Marrickville Organic Food and Farmers Markets
Markets have been a main stay of Sydney for many years now. I remember as a kid that a visit to Fairfield or Parklea Markets was a big deal and that a pluto pop or fairy floss would be a reward of some sort.
Fast forward 15 years and the markets have changed quite a bit. Farmers markets have been popping up over Sydney with much success, if the constant big crowds are any indication. Kids are not eating pluto pops or fairly floss anymore, its been replaced by chorizo rolls and chocolate brownies and 99 cent per kg lebanese cucumbers have been replaced by “organic” cucumbers which are 89 cents each. Either way, organic farmers markets have been a breath of fresh air, especially if it means connecting farmers with every day joe blows like myself.
Linda getting her organic swagger on
A couple good friends of mine recently introduced me to Marrickville Markets. Its an interesting mix of conventional and organic food, organic fruit and vegetables and random stalls of second hand goods. The market is divided into logical sections, with the food and vegetables occupying the first half of the market and the second hand goods and random stuff towards the back. Its a great way to spend a Sunday, attracting a mix of families and twenty to thirty somethings.
Organic vegetables
Various stores sell their organic produce and they are mostly laid out in plain view. I can’t help but notice the vibrant colours of the produce, makes me almost want to make an impulse buy every time I see it.
Prices are steeper than your ethnic fruit and vegetable store, but you get what you pay for. Either way, its still a lot cheaper than shopping at Harris Farm or at an Organic grocery store on Crown St in Surry Hills.
Chorizo sambo
If this can’t cure a hangover I don’t know what would. A very generous selection of grilled chorizo, crisp and smokey bacon and runny egg.
The markets also have a lot of cake stores with home baked goods. On a cold Sunday morning, smashing down one of these cakes with a hot coffee makes me appreciate what a good life we have here in Sydney.
This vegetarian place is run by a woman who has a bit of character, mainly because she still seems like she is stuck in the 70′s. It seems that most of her customers don’t care how weird she is as there seems to be a queue for her food every time. She specialises in huge platters of vegetarian food including chickpea fritters, various dips including hommus and tzaziki and random handfuls of sunflower and pumpkin seeds. She has a knack for contrasting different flavours with different textures.
Believe it or not, this man right here whips up one of the best char kway teow I’ve had outside of Malaysia. I was a bit suspect at first, but after checking out his technique and equipment, I had a good feeling about his char kway teow. It has one of the most intense wok breath I’ve tasted, a good effort considering he is running off a portable set up.
The impressive thing was that he cooked up a fresh batch every time. He wasn’t tight on the meat, vegetables or noodles either.
Chicken char kway teow ($10)
Seriously, if you goto the markets you need to try his char kway teow. I’d be interested to hear everyones thoughts, just to prove that I am not over hyping this dish. As you can see, it looks bloody magnificent.
Vintage goods
Great variety of things to prep up a new home
Vintage books
If you like dogs, you’ll love the markets. I noticed a lot of dog owners bringing their dogs for play dates with other dogs. This owner takes it to another level by giving her dog a nice jumper to combat the winter chills.
Marrickville Organic Food and Farmers MarketWhere: 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville
When: Sun, 9am-2pm
Author
By Howard
We started eatshowandtell in 2008, it was meant to be just a journal of where we ate. The first thing I usually do when I'm looking for a restaurant is check out eatability and the restaurant website. But what is usually missing is pictures of the food, how do I know I'm getting what I expect? This blog hopefully plugs that gap.
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This article was written on 03 Jun 2011, and is filed under Sydney, Inner West.
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I used to live a few block away from Reverse Garbage, where the markets are, and used to frequent it.
You’re totally right about the fruit and veg prices but the food, the variety and the abundance of secondhand goods certainly make up for it.
Loving the pics, btw.
Marrickville Markets look fantastic…definitely going to check them out! Great post
Fab pics! Love a good market – especially if there are chorizo rolls about!
I really like that market but don’t go often because I hate getting on buses with my shopping trolley. I’ll try the char kway teow next time.
What a great market! I seriously need to start venturing out more to check these markets out.
Re: CKT guy. I think he is the same guy who does the markets at Concord Hospital (where I used to work) and I would have the CKT here often and it is pretty damn good and generous, so you’re not hyping it up. Actually, I think this is JackieM’s market stall because I’ve seen her at Concord a few times and the signage here looks like the same one she would have.
You’re sort of right – he’s my business partner and runs it under his own banner but the food/sauces/menus are supplied by me
A slice of one of those cakes and some coffee sounds like a lovely start to the day. And I totally understand your desire to impulse-buy beetroot!
I used to go to these markets every Sunday! We moved further away and I haven’t been since..
you’re definitely not over hyping the ckt. I love it too! Did you try the freshly baked muffins? They are so good!!!
These are my new local markets and they are AMAZING! My friends Katie and Beau run one of the bigger fruit and veg stalls there, The Farmgate by Nashdale Fruit Co. http://thefarmgate.wordpress.com/
The look of the CKT has definitely got me going.The colour looks great and I love it with that mix of keow teow and egg noodles. I’m going to check it out this Sunday. Thanks!!
We go to various farmers markets every weekend now, the produce is just incredible, vegetables that have flavour, i almost always impulse by when you see a interesting looking vegetable or fruit or cheese or bread….
Hopefully we’ll make it back again soon.
I have been to marrickville once, it was fantastic, we especially enjoyed sipping chai on the ground with the rug and cushions while our kids had space to play
Oh I always wanted to go here! I’ll def have to try it one of these weekends we are free. That sambo looks freakin amazing!!
Apparently there’s also one at Ramsgate which is a Foodie and Artisan Market. Another one for the list
Hi Nic the market is awsome, yummy food. xx
Great post. Must check out these markets. Love the sounds of the char kway teow. It’s such a treat going to markets on the weekend.
You know what, I really don’t like the Marrickville Organic market because a) it’s expensive b) not everything is organic and c) half the times the produce doesn’t have a price on it. But your photos are divine and suddenly I find myself thinking it might not be such a bad idea to revisit it. It has some great takeaway stalls too.
Being a local I am ashamed to say I have still yet to visit. My weekends are usually filled with housework or cooking I never get out of the house in time. Will get there eventually…
Ha! Yes, I’m guilty of being one of those people that bring their dogs to the farmers market! It’s now habit to get my fix for come kick ass produce and gingerbread cakes from my local farmers market. They need our support.
GREAT PICTURES! I AM GOING TO GO HERE WITHIN THE NEXT FEW SUNDAYS!
Beautiful shots there Howard. I am a Malaysian myself, and good to see a CKT worthy of your praise outside of our country.
Wow, this is an up market market! I love it and is there anything better than shopping at a farmers market? I think not. Beautiful photos too!
Great post and photos!! I love the Marrickville Organic Food and Farmers Markets. It is great place to pick up lunch … and then some produce and sour dough.
Awesome blog! The women who seems to be stuck in the 70′s that you are referring to her name is Lydia and she makes awesome Earth Plate! We need someone like her! she brings good food and vibe in markets!
CKT guy is the man! You are right about his CKT its awesome! I’m a malay and I’m very picky when it comes to msian food. To see a Gweilo whipping up such a good CKT and his skill I’m embarrassed that I can’t cook CKT like him! heeeeee!