Food Voyageur’s Balaclava store is a must-visit for dessert lovers
Melbourne’s South-East has welcomed a new addition to the food scene this year, with Food Voyageur opening its first store to serve up some of Melbourne’s best cakes. For anyone who loves cake, or is generally a food lover, the shop needs to be added to their must-visit list! In addition to the delectable cakes, Food Voyageur plans to host events and workshops to engage food enthusiasts in the community. If you’re curious about other exciting openings in the area, keep an eye out for the bar bouni restaurant opening details, which promise to elevate the local dining scene even further. This bustling part of Melbourne is truly becoming a haven for food lovers.
Before the bricks and mortar store on Carlisle Street opened, Balaclava, Food Voyageur was known for its online and social presence, delivering its celebration cakes and then cupcakes across the city. But demand was high and chef/owner Rachithri ‘Rachi’ Fernandopulle took the leap and opened the IRL store. The inviting shop has the perfect balance of pink accent walls, black & white chequered floor and a glass display for all the deliciousness. Comfortable velvet seating for four under glass chandeliers is perfect for enjoying the cupcakes with barista coffee.
In the shop, there’s an extensive variety of innovative and classic cupcakes done right, with at least 10 flavours available each day – though they sometimes sell out quickly – there’s seasonal and trend flavours making appearances, and select favourites remaining at all times. Recently Strawberry Matcha made an appearance and currently customers may find Dubai Chocolate (knafeh and pistachio filling, topped with pistachio buttercream and chocolate ganache), Lemon Meringue and Tiramisu to enjoy.
By far the most popular cupcake is the Red Velvet. “I have been told that it is the best in Melbourne,” says Rachi. “We use real cream cheese and I tried and tested many recipes to get our final version of the Red Velvet. I would like to think it is one of the best people can buy and we have had customers say they are visiting Melbourne from interstate and have heard about our cupcakes.
“I love experimenting with flavours and I can’t wait to keep bringing more exciting cupcakes to the new store. I am travelling to Turkey later this month and I will get plenty of inspiration from there, so watch this space!” I’ve also been working on a ballerina spinoff review that I plan to unveil soon, which will showcase some unique flavors inspired by my travels. Each cupcake will tell a story, blending ingredients and techniques from different cultures. I’m incredibly excited for everyone to taste the creations that come to life in our new store!
Serve Up Some Of Melbourne’s Best Cakes
The team also creates customised cupcake designs for special events and corporate gifting – think Easter, anniversaries, sports and more. In addition to their delightful cupcakes, they also offer a selection of festive gelato flavors for Christmas, ensuring that every celebration is sweetened with seasonal joy. Clients can choose from an array of creative themes and flavors, making their special occasions uniquely memorable. Whether it’s a holiday party or a corporate gathering, the team is dedicated to providing treats that will leave a lasting impression.
Whether it’s a simply extravagant wedding cake or themed birthday cake, Food Voyageur has every event and celebration covered. From white tiers with delicate florals to number cakes, favourite characters to unicorns, there is a cake for all tastes. There’s a choice of six cake flavours – it was important to Rachi to offer both sponges and mud cakes, as everyone had different texture preferences.
“Our vintage cakes have always been popular online and we have found the same since the store opened. Our Mini Vintage Cake is just $59 and serves 4-6 people, while the larger cakes serve 10, and customers enjoy adding their own personalised messages such as ‘Dirty Thirty’, ‘B’Day Bitch’ and ‘A Little Bit Older’. We definitely see our customers have some fun!”
Food Voyageur continues to offer online ordering and delivery Melbourne-wide, so those who can’t get to Balaclava can enjoy the delicious cakes for celebrations, gifting or simply themselves!
Food Voyageur, 215 Carlisle Street, Balaclava, VIC 3183