Best Cheap Eat

Who gives the best bang for your huck?

Mukka Fitzroy

WHEN IT COMES to cheap eating, the old-fashioned notion of cheap and cheerful no longer cuts the mustard. We’ve finally realised that cheap doesn’t have to mean… cheap. And that’s why we’ve dubbed Mukka this year’s Time Out Cheap Eats champ. First of all, the Indian newcomer is providing a good reason to head back to Brunswick Street, a strip that has been resting on its laurels for way too long. Secondly, it’s the kind of place you want to be. The chairs could be a little more comfortable, admittedly, but the wall art, the hip-hop on the speakers and the general bonhomie all lend it great energy. And the food, you ask? Excellent Indian street food like the dosa with potato curry, dhal and fresh coconut chutney, or the bhel puri, a colourful, crunchy riot of pomegranate and puffed rice, peanuts and a gazillion fresh herbs, and the Tibetan dumplings known as momos, stuffed with cabbage and potato. And then there are the usual suspects: the above-par butter chicken; the vegan-friendly chickpea and spinach curry that will make you miss meat not one jot. According to Urban Dictionary, mukka means ‘friends’. With a new friend like this, we’re happy indeed. ´ 365 Brunswick St, Fitzroy 3065. 03 9917 2224. Dinner Tue-sun 5-10.30pm; lunch Thu, Fri 11.30am-2.30pm & Sat, Sun noon-4pm.