Sure, dining out is fun. But hunting for the most delicious cheap eats around Canberra is a whole lot more rewarding. Us locals go crazy when a food market comes to town. But what we don’t realise is how lucky we are to have access to produce driven fast-foods at the Fyshwick Markets all year around. These are stall holders who are surrounded by the best and freshest produce day-in-and-out and in turn bring us inexpensive foods we gloat to our friends about.
Saturday morning, and Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets is bustling. A crowd circles the cheese counters in both delis across the square – I wasn’t surprised as cheese was at the top of my hit-list as well. Determined looking shoppers’ eye off the best fruit and veg, their eyes following the spruikers guidance of where to source the best sales. There’s a swift trade at the bread stalls and a waft of decent coffee across it all. It is the kind of plentiful market that makes it hard to ever walk into a supermarket giant again.
The best part about the markets is rewarding yourself with lunch afterwards. A hot-spot for cheap eats from Thursday- Sunday offering freshly made goods all day – where else can you get a coffee at 2pm on a Sunday. From Japanese to Malaysian, Turkish and Italian; bakery goods and endless doughnuts. They vary in price range – but each lunch option is good value.
Photo’s by Ashley St George
Umami is a Japanese run stall with a high regard for raw seafoods. This small stand packs big flavour with highly acclaimed chef Dean Han offering everything from delicious authentic hot dishes, such as ramen noodles, to seasonal poke bowls with quinoa which can be adapted for vegans and sushi. It should be a crime to visit the Fyshwick Markets and not stop in for a sushi taco. Fried nori tempura shell, sushi rice, pickles, avo, spicy mayo with your choice of chicken, prawn, salmon tuna or BBQ eel.
Bigger brother to the iconic dumpling is the bun. At the Malaysian stall next door, you’ll find enormous fluffy buns filled with either BBQ meat, vegetable & meat, red bean or chicken. While you shop for your weekly goods at Euro Delicatessen, why not try out their deli goods at lunch by choosing something from their varied menu. There is something so rewarding about watching the team go and slice a fresh piece of salami before adding it to a seasonal sandwich.
There is no shortage of freshly baked, hearty pies at the Fyshwick Markets. Crust offers the widest variety of gluten free pies I have ever laid my eyes on including chickpea curry, tomato lentil, spinach feta, chicken leek and chunky beef flavour. We were pleasantly surprised by flavoursome pho and ban Minh rolls at LL Bakery and café, an option you’ll be glad we told you about!
Over at Mart Delicatessen you’ll be torn between their golden crunch pies, quiches or frittatas and it’s impossible to stop yourself drooling at their baked goods cabinet. If you’re after something traditional, head to Deli Planet for their stone-fire pizzas, they are a crowd pleaser among the entire family.
It wouldn’t be lunch time without a kebab. At Turkish Kebab House they have the type of overloaded kebab you make everyone around you jealous with. If you’re after something of an early morning, try the zaatar and cheese – a breakfast like pizza. And, the laksa from Halal Poultry has just the right amount of spice and kick for a lunch option.
Photo’s by Ashley St George
Traditionally, the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets were for groceries, but after years of expansion lunching at the markets has become a serious trend.
Tell us your favourite lunch to grab while at the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets for your chance to win 1 of 5 $100 vouchers to spend.
