Korean tacos, sushi tacos, doughnut burgers take over Melbourne

DOUGHNUT burgers buns, sushi tacos and other ‘franken-foods’ are growing in popularity as Melbourne diners seek new unusual taste experiences. Here are some culinary creations you have to try.

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SUSHI tacos and doughnuts burgers aren’t too left of field for Melbourne eateries.

We thought hipster-ism had gone too far, but theses crazy food mash-ups are the norm.

Restaurants and cafes are fiercely competing to create drawcard dishes to lure Instagram tribes — hungry for a great feed and photo op — into their venues.

And as hungry customers, they want more.

Seoulja Boy’s kimbap taco, inspired by Korean and Japanese cuisine. Picture: Seoulja Boy.

Seoulja Boy creative director Benny Lui was inspired by an LA trend when opening his Korean fusion restaurant in Bourke St this year.

“When I was making the menu, I looked at people who were doing (mash-ups) well,” he said.

“I looked at American fusion foods and there were a lot of Koreans living in LA.

“A lot of people had the same idea. People wanted tacos, so I thought, I’ll create a taco for you.”

Mr Miyagi’s Japanese tacos have been making mouths drool for some time. The Spider Crab Taco.

Benny drew inspiration from the kimbap, the Korean take on the Japanese sushi roll.

“Korea was largely influenced by Japan in the war,” he said.

“The kimbap is made with nori (seaweed), a rice that’s sesame oil and salt based and served warm rather than cold.”

The kimbap taco is made with rice paper and nori deep fried (for the shell), a bed of kimbap rice, poached salmon and kimchi.

“It took four months to develop, so it needed to be a winner,” he said.

Benny said Melbourne’s restaurant scene was innovative but super competitive.

“I see a lot of creation coming from people’s experience,” he said.

“We have a big travelling culture and people will bring influences back.”

“Competition is high and the food culture is big here. I think it’s healthy for the industry.”

“There’s a lot to do in Melbourne but food is our biggest hobby.”

OTHER INSANE FOOD MASH-UPS:

SUSHI BURGER

DOUGHNUT BURGER

HALAL SNACK PACK BURGER

MEAT PIE BURGER

How Aussie is this? Suburban Burger in Lynbrook created a meat pie in a burger for Australia Day. Picture: Jason Sammon.

@Kara_Irving