Robyn BoxA Tasty Trip Through Prahran Market
November 25th 2008 01:50
Not everyone has the pleasure of travelling the world. Many people don’t even get the chance to explore their own country. Some people pick up a book or voyeuristically travel to a different city or country with TV travel shows in the hope that this will fill them with the satisfaction of discovery that only travel can offer. Occasionally, these things are enough to lull the pesky travel bug. Other times something more is needed. The food, wine, people, culture….the life of a country. Those things that can’t transcend from a TV screen or from the pages of a book are often the exact things that make people fly halfway around the world.
But what of those of us who can’t pack our bags and go. Be it because of lack of time, money, health…there are so many reasons as to why people don’t travel – almost as many as there are for why people do.
The promise of a world of flavours, cultures, experiences – all in one place; a place that, combined with the travel books, cook books and TV shows you’ve been collecting and religiously watching, can bring a country and it’s flavours to any person. Is it possible? Yes, actually. It is.
Welcome to the Prahran Market in Melbourne, Victoria. Australia’s oldest continuously running market since 1864, and home to some of Victoria’s best known and most respected food legends.
Each little stall holds a miniature cultural experience in itself. Sure, there are the typical fine butchers, amazingly fresh fruit and vegies (that’s right – no bendy broccoli like at the local supermarket), inventive bakeries, and one particular fishmonger who will shuck oysters on order. In all fairness, to list every singe gem that resides at the Prahran Market would take forever. But to look deeper, to spend some time and speak to those who own the stalls will uncover a level of multiculturalism that will astound. If your dream has always been to eat your way around the world, then save your pennies and head to Prahran. Let’s start in the City of Love….
Australia – Paris, France
Travel the world if you will, but if the authentic flavours of Paris are what you crave, look no further than Damien’s. Home to every possible mushroom variety, along with speciality truffles directly imported from France, Damien is considered one of the few true food legends of Victoria. He knows his stuff, and if you’re keen to try your hand at French cookery, then this place is a must to pick up those strange ingredients you’ll never find at your local Coles. If, like me, you have a penchant for all things miniature, prepare to get carried away at Damien’s. With mini mushrooms, onions, asparagus, tomatoes and zucchini, there is enough to fill any Barbie-doll-sized pantry. Such produce makes it easy for anyone to conjure up a stunning dish worthy of the praise from even the most dedicated French food lover.
Head to the South of France, perhaps the Loire area, where food seems raw, authentic and appreciated. Where locals prepare food like they prepare the eldest child for their Holy Communion or their first day of school, and enjoy a huge variety of cheeses and mouth-watering cured meats at The Cheese Shop Deli. One look at the extensive array on offer and even those with the smallest of imaginations will be transported to regional France. Escargot, anyone?
Loire, France – Tuscany, Italy
Time to move south east and marvel and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, ride a vespa through small towns and appreciate art from world-renowned Michelangelo, DiVinci and Leonardo. Where are we? Italy, of course. Sore specifically, in the depths of authentic Tuscany: also known and the Deli Arcade. Pick up some of the most beautiful fresh pasta from The Fresh Pasta Shop. Perfect for singles, families and couples, these luscious servings are set out so they match any catering requirement. So many options: not enough meals in the day! Personal favourite: Fresh Pasta Shop’s famous meatballs. Don’t leave the market without buying some for dinner. Just like Mamma used to make!
On your departure from Italy pick up the traditional first-course – an antipasto platter from Cleo’s. With cured meats, marinated vegetables, olives, pickles and various cheeses you’ll be well-fed for the next leg of your journey…
Tuscany, Italy – Prague, Czech Republic
The Land of the Rising Beer! Well, sort of. You’d be hard pressed to find better beer anywhere in the world than in Prague. After all this travelling and tasting, how about a quick refreshment in the city best known for it’s spiral buildings and history-rich bridges. Not just a stockist of Czech beer, but dozens of beers from around the worlds, Swords Select Wines makes it hard for visitors to not buy a 6-pack for friends during the festive season. Mango beer, Cherry beer, Strawberry beer…beer from Europe, India, Australia… the list goes on and on, and so do the tasting sessions if you’re not careful.
Prague, Czech Republic - Beirut, Lebanon
Possibly the most impressive and authentic travel-worthy flavours come out of a small corner shop called Naheda’s Choice. Tucked away in a corner of the Deli Hall, Naheda’s Choice is a place where all those with a travel bug hungry for different flavours should gather. The owners are Lebanese, so the dozens of homemade dips that lay in front of shoppers come with an unwritten promise that they will hold taste sensations never before experienced. Order by weight, but if you’re on a budget be sure to order by dollars. For a few bucks you may not get allot of what you want, but you’ll be able to take home a variety of flavours that will impress even the most well travelled folk. A personal recommendation: as Lebanon is The Land of Milk and Honey, try the goat’s cheese, sheep cheese, parmesan cheese and nut dip (not for the lactose intolerant!). Ask and Naheda, Sam or Jimmy will give you a taste of this extreme creation. You’ll be left wanting more. One thing you simply can’t overlook is Naheda world famous (in Prahran) date and walnut roll. I promise each and every one of you: taste this exceptional creation, and you’ll be left wanting more. Each night, Naheda herself peels each individual date imported from Dubai and blends it with crushed almonds. The result is a type of sweet log with virtually no fat or sugar (besides the natural sweetener from the dates) which you buy on weight. Request a tasting and you’ll be won over. Tip: if you can’t help but buy some, be sure to ask for some mascarpone cheese to try it with, and only order $5 or $10 worth of the date and walnut roll to start with. You’d be amazed at how far it stretches, like all things at Naheda’s, the value for money is outstanding, but it’s likely you’ll return for more.
Beirut, Lebanon - Middle East/ South America (all in one!)
Done with Europe? Craving a spicier, more flamboyant travel schedule? How about a slice of the Middle East with a dash of South America? Head out of the Deli Arcade and towards the Fruit and Vegetable Hall and you’ll stumble across Jenny’s Treat Stall - a small, unobtrusive dried fruit and nut stand. Stop and taste some interesting flavour combinations (I personally recommend the cinnamon cashews – and this coming from someone who doesn’t particularly like cinnamon…or cashews), and then dare yourself not to buy anything. You’ll lose the dare. And at around $7 for 250 grams, you’d be crazy not to grab a few dollars worth for the Christmas pre-dinner nibbles. The variety of dried fruits is also quite mind-boggling. Dried strips of mango, banana and paw paw? I’ve seen them in cubes as part of a Sunbeam Sultana box, but in strips?! Not just a specialist in flavoured nuts, here is where you can pick up authentic saffron imported from Iran. Although usually grown in India, Morocco and parts of Europe, this aint no saffron husk, powder or flavouring – this is the real deal. Sold in small disc-shaped containers, you’ll pick up a small for around $10, and a larger container for around $20.
Middle East/South America – New Delhi, India
On our way home now, with a stop off in New Delhi, India to pick up some incredibly hot, tasty and homemade Indian sauces and personally packed spices from Curry Creations. You’ll be forced by the shops outlandish owner to taste some of their mango chutney or chilli dip, and although she may seem a little crazy, she has only your best interests in mind, as does her husband, a well-known French chef who can also whip up a fabulous Indian dish or two. Trust her when she tells you what you need to try, but if you’re not good with spicy foods, don’t be forced into buying anything labelled ‘hot’. There’s not enough water in the world to cool you down! Don’t walk away from here without a jar of the Curry Creation’s brand Butter Chicken.
New Delhi, India - Australia
Time to head home. You’ve spent all your money and eaten your body weight in cheese, dip, nuts, pasta and beer. However, hold on to a few extra dollars ($7-$10 is plenty) and pop into 6J’s Wine Merchants. Taste some of Australia’s lesser-known wine labels and be sure to grab a bottle on your way out. Prices range from as little as $6 to over $20, but there’s no doubting that this is the place to learn about new cellars, vintages, blends and flavours.
My, what a trip! And the best thing? If you’re a local you can travel the world every day if you like with no jetlag, massive airport taxes, currency exchange rates or passports. You don’t even need allot of cash. Walking out of Prahran Market after truly immersing yourself in the stories behind each stall and loading yourself up with as many food and drink varieties as possible will leave you with a exhilarated, appreciative feeling often only felt on the first day of an international adventure. I say fill your pockets with no more that $50-$60, head to Prahran Market and walk away with a world of flavours to share with your loved one…or just for yourself
www.prahranmarket.com.au
But what of those of us who can’t pack our bags and go. Be it because of lack of time, money, health…there are so many reasons as to why people don’t travel – almost as many as there are for why people do.
The promise of a world of flavours, cultures, experiences – all in one place; a place that, combined with the travel books, cook books and TV shows you’ve been collecting and religiously watching, can bring a country and it’s flavours to any person. Is it possible? Yes, actually. It is.
Welcome to the Prahran Market in Melbourne, Victoria. Australia’s oldest continuously running market since 1864, and home to some of Victoria’s best known and most respected food legends.
Each little stall holds a miniature cultural experience in itself. Sure, there are the typical fine butchers, amazingly fresh fruit and vegies (that’s right – no bendy broccoli like at the local supermarket), inventive bakeries, and one particular fishmonger who will shuck oysters on order. In all fairness, to list every singe gem that resides at the Prahran Market would take forever. But to look deeper, to spend some time and speak to those who own the stalls will uncover a level of multiculturalism that will astound. If your dream has always been to eat your way around the world, then save your pennies and head to Prahran. Let’s start in the City of Love….
Australia – Paris, France
Travel the world if you will, but if the authentic flavours of Paris are what you crave, look no further than Damien’s. Home to every possible mushroom variety, along with speciality truffles directly imported from France, Damien is considered one of the few true food legends of Victoria. He knows his stuff, and if you’re keen to try your hand at French cookery, then this place is a must to pick up those strange ingredients you’ll never find at your local Coles. If, like me, you have a penchant for all things miniature, prepare to get carried away at Damien’s. With mini mushrooms, onions, asparagus, tomatoes and zucchini, there is enough to fill any Barbie-doll-sized pantry. Such produce makes it easy for anyone to conjure up a stunning dish worthy of the praise from even the most dedicated French food lover.
Head to the South of France, perhaps the Loire area, where food seems raw, authentic and appreciated. Where locals prepare food like they prepare the eldest child for their Holy Communion or their first day of school, and enjoy a huge variety of cheeses and mouth-watering cured meats at The Cheese Shop Deli. One look at the extensive array on offer and even those with the smallest of imaginations will be transported to regional France. Escargot, anyone?
Loire, France – Tuscany, Italy
Time to move south east and marvel and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, ride a vespa through small towns and appreciate art from world-renowned Michelangelo, DiVinci and Leonardo. Where are we? Italy, of course. Sore specifically, in the depths of authentic Tuscany: also known and the Deli Arcade. Pick up some of the most beautiful fresh pasta from The Fresh Pasta Shop. Perfect for singles, families and couples, these luscious servings are set out so they match any catering requirement. So many options: not enough meals in the day! Personal favourite: Fresh Pasta Shop’s famous meatballs. Don’t leave the market without buying some for dinner. Just like Mamma used to make!
On your departure from Italy pick up the traditional first-course – an antipasto platter from Cleo’s. With cured meats, marinated vegetables, olives, pickles and various cheeses you’ll be well-fed for the next leg of your journey…
Tuscany, Italy – Prague, Czech Republic
The Land of the Rising Beer! Well, sort of. You’d be hard pressed to find better beer anywhere in the world than in Prague. After all this travelling and tasting, how about a quick refreshment in the city best known for it’s spiral buildings and history-rich bridges. Not just a stockist of Czech beer, but dozens of beers from around the worlds, Swords Select Wines makes it hard for visitors to not buy a 6-pack for friends during the festive season. Mango beer, Cherry beer, Strawberry beer…beer from Europe, India, Australia… the list goes on and on, and so do the tasting sessions if you’re not careful.
Prague, Czech Republic - Beirut, Lebanon
Possibly the most impressive and authentic travel-worthy flavours come out of a small corner shop called Naheda’s Choice. Tucked away in a corner of the Deli Hall, Naheda’s Choice is a place where all those with a travel bug hungry for different flavours should gather. The owners are Lebanese, so the dozens of homemade dips that lay in front of shoppers come with an unwritten promise that they will hold taste sensations never before experienced. Order by weight, but if you’re on a budget be sure to order by dollars. For a few bucks you may not get allot of what you want, but you’ll be able to take home a variety of flavours that will impress even the most well travelled folk. A personal recommendation: as Lebanon is The Land of Milk and Honey, try the goat’s cheese, sheep cheese, parmesan cheese and nut dip (not for the lactose intolerant!). Ask and Naheda, Sam or Jimmy will give you a taste of this extreme creation. You’ll be left wanting more. One thing you simply can’t overlook is Naheda world famous (in Prahran) date and walnut roll. I promise each and every one of you: taste this exceptional creation, and you’ll be left wanting more. Each night, Naheda herself peels each individual date imported from Dubai and blends it with crushed almonds. The result is a type of sweet log with virtually no fat or sugar (besides the natural sweetener from the dates) which you buy on weight. Request a tasting and you’ll be won over. Tip: if you can’t help but buy some, be sure to ask for some mascarpone cheese to try it with, and only order $5 or $10 worth of the date and walnut roll to start with. You’d be amazed at how far it stretches, like all things at Naheda’s, the value for money is outstanding, but it’s likely you’ll return for more.
Beirut, Lebanon - Middle East/ South America (all in one!)
Done with Europe? Craving a spicier, more flamboyant travel schedule? How about a slice of the Middle East with a dash of South America? Head out of the Deli Arcade and towards the Fruit and Vegetable Hall and you’ll stumble across Jenny’s Treat Stall - a small, unobtrusive dried fruit and nut stand. Stop and taste some interesting flavour combinations (I personally recommend the cinnamon cashews – and this coming from someone who doesn’t particularly like cinnamon…or cashews), and then dare yourself not to buy anything. You’ll lose the dare. And at around $7 for 250 grams, you’d be crazy not to grab a few dollars worth for the Christmas pre-dinner nibbles. The variety of dried fruits is also quite mind-boggling. Dried strips of mango, banana and paw paw? I’ve seen them in cubes as part of a Sunbeam Sultana box, but in strips?! Not just a specialist in flavoured nuts, here is where you can pick up authentic saffron imported from Iran. Although usually grown in India, Morocco and parts of Europe, this aint no saffron husk, powder or flavouring – this is the real deal. Sold in small disc-shaped containers, you’ll pick up a small for around $10, and a larger container for around $20.
Middle East/South America – New Delhi, India
On our way home now, with a stop off in New Delhi, India to pick up some incredibly hot, tasty and homemade Indian sauces and personally packed spices from Curry Creations. You’ll be forced by the shops outlandish owner to taste some of their mango chutney or chilli dip, and although she may seem a little crazy, she has only your best interests in mind, as does her husband, a well-known French chef who can also whip up a fabulous Indian dish or two. Trust her when she tells you what you need to try, but if you’re not good with spicy foods, don’t be forced into buying anything labelled ‘hot’. There’s not enough water in the world to cool you down! Don’t walk away from here without a jar of the Curry Creation’s brand Butter Chicken.
New Delhi, India - Australia
Time to head home. You’ve spent all your money and eaten your body weight in cheese, dip, nuts, pasta and beer. However, hold on to a few extra dollars ($7-$10 is plenty) and pop into 6J’s Wine Merchants. Taste some of Australia’s lesser-known wine labels and be sure to grab a bottle on your way out. Prices range from as little as $6 to over $20, but there’s no doubting that this is the place to learn about new cellars, vintages, blends and flavours.
My, what a trip! And the best thing? If you’re a local you can travel the world every day if you like with no jetlag, massive airport taxes, currency exchange rates or passports. You don’t even need allot of cash. Walking out of Prahran Market after truly immersing yourself in the stories behind each stall and loading yourself up with as many food and drink varieties as possible will leave you with a exhilarated, appreciative feeling often only felt on the first day of an international adventure. I say fill your pockets with no more that $50-$60, head to Prahran Market and walk away with a world of flavours to share with your loved one…or just for yourself
www.prahranmarket.com.au
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