‘Hidden gem’: Melbourne fires up for Queen Victoria Winter Night Markets
Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece has urged Melburnians not to ‘hibernate’ this winter, as the Queen Victoria Winter Night Markets fire up for the first time. See 10 dishes you should try.
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Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece has urged Melburnians not to ‘hibernate’ this winter, as the Queen Victoria Winter Night Markets fire up for the first time tonight.
Giant lobster bisque, squids on sticks and spiced cocktails will be some of the standout features that visitors can buy to warm up as the mercury drops.
“Melbourne isn’t hibernating this winter. One of my favourite ways to embrace the season is at the Queen Victoria Market’s iconic Winter Night Market ... where the city comes alive every chilly Wednesday night,” Lord Mayor Nick Reece said.
The 13-week food fiesta is one of the city’s most-anticipated events during the winter months, serving up speciality dishes and drinks from more than 50 different vendors.
George the Fishmonger, who has been an institution at QVM for more than 20 years, described the Night Markets as “a hidden gem”.
“Its really quite cosy and intimate, there’s nothing else going on in Melbourne that’s anything like it,” George Milonas said.
“It’s got a real hype and buzz about it … in the depths of winter on a 9-degree night you’re walking through and it feels like 23 degrees inside.”
Squid and Things’ Roderick Grant has had a stall at QVM for 10 years and said the Night Market environment is tough to beat, with a number of celebs known to pop by.
“The squid on a stick is by far our most popular … I’ve had Chris Gayle and other famous cricketers, plus (celebrity chef) Ainsley Harriott all come try our food,” Mr Grant said.
Mr Grant also wanted to clear up one misconception about the markets that most people wouldn’t know.
“It’s actually very warm inside and very family friendly. There are lots of warm drinks as well as food … its great to see a lot of the same vendors returning that come with new ideas as well.”
Visitors will be treated to a number of new cuisines, including piping hot laksa from The Laksa Shack, French-style garlic butter snails from The Little Paris, cannolis from Cannoleria and La Trafilla speciality pasta.
Crowd favourites The Soup Factory, Churro Kitchen, Smashville burgers and ReWine will also return.
Beloved drinks like milo cocktails, Harry Potter-inspired butter beer and mulled wine will be served up to make visitors warm and cheerful, with ReWine vendor Marshall Waters noting how good the vibe is inside.
“There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of the Market in winter. Our spiced mulled wine has become a bit of a tradition for many visitors,” Ms Waters said
“It’s a joy to see people come together, enjoying good food, drinks and company, and we’re proud to be a part of that.”
There will also be 60 speciality retail stores and stalls selling vintage fashion and handmade jewellery. Local music acts will perform live throughout the festival, and the Guru Dudu Silent Disco will also be back.
Entry is free and is open every Wednesday 5-10pm until 27 August.
10 signature items under $20 to try at the Winter Night Markets
| Item | Trader Name | Price |
| Mulled Wine | Rewine | $12 |
Mozzarella Cheese Coin Pancake | Lucky Coin | $12 |
Greek donuts | St. Gerry’s | $16 |
Churro Bowl | Churro Kitchen | $17 |
Smoked Brisket Tacos | Dingo Ate My Taco | $17 |
Lobster Bisque | George the Fishmonger | $18 |
Garlic butter snails | The Little Paris | $18 |
Chicken Laksa | The Laksa Shack | $19 |
Giant BBQ squid on a stick | Squid & Things | $19 |
| Deluxe Cheeseburger | Smashville | $19 |
*Prices subject to change at traders discretion
Originally published as ‘Hidden gem’: Melbourne fires up for Queen Victoria Winter Night Markets
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