Prahran – The Food Lovers Market

If you’re planning a trip to market, here’s a list worth scanning – our best picks from the Prahran Market.

COFFEE AND TEA
Melbourne is the coffee capital of Australia, but one drinking ritual that’s often overshadowed is the art of tea. At Tea Culture you can re-ignite your passion, create your own blends and find the perfect porcelain to drink it out of. Shop 112.
Traditional or boutique? Either way, the likes of Jasper’s Coffee and Market Lane Coffee spoil us. I love Jasper’s Coffee’s special releases, but Market Lane might be the best place to sit down and enjoy one.
Jasper’s Coffee – Shop 105.
Market Lane Coffee – Shop 013.

DELI
Indulge yourself with these deli delights: Anchovy stuffed olives from Chaso’s Gourmet Deli. They do great deals on dips, dolmades and more, plus tantalising tastings out the front.
Shop 705.
Macadamia and Asparagus dip from Delicatess. They also stock a beautiful range of cheeses and dairy produce, Phillippa’s bread, gourmet goods and more.
Shop 706.

FRESH FISH
There’s some contention about which seafood shop to fetch your fresh fish from. Guided by research and personal preference I’ve made Theo and Son’s Seafood and Claringbold’s equal winners. For Oysters, cured ocean trout and super fresh fish go to Theo’s.
Shop 502
For all fish, sushi and cured smoked salmon pay Claringbold’s a visit (at Christmas time you’ve never seen a line longer!)
Shop 510.

MEAT
D&J Poultry specialises in certified organic chicken (hormone free and grain fed), free range chicken and duck, fresh turkeys, quails, kangaroo and other game products.
Shop 511.
Known as THE Butcher to see in the market, Gary’s Quality Meats offers an array of the most beautiful looking and well presented meat you’ll see around town. Gary is so passionate about meat and gourmet food that he even runs his own Master Butcher short courses.
Shop 515.

VEGIES
Russo’s Fruit Supply – all your fruit and veggie needs at great prices. Lots of bagged specials ready to go too!
Shop 101.
If you’re after certified organic, Ripe the Organic Grocer is your best bet (they also stock organic beer and wine.)
Shop 07.
Damian Pike’s Wild Mushrooms – the name says it all really. He’s won Victorian Mushroom Retailer of the Year – 2008 and 2009.
Shop 116.
M J Mow Gourmet Potatoes – potato specialists, the stall for every kind of tater!
Shop 108.

SPECIALTY
They started their business with a small pasta machine and over a decade later, Yarra Valley Pasta have come to produce some of the most awarded and coveted pasta in the state. Forget what you’ve seen at the supermarket, get acquainted with their fresh cut pasta filled ravioli, gnocchi, pasta sauces with ridiculous flavours and fillings like lemon and parsley, lemon myrtle, gorgonzola, prosciutto & dried fig and more.
Store 118A.
An essential spot to stop during your market visit! The Essential Ingredient has a jaw dropping collection of cookware, culinary books, condiments, quality foods plus a cooking school. And they stock Michel’s Fine Biscuits too – do yourself a favour and try them, amazing!

SWEET
Treat yourself with the following sweets…
Fritz Gelato and Donuts. Craving award-winning gelato and an exciting range of flavours? Head to down to Fritz’ for a lick.
Shop 120.
Health Bowl Café is the place to get your acidophilus fix – delicious, inspiring yoghurts with beautiful fruit mixes.
Shop 015.
One of the newest additions to the market is Sweet Greek – a little polis of Greek desserts and sweetness. Get yourself a traveler while you’re exploring.
Stall 702.

TOUR
The Prahran Market now offers a Hidden Gems Tour. A great way to get to know the Market and sample a few tastings on the way.
Thursdays 3pm and Saturdays 10am and 12 noon.
To book call the Prahran Market office on 8290 8220.

Follow Jen Curcio’s culinary quests at twitter.com/DecisiveCraving or Decisive Cravings on Facebook.