‘Farmers’ market’ is a bit of a misnomer at the moment, as there isn’t much in the way of fresh produce at these weekly Friday markets. The massive $2 billion development underway at Parramatta Square has truncated the area; stalls no longer line Church Street, instead they’ve settled into the middle of Centenary Square, alongside the Square’s colourful street furniture and ping pong tables.
When we visited there were only two stores flogging fruit and veg, however there’s plenty of food to take home. From lengthy flat beans, exotic looking chillies and trays of fresh berries and eggs to Shepherd’s Artisan Bakehouse’s traditional, crusty Italian, spelt and rye and Patisserie Bruni’s family sized quiches and Burgundy beef pies.
One of the market’s most popular stalls is Zerrin’s Evergreen, who sell succulents, hanger plants and aloe vera to greenify your home with, plus flower pots for as little as $2.20.
The Square is a busy thoroughfare located between the train station and the CBD’s office buildings, which means the market is busiest at lunchtime. Looking for a quick bite? Opt for street food dishes like paella with mussels and calamari, kimchi burritos, pork and chive dumplings or currywurst hot dogs.