Since moving to Darwin in the Northern Territory, we’ve enjoyed sampling the various wares at the local weekend markets. The food stalls offer a fantastic variety of fresh specialty dishes from from Vietnam, Thailand, France, Japan, China, India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Malaysia and more. We’re slowly working our way through the Laksa, curries, vege noodles, rice paper rolls, broth and soup combinations, tofu and dim sum. It is quite a treat and as we’re in a new place it is even easier to try different and ‘new’ things that we would have usually passed by.
The markets also have a range of fresh vegetables and fruit with a particularly tropical and south-east asian influence. Tropical fruits and iced tropical fruit smoothies are popular and prolific in the heat, as are the fresh greens for a quick home-made stir fry.
I love the laid back atmosphere at the markets. It has a really friendly and vibrant feel with so many cultures represented. People are out and about, starting their weekend with some homegrown music and a wander through the spicy stalls, all buzzing with patrons patiently waiting (sometimes in the rain). Mindil Beach Markets (in the Dry) offer a fantastic spot to sit and watch the sunset. The rain doesn’t keep anyone away though, with the Parap Markets on every weekend even during The Wet. Saturday is not Saturday any more without a Laksa!!!
I love your colourful photos of the markets. Especially the way you have combined them in a “poster” effect. Is that a wordpress tool, or other software you have used?
Hi cilla, it’s part of WordPress. Have a look at this tutorial
http://en.support.wordpress.com/images/gallery/
Many thanks Louise!
I love markets, the more exotic the better. I’m intriguyed by the parcels wrapped in leaves, what’s inside?
Coconut rice. It’s sticky and sweet.
It’s coconut rice. Like rice custard but not as sweet as we’d make it. Really nice.
gosh louise, it looks like another country! coconut cream custard leapt out at me … yummy!!! not long until we are there for a few days, although it wont be the weekend … hopefully some of these foods are available during the week, it all looks so delicious .. thanks for the tour
Yes it IS like another country! So different yet so familiar.
Mindil markets were one of the highlights of our stay in Darwin, the sunset was spectacular. Your photos capture the market vibe
I’ve only been to Mindil once but await its return in the Dry Season with some glee. Such balmy nights and yes, such a great vibe.
Thanks for the colorful tour through the market at your new home. It sounds like a delightful place to spend a Saturday morning.