If you ask any Australian, Japan is so hot right now. The country seems to be a magnet for Aussie tourists at the minute, but let’s be realistic for one second – how is our whole Instagram feed affording to jet-set away from these cost of living woes? Lucky for locals, South Melbourne Market is bringing a slice of Japan to town this June so you don’t need to step foot in an airport to try wildly delicious and creatively authentic Japanese eats.
So what is Flavours of Japan? It’s a niche concept so stick with us here. The self-guided degustation takes you around South Melbourne Market where vendors have created Japanese dishes specially for this foodie affair. A hot little ticket for $79 gets you more than ten dishes to sample, plus immersive experiences at the market stalls, a map and stamp card to tick them all off, and an adorable market bag.
What’s on the menu, I hear you asking? It’s a stellar line-up. There’s a hojicha (a popular roasted green tea) infused mini croissant and torched salmon sashimi to whet the appetite; two different types of dumpling; calamari with togarashi (Japanese chilli pepper) and yuzu aioli; a burrata with Japanese fix-ins like bonito flakes, green onion, soy and a side of edamame; and a panko-crumbed eggplant katsu curry to boot. You can also look forward to some gorgeous desserts like an award-winning matcha gelato and a black sesame cookie with a gooey centre. Are you drooling yet? That’s not even all the dishes. You can check the rest out here.
If you’re feeling bougie, you can opt for the Discovery Bag add-on. At $129 it will give you all the perks of the original ticket, plus a goodie bag filled with a bunch of Japanese knick-knacks. It includes a mini matcha shaker or mini incense, a bottle of Japanese hot sauce from Georgie’s Harvest and heaps of discount codes among other treasures.
Some of the experiences along the trail include getting a sneak peak at a traditional tea ceremony, the art of flower arranging, kimono dressing and incense burning. You can check them out at Osara and Tomi Art in the SO:ME Space, where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase whatever tickles your fancy. Plus, score free Japanese whiskey, sake and beer tastings at The Little Wine Shop.
Flavours of Japan is a part of the ‘A Foodie Affair’ series at South Melbourne Market. Twice a year the space plays host to a new degustation experience with a special theme. The Flavours of Japan instalment runs for ten days from June 4 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. You can choose between two sessions a day: 11am and 1pm. Don’t miss out and book your ticket here.