If actually using the kitchen to cook brings back way too many memories of lockdown right now (remember that time we all started simultaneously baking banana bread?), then don't. Put all those weird and wonderful spices you bought in the back of the cupboard, toss away that sourdough starter you got off a neighbour and put the airfryer (we know you bought one) under the sink, because we've got a better idea—one of Melbourne's many delicious meal delivery services.
Melbourne has a range of local services that are dishing up convenient and healthy meals that can be delivered right to your door, saving you the effort of cooking and washing up. So instead of braving the supermarket, jump on the bandwagon of meal delivery services that will not only skip the queues, but make your tastebuds jump for joy.
Youfoodz
No time to rush around town in search of healthy feed in your lunch hour? Then you need to get on the Youfoodz bandwagon. A clean-eating secret weapon for your fridge, Youfoodz is a totally fresh meal delivery service that’s going to transform your bod and leave your lunch hour wide open for more important things (like stalking people on Instagram). All about the healthy eats they may be, but Youfoodz make nutritionally balanced meals you’ll actually want to chow down on—think Kaarage chicken, Korean BBQ beef noodles and tandoori chicken with cauliflower rice. Made specifically so you can stock up in one quick order (everything is made to last between 7-9 days), you can jump on the Youfoodz website and order delivery of YouFoodz for the week and rest easy knowing a healthy, delish meal is waiting for you in the fridge every day.
Urban List readers can score up to $200 off their first five boxes with the code UL200.
Pasta Poetry
Born in Bologna. Made in Melbourne, as they say. Introducing Pasta Poetry; this Fairfield local is a celebration of freshly made pasta that's rolled and handcrafted daily by a team of in-house experts. You can pick it up if you happen to live in the area, but they also do delivery of both single orders as well as subscriptions.
For many, Pasta Poetry is an introduction to fresh-made pasta, and once you have it, you'll unlikely go back. If it's on the menu, don't miss the Scallop, Crab and Fennel Agnolotti or Ragu Bolognese Lasagne.
Chefgood
Chefgood is best looked upon as the disrupter of the ready-meal industry. They place emphasis on both health and taste without compromising on convenience—but the best part? Your meals are made from locally sourced ingredients and by real chefs.
There are meal plans a plenty to suit your tastes and needs. Spanish scambled eggs for one meal and Japanese beef curry later in the day? You bet ya. Keep an eye out for their chef series meals designed by the likes of Reynold Poernomo and Pierrick Boyer.
Make Out Meals
You can kiss boring meals goodbye, ‘cause Make-Out Meals is here to shake your dinner routine up. This meal delivery service provides a range of flavourful recipes from some of your fave Melbourne restaurants, like Entrocote, Babajan, Cecconi’s, Tipico, and loads more. Available as a subscription or as a one-night-only one-off order for dinner parties, choose from twelve recipes each week exclusively crafted by Melbourne restaurants—the ingredients are then delivered to your door and presto: you’re cooking like a professional chef. Wins all around.
Hello Fresh
After a feed that’s good for you and even better for your wallet? If you want meals that are fresh, customisable and easy to prepare, then read on. Skip those supermarket lines and hours spent playing tetras in your cupboard with all those jars of ingredients you bought, only used once and may or may not use again – ‘coz ain’t nobody got time for that. With Hello Fresh, the shopping, packing and measuring is all done for you. All you need to do is take delivery of your flexible, customisable box, assemble the ingredients, and you’ll have a delicious dinner in as little as 15 minutes. Yes, technically there is cooking involved with this Melbourne meal delivery service—but trust us, even the most inept home chef can handle these recipes.
Macros
If heat and eat is more your style, then Macros might just be your jam. Macros pride themselves in delivering fresh meals that are never frozen or vacuum packed. The meals are specially formulated by dietitians to ensure you’re putting the healthiest possible ingredients into your body—because really, who’s got the time or inclination to count calories? With Macros, the counting, preparation and packaging is all done for you—literally, all you need to do is heat and eat. For the vegos among us, you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of plant-based options such as black bean chilli, and for the meat-eaters, you can order favourites like comforting beef lasagne or spaghetti bolognese. Another thing to note is that Macros also cater for dietary requirements—so if you’re after paleo or dairy-free options, they’ve got you covered.
Pomelo + Online
If it's restaurant quality meals at home that you're after, scope out Pomelo + Online, a new meal delivery service created by a Sydney-based catering company who needed a way to keep their talented team employed after coronavirus brought about lockdown and restrictions. They've got over 45 hearty family meals available, all of which you'd be more than happy claim credit for when complimented on the cooking. Choose from mains like chicken roulade, beef lasagne and pork sausage ragu and pair them with sides of honey glazed carrots, Paris mash and rosemary focaccia.
Nourish’d
Got a sensitive gut? How does a menu that caters for dairy free, keto and nut allergies sound? Nourish’d has got you covered, with a philosophy that promises good food, and the ability to claim back your health and time. Get chilli cheese fries, off-the-bone lamb shanks, and country style crumbed chicken prepped and delivered while you focus on crafting a new hobby, or getting out into the fresh air. Time = saved.
Soulara
If plant-powered nutrition is your mantra, then look no further than Soulara, a company that’s putting the fun back into vegan and vegetarian meals, delivered to you. Clear up your environmental conscience with a range of detox bowls, curries and noodle dishes, all guaranteed to send your taste buds into a starstruck frenzy, as they finally meet cardamom, star anise and paprika.
Co-Lab Pantry
Co-Lab Pantry is a platform that brings people from all areas of Melbourne hospitality together in one space. Co-Lab has partnered with restaurants, bars, chefs, local makers, producers and organisations to provide you with the best meals, groceries and loads of other goodies. You can even check out workshops, read hospitality industry news, or purchase pantry or delicatessen items—check them out here.
Dinnerly
Marketed as Australia’s most affordable meal kit, Dinnerly offers easy, tasty recipes for as low as $4.85 per portion. Six ingredients, five steps—that’s all you need when you sign up with Dinnerly. From sweet soy chicken noodles to beef burgers, there’s plenty of variety and enough to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Marley Spoon
Marley Spoon’s chef-designed menu has options for all tastes and lifestyles, including vegan, low-calorie and family-friendly options that’ll leave you wanting more. Marley Spoon also sources the best, seasonal produce from trusted Australian suppliers, so you know that whatever you’re getting is legit. Plus the meals are varied and totally drool-worthy, too—think spicy chicken Rendang curry, pomegranate-glazed chicken, roasted hemp seed barramundi and loads more.
Prefer to eat out? Check out the best restaurants in Melbourne right now.
Editor's note: Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, so we get revenue from your purchase.
Image credit: Youfoodz, Nourish'd