Melbourne is known for its lively multicultural vibe and global food scene, and its street food markets reflect the culinary pit stops you just can’t miss out on. Often seen as Australia’s foodie capital, there’s plenty of local and international foods to experience at the city’s many street food markets. Gone are the days of greasy, unappetising street food, now it’s a flourishing art form that can rival the menus of fine dining restaurants. For refuelling on the go, here’s some of the best Melbourne street food markets to visit.
The Food Truck Park
For tasty food under fairy lights as you sit amongst trendy crates, head to The Food Truck Park in the northern suburbs of the city. Playing host to many of Melbourne’s block parties such as Pizzafest, Gluten Free Fest and Vegan fest, this former card yard brings together your favourite food trucks with a stellar entertainment line-up.
Dubbed ‘the food lover’s market’, Prahran Market sells a range of high-quality fruit and veg, as well as certified organic produce and sustainable seafood. If you get hungry while you shop, you’ll find plenty of eateries in the market. From traditional Korean favourites with a modern twist to mouth-watering Argentinian empanadas and light and fluffy falafels, there’s a wide range of options to keep you well-fed and hydrated during your visit.
The mother of food markets, this historic market has been a favourite amongst locals and visitors since 1867 and it’s easy to see why. With over 145 traders, you’ll find bakeries selling sweet sourdough and a specialist grocery store for all your Asian cooking needs. There’s even a wholefoods shop where you can buy everything from vitamins to superfoods, as well as exploring the range of vegan protein supplements available.
If you’re heading southside and have a craving for street food, make sure you head to Hank Marvin’s pop up. Bringing together some of Melbourne’s favourite food trucks and fresh food purveyors, you can enjoy a range of street food in a laid-back outdoor dining hall. It’s on every Saturday at St Kilda’s Alma Park East and every Sunday at the Royal Avenue Park in Sandringham.
Known for its legendary Wednesday night markets that take place in summer and winter, the Queen Victoria Market is packed with global food traders, specialty stalls as well as live music and entertainment. Stalls cook up delicious snacks all night long, so expect to find Hawaiian snacks, mouth-watering Brazillian BBQ, authentic Sri Lankan dishes and sugar and cinnamon-dusted churro bowls.
If you’re close to Yarraville Gardens and feeling hungry, visiting one of the many food trucks that park up along Somerville Road next to Hanmer Reserve is essential. With up to 10 trucks parked along the road at weekends, you’ll often have a choice of the best burgers, pizzas, churros and Italian cuisine. There’s no better way to spend a summer’s day than feasting on street food as you sit amongst the park’s shady trees.