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If you’ve ever tucked into a plate of steaming hot momos, you already know why Melbourne is hooked. These Nepali and Tibetan dumplings – juicy filling wrapped in a soft skin – are simple but addictive. Whether you’re after classic steamed momos, crunchy fried ones, or the soupy, spicy jhol version, there’s something about them that just hits the spot.
Lucky for us, Melbourne’s food scene has embraced momos in a big way. From Brunswick to the CBD and out to the suburbs, you’ll find plenty of joints serving them up fresh, hot, and packed with flavour. Let’s dig into the best Momo restaurants around town and what they do best.
Steamed Momos – The Classic Favourite
Steamed momos are the OG – warm, juicy, and comforting without being heavy. Perfect for when you want a feed that’s tasty but not greasy.
One of the top spots is Old Durbar in Melbourne, a local favourite for proper Nepali-style dumplings. Their chicken and buff (buffalo) momos are always a hit, especially with the fiery achar (dipping sauce) that packs a punch.
If you’re around the town, Old Durbar has spots in the CBD, Brunswick, and Nunawading, all serving up the same magic. Perfect for a fast chew among instructions, a informal capture-up, or maybe late-night cravings, their generous momo portions are sure to preserve you glad.
And if you’re keen to try something a bit exclusive, head to Kathmandu Momos Melbourne. They serve traditional steamed momos that taste like something straight out of the streets of Kathmandu. Their fillings are juicy, and the skin has that perfect tender-but-chewy balance you want in a momo.
Fried Momos – Crunchy, Golden Goodness
If you love a bit of crunch, fried momos are where it’s at. They’ve got the same tasty fillings but with a golden, crispy skin that makes them almost too easy to demolish.
At Old Durbar Nunawading, the fried momos are a standout. Crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect with an ice-cold beer – they’re basically Melbourne’s version of the perfect pub snack.
Another hot pick is Magic Momo Kafe on Flinders Street. Their fried momos are next-level addictive, with that extra crunch you can hear when you bite into them. Pair them with one of their dipping sauces, and you’ll be ordering a second plate before you know it.
Jhol Momos – Dumplings in Spicy Soup
Now for the dish that has Melbourne foodies properly obsessed – jhol momos. Imagine dumplings swimming in a warm, tangy, garlicky soup (the jhol). It’s messy, slurpy, and absolutely worth it.
Old Durbar CBD Flinders serves one of the high-quality jhol momo bowls within the town. The broth is rich, highly spiced, and loaded with flavour, whilst the dumplings absorb all that goodness. Perfect on a cold Melbourne night.
Over at Everest Eats, the jhol momos are a must-try too. They’re known for their authentic Nepali street food vibe, and their jhol is packed with flavour that warms you right up. Locals swear it’s one of the closest you’ll get to Kathmandu-style jhol momos here in Melbourne.
And of course, Old Durbar Brunswick also does a top-notch version – the kind of jhol that makes you want to lick the bowl clean.
Why Momos Are So Popular in Melbourne
Momos aren’t just another food trend – they’ve found a proper home in Melbourne’s multicultural dining scene. Here’s why:
- Affordable feeds: A plate of momos won’t break the bank, making them a hit with students, families, and just about anyone.
- Share-friendly: Perfect for ordering a few different types and trying them all with mates.
- Variety: Steamed, fried, kothey (pan-fried), chilli momos, or jhol – there’s something for every temper.
- Comfort element: Whether you’re hungover, freezing in iciness, or simply yearning something hearty, momos constantly deliver.
Tips for Your Next Momo Feast
- Never skip the achar: The chilli dipping sauce is half the fun. Each place has its own version – some tangy, some fiery.
- Go with mates: Order a mix – steamed, fried, and jhol – and share the lot.
- Be adventurous: If you always go chicken, give lamb or veg a try next time.
- Drinks matter: Beer with fried momos, masala tea with steamed ones, or even a cold lassi with jhol – all great combos.
Final Bite
Melbourne’s love affair with momos isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Whether you’re crunching fried momos at Magic Momo Kafe, slurping spicy jhol at Everest Eats, or tucking into a plate of classic steamed ones at Old Durbar or Kathmandu Momos Melbourne, you’re never far from a good feed.
So next time that dumpling craving hits, forget the usual and go straight for momos. Just a heads up, though – once you start, one plate is never enough.
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