Top 10 Adelaide Central Market lunch eats in 2022

If it’s been a while since you’ve wandered the twists and turns of the city’s produce hub, these top 10 dishes are sure to lure you back on your lunch break.

Some of the world’s best feeds can be found in local markets, from Barcelona’s La Boqueria to London’s Borough Market, Melbourne’s Queen Victoria and, of course, Adelaide’s Central Market. If it’s been a while since you’ve wandered the twists and turns of the city’s produce hub, or you’re visiting for the first time, we’ve compiled the best lunch bites you won’t want to miss:

Lamb couscous from Le Souk at Adelaide Central Market.

LE SOUK

Stall 10

Once you taste traditional couscous, steamed twice in a – wait for it – couscouserie, it’ll be hard to go back to the supermarket packet stuff. Algerian diner Le Souk is an absolute market must. The menu is vast – hone in on the couscous section and pick your topping. Our recommendation: the lamb, show cooked for seven hours with ras el hanout spice blend and sumac. It’s hearty and downright delicious.

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Falafel bowl at Real Falafel.

REAL FALAFEL

Stall 3/4

Best falafel in the city. Cripsy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and the perfect carrier for their equally excellent hummus and vibrant pickled veg. Grab it as a salad or in a pita wrap. The stall also offers breakfast items such as shakshuka. (Of course, you could totally have falafel for breakfast. We would.)

Pot of mussels from SiSea tapas bar.

SISEA

Stall 76

This market newbie brings a taste of Barcelona to our shores. Think seafood, particularly mussels – wok-tossed to order – and tapas plates to enjoy alongside local wine or beer. Bar seating means you can prop yourself up and watch the kitchen in action.

Cumbia owner Julietha Burgos Canon.

Paella and sangria from Cumbia.

CUMBIA

Stall 43

From delicate Peruvian ceviche and marinated white anchovies served on bruschetta, to patatas bravas and empanadas, Cumbia is a Latin American party for your tastebuds. Heartier fare includes the paella, available Tues-Sat, or for lunch on-the-go, try the spiced chicken roll – muchos tasty.

A Charcuterie panini with prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella, fresh tomato and basil. Picture: Dean Martin

CHARCUTERIE

Stall WR4

If crusty Italian bread rolls are your vibe, then there’s no question. Charcuterie is the panini bar of Central Market stalwarts, Lucia’s, and serves up the best panini in town. There are eight combos to choose from, including a daily special, with freshly sliced cured meats (such as prosciutto or mortadella), cheese and veg. Molto buono.

Laksa at Asian Gourmet.

Cheong Liew eating his favourite laksa at Asian Gourmet.

ASIAN GOURMET

Stall WR6

One word: Laksa. Actually, two words: Sarawak Laksa. The regional Singaporean specialty has laksa lovers lining up in droves every Friday. It’s hot (both in temperature and spice), aromatic, boasts spongy tofu and chubby noodles and this journalist is salivating just thinking about it. It’s a chef favourite, too – even SA food legend Cheong Liew is a fan. Bring cash.

Kingfish poke bowl from Angelakis.

ANGELAKIS

Stall 5-6

The popular Adelaide fishmonger is bigger, brighter and better than ever in their new central, Central Market site, offering fresh seafood lunch options alongside the stuff-to-cook-later options. Think poke bowls and freshly sliced sashimi. Takeaway only.

Porchetta roll Picture: Supplied

MARINO MEAT AND FOOD STORE

Stall GO52-54

Hot porchetta roll. Need we say more? OK … cannoli. Those two items are what you’ll find at Marino’s Porchetta e Cannoli bar, set up out front of the store. And we do suggest getting both!

Bibimbap from Sunmi Sushi.

Sunmi from Sunmi Sushi.

SUNMI’S SUSHI

Stall 1

There's sushi, yes, but the bibimbap is the bomb. You’ll also find more-ish green pancakes topped with “special sauce” and other Korean bites made fresh by owner Sunmi Kim, who’s been cooking at the Market for more than 25 years.

Pasta at Lucia’s.

Fresh takeaway salad from Lucia’s.

LUCIA’S PIZZA & SPAGHETTI BAR

Stall WR1-2

A Market icon. You might have to hustle for a seat, but it’ll be worth it once you sit down to a homely bowl of pasta, from simple Napoletana to “avongole”, made with Goolwa pipis. You’ll also find fantastic takeaway salads in their providore section.