Vola Foods Serves up a Taste of Africa in Brunswick
If different is your new black Vola Foods is exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Located in a most unusual setting, this restaurant has proven that traditional places to dine are merely one option, and all others have a place as well.
We just have to create them.
That’s exactly what’s happened here. An eye-catching shipping container sets the scene, and the food tells the story.
It is clearly a tale diners want to hear.
Stepping Out
Let’s face it. Our taste buds get fairly used to the foods we consume. The tried and tested favourites that don’t tend to veer off on another path too often.
Occasionally maybe, but not often.
For some that is the only way to dine out. Comfort food with an random dalliance with a spicier fare, or perhaps a shared meal to enable a brief taste test of something that was recommended.
For others, the opportunity to dip their toes into (figuratively, not literally, of course) foods of foreign lands is a welcome move from the everyday.
While this open-minded approach to foods is commendable, Cameroonian cuisine is not usually atop anyone’s must-try list.
Not until now.
Owner Ashley Vola has brought us this chance to become a part of the foods and flavours of her country. Learned, tested, brought back to Australia and shared with lucky Melbournians, and all else who have the good sense to attend, this inspired venue is a restaurant built of love of home style, traditional foods.
Come one, come all to Vola Foods.
A Taste of Africa
For those new to Vola Foods, the environment almost transports you to food truck vibes and younger carefree and uninhibited days.
Pretty powerful stuff for a bright orange shipping container.
But its what’s inside that is the real showstopper.
From simple starters to heavenly dessert Puff Puffs, you can have it all.
There’s no rhyme or reason here.
Start with whatever takes your initial fancy. Finish with something else.
There is no order, no right or wrong.
So, where does one begin will all these options? One glance at the offerings here and it’s a truly a difficult choice.
Diners go for their favourites with chicken, coconut rice and fried plantains on their mind.
Vola’s Fried Rice looks appetising as it rolls out to many patrons.
As a point of reference, anything done in Vola’s Suya spice mix is worth having. Accompanying meats, fish, lamb or chicken, it is these traditional spices that make this Cameroonian flare rise to the top. I now want it on everything.
For groups, the rices and tomatoes stews are essentials to enable a wide-ranging taste experience, especially for those who love to share food and discuss through the night.
The same goes for the share platters. Perfect for those wanting to gauge a future favourite.
Vegan diners are not cast aside at Vola Foods. There are several options, many of which are ordered by regulars who are not necessarily vegan, but simply enjoy this restaurant’s offerings.
If you may be one such diner, try the Vegan plate number 6.
Oh, by the way, diners rave about the spiced chicken wings.
Chicken wings? Yes, a must-have for those with a need to be aware of what may be other’s favourites when dining out.
Want dessert for dinner?
Go for it.
Most diners find this a very affordable option for tasting cuisine from a continent who specialises in well cooked shareable plates, but just a gentle warning, you might want to keep an entire plate all to yourself.
A true melting pot?
You betcha.
A Space for Everyone
A nice family feel is how this establishment has been described. Smiles and a genuine happiness to have diners respond so well makes for an enjoyable experience. Hands down.
After all, sometimes it is not just about the food. If the service or perceived indifference of the staff is detected, many will not grace a restaurant again.
And fair enough.
It’s a real thing for any restaurant owner to create an inviting space and have patrons feel comfortable on every level.
Luckily Vola Foods has nothing to worry about there.
Semi outdoor seating is provided with in-the-know families gathered for what they already know to be mouth-watering fare.
The outdoor barbeque is given no rest and is where the majority of the proteins are cooked.
Its the particular flavour of this food that is accentuated perfectly on the flames. A must-have instrument for this type of cuisine, I would think.
The best of Cameroonian cuisine...with a bonus. The sparce, gravelly, but welcoming surroundings.
Who knew the backstreets of Brunswick had this much to offer.
Where: 30 Ovens Street Brunswick , Melbourne , VIC
Cuisine: Cameroonian, West African
Book: Just show up
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