Lost your bank card? No need to cancel it

While many stallholders here will take card, cash is still king at Queen Vic Market. It's popular with locals as their go-to for fresh fruit, veggies, meat and an outstanding variety of dairy and smallgoods, and it's a perfect place to pick up some groceries for dinner, grab a coffee, and maybe browse some clothes or bric-a-brac. 

Our favourite 24-hour temple to meat does not accept any payment other than cash. Grab dinner late here, or have a steak for breakfast. There is a vegan food vending machine out the front (pay with cash here too), and inside you'll find burgers, grilled meats and some of the best steak in Melbourne. For veggos, there’s a classic grilled cheese toastie, falafel on a daily salad, woodfired seasonal vegetables and an American-style vegan hash you can pimp up with additional side. 

As you veer off Bourke Street, navigate a couple of bins and find yourself in a dark carpark, you’ll most likely wonder whether going in search of Soi 38 was the best idea. But trust us when we say that this place is home to some of the most comforting bowls of Thai boat noodles in town. And it's cash only, so even without your credit cards you'll be absolutely fine. 

The line-up of food trucks at Welcome to Thornbury changes constantly, but many of the food trucks that come through here would prefer you paid in cash. The former car manufacturing factory is Melbourne's first permanent bar and food truck park. Our tip: bring at least six mates, order something from each food truck (there’s a huge number on rotation) and try a bit of everything while sipping on sangria. 

This tiny venue is insanely popular, and you'll want to bring cash. So what the devil is all the hoo-ha about? Contrary to what the name suggests, this is not a bar, nor is soup the main event. But it certainly is Moroccan. The menu is verbal and has been the same for many years, earning dishes like the chickpea bake and dips a legendary status. For $23 or $28, you'll get a vegetarian spread that is one hell of a bang for your buck.