The is returning with over 140 events from 19 to 29 March. Boasting an impressive line-up of local and international chefs, the festival is more accessible and varied than ever.
Here are some of the events that you don’t want to miss this year.
Free exhibit and talks
“This is a festival for everyone,” says creative director Pat Nourse. “We’ve made as much of the festival free as we can this year.”
Among the free offering is the dedicated to the beloved . It will pay tribute the train, castle and doll cakes that have lit up the eyes of so many.
Over two weekends, chefs and personalities like , Alison Roman, Rishi Naleendra, Bruce Pascoe and Helen Goh will take part in , which is the new festival’s headquarters.
Attica's Ben Shewry is part of the Queen Victoria Market line-up. Source: Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
“It’s a market like no other in Australia. It gets and it’s been there coming up on 150 years in operation. It’s a living market and it’s the state['s] most-visited tourist destination, but it’s still a place where the people of Melbourne go for their carrots and onions… and their !” says Nourse.
Sichuan Snack Fair and The Big Spaghetti
There's no ticket necessary for these two events, where you can simply rock up.
The will feature Fuchsia Dunlop and local chefs who will celebrate the bold and spicy cuisine of the southwestern Chinese province. In addition to Dunlop’s famous mapo tofu, you can expect cold noodles by Dainty Sichuan, mala beef tenderloin by Sun Kitchen and Chongqing chicken ribs by Belle’s Hot Chicken, all available to buy from food stalls on 22 March.
The following weekend, the same concept will be in force for . Melbourne and Sydney restaurants, including the likes of Trattoria Emilia and , will be serving around 20 different pasta dishes.
Fire and Spice: An Indonesian Feast
are teaming up with Papuan chef Charles Toto and Sumatran-born chef Rahung Nasution for .
“We wanted to cover parts of Indonesia that aren’t talked about much here,” says Gracia Seger.
Expect pork slow-cooked in a makeshift stone oven, aromatic chicken with pandan leaves and a braised beef recipe from Seger’s grandma.
The Mixed Grill
Top chefs from all over the world are getting together for . “A cutlery-optional dinner for 300 people at the Queen Vic Market is going to be something very special,” predicts Nourse.
On the menu: Yemenite beef ribs, bone marrow, a massive dessert table and more.
Barrio Rising Stars Dinner and Cakes and Chikahan
If you missed out on the now sold-out , fear not. are behind two more Filipino events. Chefs JP Anglo and Ross Magnaye will join forces for .
For sweet tooths, is a degustation and conversation over nine Filipino desserts. It will take you through Indigenous, colonial and post-colonial sweets.
“This kind of Filipino dessert tasting has never been offered at the festival or other events,” says Grace Guinto, co-founder of The Entree.Pinays.
Bushfire relief
Together with some of Australia’s best chefs, .
And the team is not done doing its part. “During the festival, we’ll be using as much [with] Gippsland produce, and produce from other areas affected by the fires, as we can,” says Nourse.
The will also tackle questions raised by the fires. The , which is now held separately in October, will aim to drive people to areas that were affected by the fires.
Chef Shannon Martinez is part of the Welcome to the Jungle bill. Source: Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
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The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is happening across town from 19 to 29 March. You can .
