As a Melbourne-based chef and brunch enthusiast, I’ve spent years perfecting the art of the Sunday brunch recipes. There’s nothing quite like a lazy Sunday morning in our beautiful city, and what better way to celebrate it than with some delicious, locally-inspired brunch recipes? Let me share some of my favourite Melbourne-style brunch dishes that I love whipping up for my friends and family.

Smashed Avo on Sourdough
Let’s start with a Melbourne classic – smashed avocado on sourdough. Here’s my twist on this iconic dish:
Ingredients:
2 ripe avocados
1 lime, juiced
2 tablespoons of crumbled feta
1 tablespoon of dukkah
2 slices of sourdough bread
2 poached eggs
Micro herbs for garnish
I start by toasting thick slices of sourdough from my local bakery. While that’s happening, I roughly mash the avocados with lime juice, salt, and pepper. I generously spread this on the toasted sourdough, sprinkle over the feta and dukkah, and top with perfectly poached eggs. A scatter of micro herbs adds that chef’s touch. It’s simple, but oh so satisfying!
Ricotta Hotcakes with Honeycomb Butter
These fluffy hotcakes are inspired by a famous Melbourne café, but I’ve added my own spin:
Ingredients:
1 1/3 cups ricotta
3/4 cup milk
4 eggs, separated
1 cup self-raising flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
50g butter, melted
Honeycomb butter (store-bought or homemade)
Seasonal berries
I mix the ricotta, milk, and egg yolks, then fold in the flour and baking powder. In a separate bowl, I whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter. I cook spoonfuls of the mixture in a non-stick pan until golden brown. To serve, I stack them high, add a generous dollop of honeycomb butter, and scatter fresh berries around the plate. It’s a sweet treat that never fails to impress!

Shakshuka with Goat’s Cheese
This Middle Eastern-inspired dish has become a Melbourne brunch staple, and here’s how I make it:
Ingredients:
1 onion, diced
2 red capsicums, sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tins of chopped tomatoes
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
Pinch of chilli flakes
4 eggs
100g goat’s cheese
Fresh coriander
Sourdough for serving
I start by sautéing the onion and capsicum, then add garlic and spices. Once fragrant, I pour in the tomatoes and let it simmer until slightly thickened. I make little wells in the sauce and crack the eggs into them, then cover and cook until the whites are set but yolks are still runny. I finish it with crumbled goat’s cheese and fresh coriander. Served with warm sourdough, it’s a flavour explosion!
Corn and Zucchini Fritters with Salmon
These fritters are a great way to sneak in some veggies:
Ingredients:
1 cup corn kernels
1 zucchini, grated
1/2 cup self-raising flour
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
100g smoked salmon
Sour cream and sweet chilli sauce for serving
I mix the corn, zucchini, flour, eggs, and milk to make a batter. Then, I fry spoonfuls in a hot pan until golden and crispy. I serve them stacked with layers of smoked salmon, a dollop of sour cream, and a drizzle of sweet chilli sauce. It’s a perfect balance of flavours and textures.
Chai-Spiced French Toast with Caramelised Bananas
Finally, for those with a sweet tooth:
Ingredients:
4 thick slices of brioche
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon chai spice mix
2 bananas
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Maple syrup for serving
I whisk together the eggs, milk, and chai spices. I dip the brioche slices in this mixture and fry until golden. Meanwhile, I caramelise sliced bananas with brown sugar in a separate pan. I serve the French toast topped with the caramelised bananas and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. It’s indulgent, but hey, it’s Sunday!
These recipes capture the essence of Melbourne’s brunch scene – a mix of classic and innovative, always with a focus on quality ingredients and big flavours. They’re perfect for lazy Sundays at home, whether you’re nursing a hangover or just enjoying a slow start to the day.
Remember, brunch isn’t just a meal in Melbourne – it’s a lifestyle. So take your time, savour every bite, and don’t forget to pair it with a good coffee or maybe even a cheeky mimosa. After all, that’s the Melbourne way!
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