The Melbourne weather changes in a day as frequently as a baby’s diapers. When I arrived two weeks ago, there was a cold wave, then it was all sorts of windy, but now, there’s a heat wave with temperatures expected to rise above 40°C. However, the good thing is — summer means long days (sunset is usually around 8/8.30pm), open-air music festivals, night markets, food pop-ups, beach time and breezy picnics.
The night market at Queen Victoria Market is one of the top draws, and every Wednesday the 1878-established market comes alive from 5pm-10pm with food, drinks and entertainment.
Shopping, eating and entertainment at the night market Karo Christine Kumar
It’s no secret that Melbourne is Australia’s culinary capital. The vast multicultural population, from Victoria’s original indigenous inhabitants to migrants from Europe, Asia and Africa, have resulted in a salad bowl of culture. The reason I say salad bowl and not melting pot is because each community holds its own even while conforming to a homogenous ‘Melbournian’ identity.
It is at places like the Summer Night Market that one gets a glimpse of this culinary multiverse. More than 125 shops and stalls, including food trucks, serve cuisine from around the world. There’s Greek, Sri Lankan, Korean, Turkish, Filipino, Jamaican street food, and even ‘Italian meets the streets of Melbourne’. Here are six things to try at the night market (till March 15) or when you visit Melbourne.
Tik Tok-famous Chimney Cone
The ‘chimney cone’ Tik Tok viral dessert from Chimnutz, backdropped by the crowd for a taste Karo Christine Kumar
The chimney-shaped doughnuts are filled with layers of cake, custard and boba topped with a swirl of ice cream softie. The Daily Mail first called it as a viral Tik Tok food trend in this 2021 article and recent videos of it continue to pop up on social media. It is available at Chimnutz (chimney + doughnuts), a cafe that permanently pops up in a weekend festival called Grazeland in Spotswood, even if you miss it at the summer night market.
Cartoon Baos from Son in Law
Fairy Floss, Cartoon Burgers and Gua buns (Taiwanese pork belly buns) from Son in Law www.soninlaw.com.au
These cartoon baos, buns and burgers and pizzas have got to be one of Melbourne’s cutest creations! The adorable eats are by Son in Law, a cafe named after the famous Thai egg street food dish with a humorous story (if the mother-in-law felt her daughter was being treated unkindly, she’d serve the son-in-law this egg dish as a threat that his ‘jewels’ could be up for frying next). The cafe is permanently located inside the Melbourne Central (mall) and temporarily in the night market (serving only fairy floss and mantou buns). Walk out with a guaranteed smile as Doraemon and Pikachu make friends with your tummy.
Running Bull Sangria
Take the bull by the horns after a tall glass of ‘Running Bull Sangria’ Karo Christine Kumar
The best thing to beat the heat is a tall, chilled glass of Sangria. And thankfully, it’s not one of those watery sangrias, but a heady one that will make you happily high after just a couple of sips! Find it at Running Bull Sangria. While you’re at it, pair it with tacos from The Happy Mexican.
Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Get a taste of the Caribbean at The Real Jerk Food Truck, which features in Melbourne’s Top 10 Food Trucks list by Australia’s leading print and digital newspaper, The Herald Sun. Try the Jamaican Jerk Chicken, which is given a good ol’ rub with spices and then slow-cooked, which lends it a nice smokey flavour. Keep an eye on their social media for scheduled pop-ups.
Sri Lankan-style Kottu Roti
The Drums stall serving Sri Lankan food like Kottu Roti and Lamprais Karo Christine Kumar
The night market at Queen Victoria Market can get pretty crowded, so it’s best to reach as the gates open at 5pm. As you meander your way through the crowds, you’re likely to hear the rhythmic sound of takata takata or the loud shredding of roti with a knife at Drums. The mission of the 1996-established brand is to take Sri Lankan street food to the world – from Chicken Kottu (shredded roti mixed with curry and scrambled eggs) to Lamprais (rice cooked in a banana leaf, served with curry, tempered potato, seeni sambol and eggplant moju or pickle).
Cannoleria
A crunchy shell oozing with a rich and creamy ricotta filling that’s infused with 70 per cent dark cocoa. Or coffee. Or vanilla. A taste of Sicily right here in Melbourne and the perfect sweet ending. Click here to view Cannoleria’s multiple locations.
People enjoying live music
Every Wednesday night, the market sheds come alive with not only street food trucks and stalls, but also crafts by local artisans, book stores, a rotating line-up of live music, comic gigs and more.
