Must-try Melbourne dishes that cost less than $25: Elchi samosa, Robata sashimi

Consider yourself a foodie? Not until you’ve tried these knockout Melbourne eats, including a drool-worthy, cheese-loaded arancini.

You’re not a real Melbourne foodie until you’ve tried these new, awe-inspiring dishes from around the grounds. And the best part? They all cost less than $25 a pop.

Elchi's mind-blowing samosa is incredible value at $10 a pop.

Samosa at Elchi, $10

This creative take on the classic Indian snack may cost $10, but doesn’t disappoint in flavour or creative flair. A circular pastry cuff stands upright on the plate with a smattering of chaat masala-spiced potato cubes, splotches of green pea puree and racy red tomato chutney beneath. And it’s not just snacks Manpreet Sekhon has fun with at her first restaurant in the big smoke, Elchi. There’s even a crisp whole amritsari fish that sees a deep-fried fish head and tail, filled out with golden crumbed fish pakora in the tummy. Elchi lives in George Calombaris’s old Press Club restaurant.

Up your spice game at BKK.

Raw beef laab at BKK, $18

Talk about blow-your-face-off spicy. Chef Sungeun Mo knows how to make you sweat at her new Thai eatery BKK, part of the Arbory Afloat’s landlocked CBD venue HER.

Flank steak cubes are tumbled in sesame oil and flecked with peppery Sichuan jungle spice and ginger batons, building intense heat with every cautious mouthful. Your tastebuds will pant at a rapid pace. Perspiration will set in. Have a cool drink on standby before taking your next adrenaline-fuelled bite.

Sashimi in any form is a must at Robata. Picture: Jason Edwards.

Seared salmon sashimi at Robata, $20

If you like sashimi, Robata’s ruby-coloured Australian bluefin tuna may impress with its soft, jelly-like tiles licked with soy and wasabi. But you haven’t lived until you try the seared salmon. Its supple flesh is countered by a fine layer of crisp, smoke-kissed skin and a mustard miso that should be bottled and sold, stat.

Salt bush and pepper berry fried crocodile with smoked oyster aioli. Picture: Jake Nowakowski.

Salt and pepper crocodile at Mabu Mabu by Big Esso, $25

It tastes just like squid. Or so they say. Torres Strait Islander woman Nornie Bero’s version of our favourite seaside snack gets an all-Aussie makeover. Tender croc curls are battered, deep fried and seasoned in saltbush and pepperberry. The smoked oyster aioli amps up the umami funk.

Tulum's must eat pastrima dish is only $22.

Padish at Tulum, $22

Step outside of your comfort zone and get your mouth around this ancient Turkish dish. Think salty wagyu pastrima bits and sweet caramelised onion bobbing in an indulgent burnt butter sauce. Add a cloudlike potatoes and a poached egg that’s ripe for swiping with just-warmed Turkish bread and you’re onto a winner. Oh my, it sounds bizarre but this hug-in-a-bowl eating is essential for the cooler months.

The arancini at Grill Americano is on another level. Picture: Wayne Taylor.

Arancini at Grill Americano, $16.50

These golden crumbed orbs of rice and bolognese come served in a sundae bowl with fluffy pea puree and salty reggiano blizzard for ultimate swiping. Big yum. Just add an the restaurant’s namesake cocktail, which comes with two dark-choc coated mandarin segments, and you’ll feel like you’re in Italy.