These are some food hacks that will make your life in Melbourne easier when starting a new life away from home and will have you saving valuable dollars each week.
1. HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE – ISKCON TEMPLE
Karma-free nutritious vegetarian meal – Cost: $0
The Hare Krishna temple located in Albert Park is a great place to enjoy free food. For lunch, you can feast on a vegetarian dish accompanied by fresh drinks and a tasty dessert. You can also find free karma fruits during certain hours of the week.
This place is definitely worth a visit; many people go to the temple for the free food, so don’t be scared to call in. It is a great opportunity to be open-minded and enjoy learning about the different cultures and traditions thriving in this cosmopolitan city!
Main Free Meals times (the times can vary on festival days):
- 8:30 am Breakfast *Prasadam
- 1:00 pm Lunch *Prasadam
- 5:30 pm Dinner *Prasadam
*In Sikhism and Hinduism, Prasadam meaning “mercy”, is a religious offering of food, consumed after worship.
HOW TO GET THERE: From Melbourne CBD Tram 1 (stop 31) / Tram 12 (stop 136).
For more information about the temple and other free food times, visit: https://www.harekrishnamelbourne.com.au/whats_on.html
2. THE SALVATION ARMY MELBOURNE CORPS PROJECT 614
Free meal and Free Coffee in 7/11 Coffee machine for students – Cost: $0
This project is run by a team of volunteers who are passionate about helping people in need. International students are welcome to queue for a free meal.
There is a dish of the day and a dessert on offer, with a hot chocolate or a coffee included to complete your lunch. Not to be missed, lunchtime finishes around 01:00 pm!
HOW TO GET THERE: Located next to The Salvation Army, tram 86 / 96 (stop 9).
3. INTERN STUDENTS IN MELBOURNE
Free food bags for international students – Cost: $0
Intern students in Melbourne consist of a group of volunteers. They are a not-for-profit organization that is willing to help all International Students who arrive in the city of Melbourne. They are there to provide Food, Clothes, and Friendship. The food bags are provided fortnightly on Sundays at around 7:30 pm.
You will find a queue of international students on the corner of Spencer Street and Lonsdale Street. A van arrives here to provide the food bags to students.
Like this page: https://www.facebook.com/internstudentsinmelb/ to find out about their upcoming events. This is a great opportunity to accept a helping hand and make new friends.
N.B. Be sure to take your student ID with you.
Join us on our next events in Melbourne where we regularly have special deals on drinks and food.
4. LENTILS AS ANYTHING
Vegan meals. Pay as you feel. Food without borders – Cost: You choose.
You can find a number of ‘Lentils as anything’ eateries around the city of Melbourne. These restaurants have no set prices and most of the people who work there are volunteers. They provide wholesome and nutritious vegan meals; allowing you to contribute as much, or as little, as you feel your meal is worth. Everyone is welcome!
We highly recommend at least paying a visit to the one located in the picturesque suburb of St. Kilda or the other in Abbotsford Convent. It is a peaceful place, only 4 kilometres away from Melbourne’s CBD.
ABBOTSFORD
1/3 St Heliers St, Abbotsford – bus 200 / 207 (Clarke St stop)
Opening Times: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 11:30 am / 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm / 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
ST. KILDA
41 Blessington St., St.-Kilda – tram 96 (stop 138 Luna Park) / tram 3/3a & 67 (Brighton Rd/Carlisle St. stop)
Opening Times: Monday – Sunday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm / 5:30 pm – 9:00
5. CROSSWAYS
Vegan and vegetarian restaurant in Melbourne – Cost: Students $5.95
This is a Hare Krishna vegan-friendly and vegetarian restaurant in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. It is an all-you-can-eat restaurant, so you can fill up for no extra charge. The daily menu consists of two dishes along with a drink. Each day of the week there is a different menu to add a little variety!
Website: http://www.crosswaysfoodforlife.com.au/
Opening times: Monday – Saturday: 11.30 am – 8.00 pm
Now let’s move on to the drinks with this additional tip…
There is an App named Happiest Hour, and it allows you to find promotions and happy hour specials in Melbourne and around your location. It is available for Android and iOS. Find cheaper prices and places to eat and drink in Melbourne!
