Renowned foodie Tony Tan, the festival's creative director (cultural), visited Dandenong last year and said it was a "no brainer" to add the city to the festival's card.

"I've always known there's a lot in Dandenong. Being a max foodie, I drive from one end of Melbourne to the other to try and see new things. But I was stunned because of the rejuvenation of that whole area, we have something important [in Dandenong] we should tell the rest of the world.

"You only have to look at the way it is being beautified.

I think it's really important to let the rest of Melbourne know they're really creating a new vibrant energy down here."

Mr Tan will take one of the tours in Dandenong on March 13."

People can expect from me enthusiasm about what Dandenong is all about and celebrating the many different food and cultures all put into one tiny area."

The tour leaves Federation Square, but there is the opportunity to jump aboard at The Drum Theatre if you live locally.

It begins at Rob's British Butchery, before visiting the Lebanese and Afghan areas of Dandenong, taking in the Dandenong Market, sampling a little southern Asian food, before finishing in Little India.

Mr Tan, who runs a Melbourne cooking school, said the Dandenong leg would be a highlight of the festival, which has more than 250 events.

Details and bookings: 9771 6666 or www.greaterdandenong.com