With over 20 years in the game, sell-out performances in more than 60 festivals across the world, and more accolades than she has wigs, it’s safe to say Valerie Hex is the full package. And this year, the celebrated drag queen is bringing her show Yummy – a debaucherous blend of burlesque, circus and cabaret – back to home soil for the ultimate victory lap as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival.
Here’s where you might find Hex before or after the show, and where you’ll find some of the city’s best banh mi:
When I want to show off the city to friends from out of town, I take them to Southbank: NGV, Arts Centre, and Malthouse Theatre, and then to Smith Street for cultural vibes. I love taking people to Ponyfish Island – it’s literally on the Yarra river in Southbank. It’s unique. And on Smith Street I love all the gay bars like Mollie’s, Sircuit, Grouse, and The 86 for a prosecco or three. The gaybourhood – it’s rainbow city! Melbourne is such a creative city and I love introducing people to it.
My local is The Victoria Hotel in Brunswick. I really love a good pub where you can spend a lot of time. It’s relaxed and stylish and attracts an easy-going and chilled out crowd. I’ve seen Brunswick locals and celebs hanging out there. Love it.
When I want to celebrate an occasion with a special meal, I generally eat Thai food. I partly grew up in Bangkok, and family members have lived in Thailand for the last six years, so Thai food has a special place in my heart. I love Eleven Tigers in Brunswick. Their green curry is so fresh and a perfect balance of salty and sweet. Yes please.
My favourite place to load up on supplies is Kryolan Makeup! As a drag performer, you can honestly never have enough makeup. I’m not sure if Kryolan loves or hates to see me coming, but I always leave with a full bag of full coverage supplies. I also love shopping at the Queen Vic Markets for both fresh produce, but also for gifts, clothes, and even wigs. Come for the vegetables, stay for the late night shows and food trucks on Wednesdays.
There’s no better value in the city than Chinatown! It’s been a consistently affordable part of Melbourne’s CBD for decades. I can’t even count the number of nights I’ve eaten great food late at night for a good price there. My favourite is Master Lanzhou Noodle Bar – go for their dry beef noodles.
And I wish more people would experience the excellence of Sydney Road. I live in Brunswick and adore the variety and offerings of Sydney Road. I’m thankful to the many communities who have shaped it into the dynamic and special place that it is. It’s the beating heart of Melbourne’s most creative suburb. Good Days Hot Bread for a banh mi. Good Days for pho. A1 Bakery for spinach and cheese triangles. Daddy Bar for drinks and then Luther’s Scoops next door for dessert.
The best spot to hit before a performance of Yummy is… I’d have a few drinks before to get the party started. Maybe a rosé at Bobby Peels in North Melbourne, and then I’d head on down to the Meat Market for our show.
And after the show you’ll likely find me back at Bobby Peels, or I would have made my way to Daddy Bar in Brunswick.
My defining food moment in Melbourne was at Chin Chin. It’s so special. So many memories there and the food is always amazing. I also love Commune Group’s restaurants, especially Tokyo Tina on Chapel Street. The menu is fantastic and the staff are so lovely. It’s a great atmosphere all round. I love the kimchi fried rice and grilled chicken. And the cocktails there are awesome too. See you there on a Saturday for bottomless booze, brunch and bingo?
If there was one thing I could change about eating and drinking in Melbourne it would be… During and after COVID, a lot of outdoor areas were expanded, and parking spaces became courtyard extensions and street beer gardens. Some have stayed, but most have returned. I really loved that – it felt like Montreal in summer. Bring back the front beer garden!
But the thing I hope never changes here is the Vietnamese food. I think Melbourne has some of the best Vietnamese food ever. I could go a banh mi from Mister Truong’s in Brunswick West any day of the week.
Catch Valerie Hex in Decadence: 10 Years of Yummy from Tuesday 30 September to Saturday 18 October as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival. Tickets are available now.