Mabu Mabu: Biggest Thank You For A Dining Experience Like No Other
For those craving an authentic Melbourne experience, step into the vibrant cultural dining fusion that is Big Esso, Mabu Mabu at Federation Square. Believe us, you won’t regret it!
This all-day restaurant and bar, led by Torres Strait Islander chef Nornie Bero, showcases contemporary Indigenous culture through delicious food. The seasonal menu is bursting with native ingredients and incredible flavours that are thrilling and simply superb.
We recently had the pleasure of dining at Mabu Mabu for a midweek lunch, and honestly, every aspect of our experience surpassed our expectations.
>> Head straight to our personal tidbits and accessibility advice for Mabu Mabu
BIG esso Mabu Mabu Melbourne
Dedicated to elevating native ingredients in Australian cuisine, Big Esso, Mabu Mabu is an Indigenous-owned business celebrating Torres Strait culture and cuisine.
The name Mabu Mabu means “help yourself,” reflecting the communal dining experience offered. While Big Esso means, “the biggest thank you.” And boy did we feel the greatest amount of gratitude after such an uplifting meal.
As there were three of us for lunch we chose a few different things off the menu, then shared to gain the most taste experiences. The food was amazing. Using indigenous plants and herbs gave the food its unique flavours, all very pleasing to the palate. The garfish were delicious! As were the prawns! We left the emu and crocodile for another day. I also chose “Mum’s” herbal tea which was to me a perfect compliment to the meal.
Being a pensioner, I did think the prices were a little high, however, well worth the experience and I am looking forward to going again to taste their very enticing-sounding desserts. The restaurant was easily accessible and the service excellent.
– Terrie
A Taste of Indigenous Cuisine at Mabu Mabu
The menu features traditional dishes like wapi and namas, alongside modern creations such as emu heart articucho and crocodile ribs. Beverages include house-made teas, burnt honey and wattleseed lattes, kombucha and chai.
For our starters, we couldn’t resist trying the pumpkin and native basil damper with whipped golden syrup butter. And Dad said we had to try the tin mean croquette. Both dishes were sublime.
For the main course, we opted for grilled prawns, sweet nutty Goolwa pipis, bam bam beans, and charred grill wapi (garfish). Each dish was bursting with flavour, showcasing the unique ingredients and expert craftsmanship of the kitchen.
The restaurant sources many of its ingredients from Indigenous suppliers, supporting local communities and preserving traditional food practices.
Purchase Indigenous Pantry Products
Extend your culinary adventure by bringing some of the flavours home with you. Mabu Mabu offers a selection of artisan pantry essentials, conveniently available for purchase online or in-store. From fragrant loose-leaf tea to aromatic bush spices, island hot sauces, and a hibiscus and strawberry gum jam, there are plenty of handmade items to choose from.
Enhance your cooking prowess with the Mabu Mabu cookbook, brimming with inspired recipes for you to recreate the magic in your own kitchen.
Looking for the perfect gift? Delight your loved ones with a grill master hamper or a wattleseed pavlova kit, both showcasing the finest flavours of Mabu Mabu. And for those seeking souvenirs, don’t miss out on their charming stubby holders and stylish t-shirts, perfect mementoes of your unforgettable dining experience.
Seating and Service
The colourful restaurant and bar area features stunning artworks by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, adding to the immersive atmosphere. From the moment we stepped inside Mabu Mabu, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality, setting the stage for an unforgettable lunch.
The indoor dining space is cosy with tables that have comfortable back support seating. There are tables with high stools that have back support, as well as low tables which we opted for. The alfresco dining area is lovely on a nice day however these have bench seats only with no back support.
Entry and Accessibility
Located in the heart of Federation Square, Mabu Mabu is easily accessible by public transport. The restaurant’s central location also makes it an ideal spot for exploring Melbourne’s vibrant arts and culture scene.
Federation Square has several ramps for access throughout, is situated directly adjacent to Flinders Street Station, and has two public accessible toilets.
Swanston Street provides the easiest access to the main square, and lift access is available from The Atrium if you enter via Flinders Street.
Explore Indigenous Artworks Right Next Door
If you’re there for lunch, we highly recommend combining your dining experience with a visit to the Koorie Heritage Trust. Conveniently located next door to Mabu Mabu, the indigenous art gallery is open from 10 am – 5 pm and offers free entry.
From traditional to contemporary works, Koorie Heritage Trust offers a fascinating insight into Indigenous culture, history, and creativity. Admire striking artworks, engage with interactive displays, and gain a deeper appreciation for the profound connections between art, identity, and community.
Don’t miss the current exhibition on until July 14 2024, paying tribute to the late artist Josh Muir. Read more about this powerful, retrospective piece here.
Before we looked in the Koorie Heritage Trust and ventured on the Indigenous Walking Tour, it seemed opportune to stop for lunch, in the same building, at Big Esso by Mabu Mabu.
Big Esso is an indigenous owned and run restaurant and bar whose stated aim is to bring indigenous food and culture back to the banks of Birrarung (Yarra).
Well, I reckon they have achieved that aim… and more. The restaurant is bright and welcoming with a colourful and friendly ambience featuring indigenous artwork.
The menu selection guarantees a unique experience of native flavours ranging from emu steak, or charred crocodile tongue, to periwinkles with saltbush and vinegar fries.
We had an amazing lunch. However, among our selection, the two plates that stood out for me were a reminder, albeit in an upmarket sort of way, of sitting around campfires in my youth. These were the tin meat croquette and the damper with golden syrup butter.
Everything we tried was delicious.
We didn’t have room for dessert but being a bit of an iced coffee addict I had to try the Big Esso offering. Their Proud Mary espresso with burnt honey and wattle seed, ice and soda was pretty good, in fact it’s now at the top of my best iced coffees list. I would normally insist that a good iced coffee has to have whipped cream and ice-cream, but Big Esso has caused an epiphany in my taste buds.
Who knows what will happen when we return to try their desserts.
– Chris
Tidbits for visiting Big Esso, Mabu Mabu
- The restaurant is open Thurs – Tues, 11 am until late;
- The menu is made for sharing with small dishes ranging from $8-$20 and large dishes $30-$55;
- Chris highly recommends the burnt honey and wattleseed iced coffee;
- Peruse the pantry products available to take home;
- Indoor dining has back support, outside tables do not;
- Wheelchair accessible;
- Public accessible toilets are located within Fed Square;
- Easy public transport access via Flinders Street Station.
Big Esso, Mabu Mabu
Federation Square, 25/2 Swanston St, Melbourne
(03) 9121 0510
https://mabumabu.com.au/
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