses in Carlton and Fitzroy. Eventually I launched into my career in a new suburb completely unbeknown to me called Thomastown. It was out north …. somewhere. Such a rich introduction to a wider variety of cultures broadened my notion of Melbourne. It increased my curiosity as to what else lay beyond my then known world.
A similar opportunity arose recently when I was introduced to Coburg as a guest of Flavourhood Tours. Our guide, Raffaella, conducts food tours of the neighbourhood where she grew up and continues to dwell today. As a local, she knows well the best spots. She guided us slowly through the various fascinating cafes where we enjoyed sampling the culinary delights of Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Nepal, Turkey and Egypt.
Kathy’s review cont’d
We started our tour at Chorba where we shared warm apple tea and menemen, a traditional Turkish egg dish. Throughout the morning we heard the familiar stories of families such as the owners of Trivalli Pasticceria who arrived post WWII and made a new life for themselves in this land of opportunity. Their family business continues to this day, the delicate cannoli being the original, secret Nonna’s recipe.
A very young Nepalese brother and sister have launched their tiny 9 Meal Cafe that sells the best, juicy momos I have eaten anywhere, even in Nepal! Indicative of most cafe owners in this precinct, prices have remained constant and fair.
Such is the case at Nabil’s Half Moon Cafe where his Egyptian fava bean falafels also continue to please thanks to his daughter who now maintains their family business.
The fatteh at Al Alamy Middle Eastern baker and grocery received a mixed reception from our group. The yoghurt dish is a peasant dish made of left-over stale bread, chickpeas, tahini and yoghurt. I enjoyed the flavours as much as the tradition.
Kathy’s review cont’d
Our tour culminated at Raffaella’s must-go-to Greek cafe Axillion where she has been going all her life. She advised us with gentle authority as to the correct way to enjoy Greek coffee. The almost obligatory baklava to enjoy with our drinks was gossamer light and literally dripping in delicious honey.
Since it was a Saturday morning, the atmosphere in this small patch of Coburg was characteristically alive. Everywhere, the hospitality was immensely warm and genuine.
The Flavourhood Tour was a delicious and diverse food experience, but equally it was a rich, cultural one. It was evident that there are multiple nationalities and religions represented in the area.
Raffaella conceded that, whilst the area is not physically attractive, thankfully it has managed to avoid gentrification and so it oozes a thriving sense of community and authenticity.
Apparently, Flavourhood Tours had previously extended to three hours. My friend and I thought two hours was sufficient, especially as the February day was starting to warm up as our tour came to an end. The walking pace was easy, and whilst there were no issues with stairs, some crowded places might have been difficult to access if a walking device was needed. Toilets were available close by at the library where we had gathered at the start, and there was ample parking and tram services up Sydney Road.
Over the years, I travelled extensively overseas, but not quite so much as I would like around greater Melbourne. Our adventure into this part of town opened my eyes to an aspect that was previously unknown to me. There are many other suburbs that have their unique character; it’s simply a matter of finding or making the time to explore further afield. No doubt their treasures, their secrets, their rewards are there to be enjoyed by all!
Next stop?
Dandenong, Balaclava, and South Melbourne all beckon.
Maybe I shall meet you along the way!
What you need to know
Thinking of booking the Flavourhood Coburg Brunch Tour? Here are the practical details to help you decide.
Price
Tickets (everyone 5 years & above): $69.50 + $4.17 booking fee
Given you visit six venues and enjoy multiple tastings, it’s excellent value for a generous brunch and a guided cultural walk.
When it runs
Once a month (Saturday or Sunday)
10:00am sharp (arrive 10 minutes early)
Duration
2 hours. An easy pace, with plenty of time to eat, chat and listen to the stories behind the food.
Meeting & finish points
Start: Coburg Library, Corner of Victoria & Luisa Streets, Coburg
Finish: Knafeh Nabulseyeh, 442 Sydney Road, Coburg
Coburg Library is well located with tram access along Sydney Road and nearby parking.
Group size
Minimum: 4 guests
One guide per 10–12 guests
If minimum numbers aren’t met, you may be offered a reschedule or refund.
What’s included
- Brunch tastings at 6 venues
- Expert local guide
- Cultural insights and migration stories
- Insider recommendations
- List of venues and dishes (sent after the tour)
- Group photo (sent after the tour)
Accessibility
The walking pace is gentle and there are no major stairs. However, some venues can be crowded and may present challenges for those using mobility aids.
It’s best to contact Flavourhood Tours directly for specific access questions.
Why this tour works so well
What makes Flavourhood stand out is simple: local knowledge.
Raffaella isn’t just reciting facts. She grew up here. She still lives here. She knows which cannoli recipe hasn’t changed in 50 years. She knows which café is run by the daughter who quietly keeps her father’s legacy alive. That depth of connection adds warmth and authenticity you simply can’t manufacture.
For those of us who’ve travelled the world but overlooked our own backyard, this tour is a reminder: some of the richest cultural experiences are just a tram ride away.
So tell me — when was the last time you explored beyond your usual postcode?
Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our Facebook Group and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.
The Seniors in Melbourne team attended as guests of Flavourhood Tours. All opinions are the writers’ own.
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