Market hosts a world of fine food

Anad Dajee from La Caze Mama cooks Mauritian food at last year's World Fare. 150704 Picture: ROB CAREW

Dandenong Market-goers can feast their way around the globe on Sunday 2 April.
More than 35,000 people attended last year’s World Fare and that number is expected to grow this time around.
The annual event’s sixth incarnation will feature close to 50 food truck and street food vendors alongside live entertainment, children’s activities and carnival rides.
Nations represented in the day’s culinary offerings will include Brazil, Uruguay, Cambodia, New Zealand, Belgium, Vietnam, Nepal, Spain, Argentina, India, Japan, Cyprus and Mexico.
Dandenong Market general manager Jennifer Hibbs said the trader line-up was the largest she’d ever seen under one roof.
“Dandenong Market proudly showcases its unique cultural offering four days per week, to five million visitors per year,” she said.
“The markets are the home of multicultural produce and ingredients – and the go-to destination for food lovers seeking authenticity and affordability.
“A Melbourne Food and Wine Festival event celebrating multicultural food and international cuisine is a natural extension for us, so we have handpicked some of the best traders from Melbourne’s food truck scene to join in.
“We guarantee everyone will see and taste something new.”
Chef Emma Mackay will present live cooking demonstrations of cuisines from Jamaica, India, Morocco and Vietnam.
A world music stage will feature performances from George and Noriko – known as the Japanese Blues Cowboys, Flamenco Fiesta Group, Bollydazzlers Bollywood Dance Troupe, and more.
There’ll also be free henna hand art and ta moko-style Maori face painting.
Dandenong Market is on the corner of Clow and Cleeland streets in Dandenong.
The World Fare will run from 10am to 4pm. Event entry and parking are free.
Greater Dandenong Council will open two additional car parks, at 240-248 Thomas Street and 35-37 Walker Street, for the event.
A free courtesy bus will run on a loop between the market, the car parks and Dandenong Railway Station from 9.45am to 4.15pm.