Update October 23, 2023: Woot! The full line-up of food vendors has just been announced. Scroll to the bottom of this article to see who'll be serving up your dumpling feasts when the market opens next month.
Birrarung Marr will transform into a fragrant hawker-style market this November, providing Melburnians with the perfect opportunity to gather with friends outdoors, get amongst the bustle and most importantly – eat!
Across the sea of vendors that will set up shop over the 18-night foodie fest, visitors can expect truckloads of authentic Asian delicacies like skewers, zesty salads, loaded bao, oodles of noodles and, of course, dumplings. And lots of 'em, too.
All your faves will be in high supply, like xiao long bao, gyoza, won tons, xiu mai and loads more. The market promises to look after a range of tastes and dietary requirements so that all are welcome to partake in the festivities.
“I’ve enjoyed many delicious dumpling dinners over the years I lived in Melbourne and I can’t wait to contribute to that custom," says the market's program director Elena Kirschbaum. "We’re working hard to create an incredible food festival that will hopefully become a much-loved annual event and can’t wait for everyone to see what we have in store that’s sure to surprise and delight.”
With clever cocktails and even a dedicated sake bar to wash all that spicy, salty, savoury goodness down, Downtown Dumpling Market is set to be one of the hottest foodie destinations in the city this spring. The energetic open-air environment will also be a hub for free entertainment and cheeky roving performers to engage kids, families, couples and groups of friends alike.
Catch musicians like Aussie K-Pop group Archery Star Crew, dance groups, DJs and more, plus magicians and traditional performances such as the Chinese Lion Dance and authentic Japanese drumming.
All good doggos will be welcome, too!
The Downtown Dumpling Market's full list of food and drink vendors includes:
- Bao+
- Bubble Tea Story
- Cane Sugar Cane
- Dessertopia
- Enfes Gozleme
- Gang Gang
- Homemade Dumplings
- Hoy Pinoy
- IScream & Juice Bar
- Naancho Naancho Man
- Noodle Pimp
- Oriental Tea House
- Parco Ramen
- Pierogi Pierogi
- Ragi's
- ShangDong Mama
- Teppanyaki Noodles
- The Lil Dumpling Van
- Wonderbao
