Melbourne, the cultural capital of Australia, is a food lover’s paradise. From its vibrant street food scene to its high-end restaurants, Melbourne offers a diverse range of culinary experiences that cater to every taste and budget. But among the many exotic and unique dining options available in Melbourne, one dish stands out as a must-try for adventurous foodies: kangaroo meat. Native to Australia, kangaroo has been a staple of the country’s cuisine for centuries, and Melbourne is one of the best places to try it.
Kangaroo meat is a lean and nutritious protein that is rich in iron and low in fat. It has a unique flavor that is often described as a cross between beef and venison, with a slightly sweet and gamey taste. Kangaroo is also a sustainable and environmentally-friendly food option, as it requires less water and land to produce than many other types of meat.
But where can you find kangaroo meat in Melbourne? From high-end restaurants to casual cafes and food trucks, there are many options to choose from. In this article, we will explore the best places to eat kangaroo in Melbourne, including some hidden gems and popular spots that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
High-End Restaurants
Melbourne’s high-end restaurants offer a sophisticated and luxurious dining experience that is perfect for special occasions or business events. Here are some of the best high-end restaurants in Melbourne that serve kangaroo meat:
The Atlantic
The Atlantic is a modern Australian restaurant located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. Their menu features a range of seasonal dishes, including a delicious kangaroo tenderloin that is served with a side of roasted vegetables and quinoa.
Address: 1 Queensbridge St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Longrain
Longrain is a Thai-inspired restaurant located in Melbourne’s CBD. Their menu features a range of dishes, including a delicious kangaroo larb that is made with minced kangaroo meat, herbs, and spices.
Address: 44 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Embla
Embla is a modern Australian restaurant located in Melbourne’s CBD. Their menu features a range of seasonal dishes, including a delicious kangaroo tartare that is served with a side of toasted bread and pickled vegetables.
Address: 122 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000 (See Also: Where to Eat in Jeju? Best Local Secrets)
Casual Cafes and Food Trucks
Melbourne’s casual cafes and food trucks offer a relaxed and affordable dining experience that is perfect for a quick bite or a casual meal. Here are some of the best casual cafes and food trucks in Melbourne that serve kangaroo meat:
Red Spice Road
Red Spice Road is a casual cafe located in Melbourne’s CBD. Their menu features a range of Asian-inspired dishes, including a delicious kangaroo burger that is made with minced kangaroo meat and topped with lettuce, tomato, and aioli.
Address: 275 La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Kangaroo Jack’s
Kangaroo Jack’s is a food truck located in Melbourne’s CBD. Their menu features a range of kangaroo dishes, including a delicious kangaroo skewer that is made with marinated kangaroo meat and served with a side of roasted vegetables.
Location: Various locations around Melbourne
Meat Mother
Meat Mother is a casual cafe located in Melbourne’s CBD. Their menu features a range of meat-based dishes, including a delicious kangaroo sausage roll that is made with kangaroo meat and served with a side of chips.
Address: 174 La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Specialty Butchers and Meat Markets
Melbourne’s specialty butchers and meat markets offer a range of high-quality meats, including kangaroo. Here are some of the best specialty butchers and meat markets in Melbourne that sell kangaroo meat:
Victorian Meat Market
The Victorian Meat Market is a historic meat market located in Melbourne’s CBD. Their butchers offer a range of high-quality meats, including kangaroo, which can be purchased by the kilogram or as pre-packaged cuts. (See Also: Where to Eat in Wallingford? Top Local Favorites)
Address: 2-4 Therry St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Meat & Wine Co.
Meat & Wine Co. is a specialty butcher located in Melbourne’s CBD. Their butchers offer a range of high-quality meats, including kangaroo, which can be purchased by the kilogram or as pre-packaged cuts.
Address: 1 Queensbridge St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Recipe Ideas
Looking for some inspiration for your next kangaroo meal? Here are some delicious recipe ideas to try:
Kangaroo Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound kangaroo meat
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine kangaroo meat, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
- Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
Kangaroo Steak with Roasted Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 1 kangaroo steak, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup mixed herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss together onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and mixed herbs.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the vegetables out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Place the kangaroo steak on top of the vegetables.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the steak is cooked to your liking and the vegetables are tender.
Conclusion
Melbourne is a food lover’s paradise, and kangaroo meat is one of the city’s most unique and delicious culinary offerings. Whether you’re looking for a high-end dining experience or a casual bite, there are many options to choose from. From high-end restaurants to casual cafes and food trucks, specialty butchers and meat markets, and recipe ideas, this article has provided you with everything you need to know about where to eat kangaroo in Melbourne. (See Also: Where to Eat in Beverley? Top Local Favorites)
Recap
Here are the key points to remember:
- The Atlantic, Longrain, and Embla are some of the best high-end restaurants in Melbourne that serve kangaroo meat.
- Red Spice Road, Kangaroo Jack’s, and Meat Mother are some of the best casual cafes and food trucks in Melbourne that serve kangaroo meat.
- The Victorian Meat Market and Meat & Wine Co. are some of the best specialty butchers and meat markets in Melbourne that sell kangaroo meat.
- Kangaroo meat is a lean and nutritious protein that is rich in iron and low in fat.
- Kangaroo meat has a unique flavor that is often described as a cross between beef and venison, with a slightly sweet and gamey taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is kangaroo meat safe to eat?
A: Yes, kangaroo meat is safe to eat. It is a lean and nutritious protein that is rich in iron and low in fat. However, it is essential to ensure that the kangaroo meat is sourced from a reputable supplier and handled and cooked properly to avoid any food safety issues.
Q: What is the best way to cook kangaroo meat?
A: Kangaroo meat can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, pan-frying, roasting, and braising. The best way to cook kangaroo meat is to cook it to medium-rare, as this will help to preserve its tenderness and flavor.
Q: Can kangaroo meat be eaten raw?
A: Yes, kangaroo meat can be eaten raw, but it is essential to ensure that it is sourced from a reputable supplier and handled and stored properly to avoid any food safety issues. Raw kangaroo meat can be used in dishes such as kangaroo tartare or kangaroo sashimi.
Q: Is kangaroo meat expensive?
A: Kangaroo meat can be expensive, but it is also a sustainable and environmentally-friendly food option. The price of kangaroo meat can vary depending on the quality and source of the meat, as well as the location and availability.
Q: Can kangaroo meat be used in traditional dishes?
A: Yes, kangaroo meat can be used in traditional dishes, such as burgers, meatballs, and steaks. It can also be used in more exotic dishes, such as kangaroo skewers or kangaroo stir-fries.