Lukumades

When you walk through the orange doors of the tiny Lukumades Greek-doughnut shop opposite Queen Victoria Market, you’ll smell deep-fried dough, melted chocolate and freshly brewed coffee.

Originally a food truck (launched in June 2016), owner Exarhos Sourligas decided to open this West Melbourne storefront because customers wanted to buy the fried dumpling delights outside of festivals and events.

The colour palate and fit-out of the compact space (designed by Sydney-based Infinite Design) is the first hint Sourligas isn’t a traditionalist.

Sourligas wanted it to look Greek, “but not too Greek”. You won’t see any Santorini blues or Grecian-inspired art. Similarly, the Greek doughnuts, called loukoumades, aren’t typical of the version you’ll get in Greece, where they’re served with walnuts and honey syrup.

Except for drinks, this is a doughnut-only menu. The Twix Fix comes with melted milk chocolate, crushed Twix, salted caramel and vanilla gelato. Let’s Jam is topped with peanut butter and jam. Oreo Balls come smothered in white chocolate, crushed Oreos and a generous scoop of cookies-and-cream gelato. And Grandma’s Pick is served with sour cherries and vanilla gelato.

You can enjoy your loukoumades inside the shop on a comfy, cushioned bench, or take them to the seats outside in the cobblestone laneway.