Fueling the Fast Lane: Your Ultimate Guide to F1 Australian Grand Prix Grub
As the roar of engines echoes through Albert Park, Melbourne transforms into a culinary playground for the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix. While the thrill of speed takes centre stage, the city’s vibrant food scene is ready to provide the perfect pit stops for every attendee. From burger aficionados to sweet treat seekers and those craving a touch of luxury, this year’s event boasts an impressive lineup of eateries and pop-ups designed to satisfy every palate.
Burger Bliss: Patty Perfection Trackside
If your F1 experience isn’t complete without a seriously good burger, you’re in luck. Melbourne’s acclaimed burger joint, Charrd, makes its grand prix debut, bringing its signature flame-grilled beef patties to the masses. Opt for a single (100g) or double (200g) patty, adorned with caramelised onions, truffle aioli, and a kick of chilli jam. For an exclusive F1 treat, dive into their special Caesar-style fried chicken burger, a creation unavailable at their regular haunts. Savour a single patty burger, fries, and a side of Charrd sauce for $31.
Joining the burger brigade is Edita’s, the Carlton North fish and chip shop that’s taken social media by storm. Their cult-favourite fish burger, featuring a battered fish fillet nestled in a potato roll with cheese and generous lashings of house-made tartare sauce, is a must-try. This delightful package comes with a side of hand-cut, triple-cooked chips for $23. For a more traditional option, a classic flake and chips pack is available for $21, with potato cakes and dim sims (three for $10) also on offer. Both Charrd and Edita’s can be found at Melbourne Junction (Oval 17).
For those seeking alternative burger options if the queues get a bit too intense, reliable favourites 300 Grams are serving up their delights at the Motorsport Straight precinct, while Royal Stacks is flipping patties at Oval 20.
Chook Wraps and Middle Eastern Magic
The irresistible flavours of Lebanese cuisine are well represented this year. A1 Bakery, a Melbourne institution, is bringing its beloved offerings to the track. Following a successful stint at the Australian Open, they’re dishing out their famous halloumi cheese pies and spinach and cheese triangles for $12 each. Marinated chicken and falafel wraps are also on the menu, promising a taste of authentic Middle Eastern goodness. Don’t forget to indulge in their custard baklava donut for $8.50. A chicken wrap with chips and toum garlic sauce will set you back $29.50, or grab a standalone wrap for $19. Find them at Melbourne Junction (Oval 17).
Another Lebanese powerhouse, El Jannah, is firing up its flame grills at the grand prix for the first time. Prepare for crowd-pleasers like grilled chicken burgers and spicy chicken wraps, featuring El Jannah’s legendary smoky chilli sauce. Complement your meal with fattoush salad or their signature toum garlic sauce. A wrap with chips and toum sauce costs $33.50. Visit them at the Motorsport Straight.
A special mention goes to Biggie Smalls, Shane Delia’s popular eatery, returning to Pit Stop Park with their delectable fried chicken kebabs and loaded fries.
Sweet Endings: Baked Goods and Decadent Desserts
The sweet treat department is brimming with new contenders and returning favourites. Butter Days, the Scandinavian-inspired bakery from Malvern, is offering its signature chewy brown butter bikkies for $6. Indulge in a decadent cinnamon scroll, drenched in butterscotch and topped with brûléed cream cheese, or grab a breakfast croissant. They’re also serving an F1-exclusive: chocolate-covered strawberries. A ham and cheese croissant paired with a cinnamon scroll is priced at $20.50. Find them at the Motorsport Straight.
Gelato Messina is revving up Albert Park with a special “fast and frozen” gelato sandwich, exclusive to the F1 event. This creation features a vanilla sable cookie sandwiching baked cheesecake gelato swirled with burnt honey caramel, all enrobed in chocolate. For those who prefer a classic scoop, five signature flavours like pistachio praline, chocolate peanut fudge, and dulce de leche are available. The ice cream sandwich is $14, while single scoops are $8, two scoops are $10, and three scoops are $12. Visit them at Melbourne Junction (Oval 17).
The beloved Berry Donut Van is rolling into Albert Park, serving up their hot, fluffy cinnamon donuts alongside coffee, milkshakes, and hot dogs. And for the croissant connoisseurs, Lune is back on track with their exquisite range, from classic kouign amann to ham and gruyere and the indulgent twice-baked Tim Tam pain au chocolat.
A Touch of Luxury: Premium Dining Experiences
For those seeking a more refined F1 dining experience, Chris Lucas’s establishments are offering exclusive seated options. Chin Chin is setting up shop at the Melbourne Junction precinct, presenting two banquet-style feasts at $95 per person. Bookings are essential for general admission guests, with priority given to American Express cardholders.
For the ultimate premium experience, head to the American Express lounge at Grill Americano. Here, dining is included with your lounge ticket, featuring exquisite dishes such as lobster tortellini and sliced tagliata di manzo steak, all complemented by Moët & Chandon and fine Penfolds wines.
Further elevating the luxury offerings, ticketholders at the Mercedes-Benz Lounge can anticipate a sophisticated menu including prawn toast, wagyu beef burgers, and miso black cod. Adjacent to this, the Mercedes-AMG Grandstand provides a family-friendly environment with food available for purchase from vendors like 400 Gradi for pizza, alongside sushi and burger options.
