Mouth-watering flavours from several countries to tempt you at Bankstown Bites
From a mouth-watering range of food from dozens of countries to a unique artisans market, this year’s Bankstown Bites has it all.
Canterbury Bankstown’s love for multiculural cuisine and local merchandise will be in full bloom at its annual Bankstown Bites festival.
The very popular festival has attracted 2016 MasterChef Australia runner-up Matt Sinclair, who remembers his mum doing her groceries at Bankstown. He will show off his skills at a 11am demonstration.
The 15th Bankstown Bites, scheduled for Saturday, July 27, also features Bankstown Arts Centre Art Market for the first time.
Here local artisans will display their own creations and also demonstrate their skills at workshops.
This year’s edition of Bankstown Bites will have longer food tours where visitors can seek our out the hidden food treasures in the city and a special wine bar area for adults.
The food tours, which run for 60-90 minutes, cost $10 and will be from 11am and 2pm. Tours include Middle Eastern, Bankstown Delights, Taste of the World, Indulge your Senses tour, Bankstown Sports Food tour (18+) and Bankstown RSL tour (18+).
Mr Sinclair, runner-up in the eighth season of MasterChef Australia, said “there are so many authentic ethnic cuisines that you can’t get in so many other places”.
“Mum used to do most of her grocery shopping there (Bankstown) as there were a lot of great fresh markets which she loved,” he said.
“I would go along with her and we’d stop for yum cha or a small Lebanese cafe and always pick up something a bit different to try at home.
“It was a huge influence, going to the food outlets and markets — it was a very real experience.
Mr Sinclair runs his own restaurant, Sum Yung Guys, with three friends, hosts a cooking show on Channel 10, The Cooks Pantry. He was also a mentor on the latest season of MasterChef.
Meanwhile, skilled artisans finally have their own spot to showcase their work.
“We’re going to have a wonderful selection of food stalls and cooking demonstrations in Olympic Parade for the foodies while, just around the corner at the Arts Centre, we’re also catering for market enthusiasts,” Mayor Khal Asfour said.
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“We have many talented artists in our community who are very passionate about what they do and it reflects in their work.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for them to highlight their skills and sell their work directly to the local community and the thousands of visitors who converge on Bankstown each year for Bites.”
Mayor Asfour encouraged artisans, including locals, to apply to have a stall.
“We’re looking for those who can offer something different, so I encourage any artist, fashion designer, jeweller, ceramist, zine makers, print makers, or anyone who has a unique craft, to think about submitting an application,” he said.
Those interested in being an exhibitor can visit cb.city/artmarket or email artscentre@cbcity.nsw.gov.au.
■ What: Bankstown Bites.
■ When: Saturday, July 27.
■ Where: Olympic Pde, Bankstown. Time: 10am-5pm.
■ Details: cb.city/bankstownbites
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