Just like fashion fads change with the season, so too do do the foods we eat! From delicious dupes that bring the flavours of your favourite big-name chains closer to home, to secret bars with hidden doors and French flair, here are the best food trends we tried this month.
Food dupes that taste like the real deal … (maybe even better?)
You know the thrill of finding a perfume dupe that smells just like the luxe designer bottle? Well, now food is getting the dupe treatment too, and we’re here for it. One of the best is Pappa Flock, an epic fried chicken chain that’s quickly earned a cult following. If you’ve ever had Raising Cane’s in the US, you’ll get why people are obsessed. Juicy, crispy chicken tenders? Check. Golden, buttered toast? Yep. Freshly squeezed lemonade made in-house daily? You bet. It’s all about nailing that balance of crunch and tenderness, and let’s just say, we might have found a new go-to chicken spot.
Low key bars making a big impact
There’s something thrilling about walking into a bar that feels like a well-kept secret. Whether it’s hidden behind an unmarked door or tucked away in a basement, Sydney and Melbourne’s bar scene is giving speakeasy vibes in the best way.
Take Door Knock in Sydney – once an underground escape, now a Parisian-inspired haven. Think vintage French mirrors, marble tables, moody lighting, and a menu filled with Mediterranean and North African delights. From house-made stracciatella with grape confit to slow-cooked Moroccan lamb, the food is as much a reason to visit as the cocktails (and yes, the pineapple door-knocker is still there).
Meanwhile, over in Richmond, Nixie Nox has popped up as the smallest pub with the biggest personality. A cosy hideaway on Swan Street, this spot brings back the charm of a true neighbourhood pub, with friendly faces, expertly crafted cocktails, and dishes that punch well above their weight – think Beef Burnt Ends glazed with craft beer and a classic pub parma that’s next level.
Buffets: Because more is more
Buffets are back, and they’re the ultimate antidote to the cost-of-living crunch. Korean BBQ buffets, in particular, are having a moment, offering a feast of sizzling meats, vibrant sides, and endless refills, all for a set price. The standout is Butchers Buffet, which has expanded rapidly thanks to overwhelming demand. The recent opening of their sixth venue proves that interactive, all-you-can-eat dining is here to stay.
Or, go with Japanese vibes at Gyuniku’s self-service buffet. As well as a variety of chicken and beef meats – including unlimited premium wagyu MB 9+ and MB 7-9 cuts, high marbling short rib marinated chicken – expect bottomless freshly made sushi and sashimi and kid-friendly menu options that include fried potato chips, fried chicken, crispy coated nuggets and more.
For those who like to end their meal on a sweet note, the 110 seater venue offers an unlimited Frozen Yoghurt station, which includes bottomless toppings such as chocolate brownies, matcha cake, tapioca and popping pearls, sliced fruit, jelly, M&M’s and more.
Footy snacks: A winning feast
Even if you don’t follow a team, the snacks are reason enough to get on board with footy season. This month, we’ve seen some serious contenders for the ultimate game-day feed.
El Jannah is serving up deals that make watching the match even better – $10 off orders over $60 after 7pm and a free side of EJ Bites with their Family Feast? Yes, please. Over in Melbourne, Hofbrauhaus is bringing the Bavarian beer hall experience to AFL fans, screening every game live while serving up schnitzels, pork knuckle, and currywurst. And for those looking for a pre-game feast, Chargrill Charlie’s has been a fan-favourite for over 35 years, dishing out juicy charcoal chicken, crispy hot chips, and fresh salads. They also now with a brand-new store in Olympic Park, so you can grab a burger before heading to the stadium.
The coffee buzz … without the burnout
Love caffeine but hate the crash? The alternative coffee scene is booming, offering energy-boosting drinks that keep you going without the jitters. The Booster by The Help is one of the best we’ve tried – it’s packed with guarana, green tea, and raspberry ketones, all designed to provide sustained energy minus the midday slump. Plus, it tastes like homemade lemon iced tea, so it’s a win-win.
Easter upgrade with hot cross buns
Hot cross buns are a staple of Easter feasting, and this year, the debate over how to enjoy them is heating up. Bakers Delight has crunched the numbers and revealed some surprising insights into our bun habits: 56% of Aussies prefer them fresh, while 44% opt for toasted. When it comes to toppings, butter reigns supreme, with 80% slathering it on, while 20% enjoy them plain. And while the traditional hot cross bun still holds the top spot at 71%, novelty flavours are carving out a niche (12%), with fruitless varieties following closely behind (11%).
In Sydney, Brooklyn Boy Bagels has brunch/dessert covered with their take on a hot cross bun: aka Hot Cross Bagels. BB’s Hot Cross Bagels ($5.50) are sweet on top, chewy in the middle and topped with a vanilla-glaze cross that’s lightyears better than a floury paste. Anyone can bring home hot cross buns, but only at Brooklyn Boy can you score Hot Cross Bagels. Meanwhile, Melbourne’s famed Cellar Bar is bringing back its beloved hot cross buns, available in packs of six or twelve for a limited time.
Across Australia, This passion for hot cross buns has led to some fun and indulgent twists on the classic treat at Aldi, which is going big – iterally – with its brand-new GIANT hot cross bun (a hefty 550g, up to 20cm in diameter), launching on 29 March. In a playful nod to the Easter obsession, they’ve even teamed up with Budgy Smuggler to create limited-edition ALDI Bun-gy Smugglers, donating all profits to Camp Quality. Finally, for those who love chocolate,
is serving up the ultimate crossover – hot cross bun-flavoured chocolate eggs, combining the rich, spiced goodness of a bun with velvety, dairy-free chocolate.
Mellow Yellow
Finally, just as butter makes everything taste better, it’s now adding warmth to our kitchens – literally. KitchenAid has unveiled its 2025 Colour of the Year, “Butter,” a soft, golden hue inspired by nostalgia, comfort, and home baking traditions. More than just a colour, Butter embodies the simple joy of baking, the feeling of licking the spoon as a child, and the golden glow of a well-loved kitchen. It follows in the footsteps of past KitchenAid icons like Blue Salt, Hibiscus, and Beetroot, proving that kitchen aesthetics are just as trend-driven as food itself.
