Eat, drink, and enjoy life at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival’s “World’s Longest Lunch”

Reported by Chen Hanyin / Compiled report

Melbourne, a globally renowned food capital, hosts the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival since its inception in 1993—a major event in the culinary world. From exquisite dishes crafted by international culinary masters to humble yet delicious local Melbourne home-cooked meals, there’s something for every palate. The ten-day festival kicks off in late March, immersing you in a feast of wine and gastronomy.

▲ The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival has a history of 25 years. (Photo / Provided by Tourism Victoria, Australia, the same below.)

1. Master Class by “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants” Chefs

This year, eight top chefs from “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants” have been specially invited to take part in the Master Classes on April 1–2. They will reveal their cooking secrets, share their passion for cuisine, and explore new culinary discoveries with food lovers.

Dates: April 1–2
Venue: Deakin Edge, Federation Square, Melbourne

2. House of Food and Wine

At the “House of Food and Wine,” the festival will host special events, featuring a local family—Dan and Angie Hong—for the first time, who will cook up a Monday Family Dinner, as well as top chefs preparing various dishes over an open flame.

Date: April 3
Venue: The House of Food and Wine (361 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne)

3. Regional World’s Longest Lunch

Each edition of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival features a “Longest Lunch” event held in different parts of Victoria. The iconic Lygon Street once set a Guinness World Record for the “World’s Longest Lunch” hosted by the Bank of Melbourne. This year is expected to break that record, with over 1,640 diners enjoying a menu designed by legendary Italian chef Antonio Carluccio.

Dates & Time: March 31, 12:00–14:00
Venue: Various locations across Victoria
Ticket Price: AUD 90–178 (approx. NT$2,160–4,272)

4. Wine Weekend

The Wine Weekend at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival will spotlight over fifty Australian winemakers and sommeliers, with activities including sessions by Rick Kinzbrunner of Giaconda and Ron Laughton of Jasper Hill.

▲ Australia is home to many vineyards.

5. The World’s 50 Best Restaurants

The 2017 awards ceremony will be held in Melbourne on the evening of April 5, bringing together top chefs, restaurant owners, sommeliers, media professionals, and influential figures from around the globe. Victoria’s diverse cultural fabric has fostered Melbourne’s rich and multicultural food, bar, and café scene. From food streets and cafés to vineyards and regionally inspired eateries, visitors can experience the area’s natural beauty, vibrant city life, and extraordinary culinary offerings.

With a 25-year legacy, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival runs from March 31 to April 9 and this year marks its first collaboration with the 2017 “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants” awards for the ceremony. Don’t miss the Master Class, the World’s Longest Lunch, and other exciting events.