Gravity-defying flying noodles, “bumplings” and a dog fashion parade are expected to draw crowds of up to 150,000 people to Birrarung Marr this month as the Night Noodle Markets return to Melbourne after a two-year hiatus.
The markets, kicking off this Thursday and running for 18 nights, will transform Birrarung Marr’s riverside into a vibrant, hawker-style street food festival. It is the first time the event has been held since 2019, and there’s something for everyone, from alcohol-free bars to the “night poodle market” fashion show for four-legged members of the family.
The recent Night Noodle Market in Sydney, with Paw Parade judge Carmen Geddit.Credit:Louie Douvis
“We’re going all out, it’s so ridiculous and hilarious,” said Conor Farrell, head of Night Noodle Markets. “It’s a fully open and inclusive event for the whole community, and I think if you’ve got your kids and your dog in the car, you’re more likely to come down and have a meal.”
The red carpet will be rolled out for a Paw Parade, hosted by local drag queen Sam T, from 5pm on Sunday, November 13, with dog costumes available to borrow.
New additions among the 20 stalls and pop-ups include a Milo-flavoured fried ice cream from Gelato Messina, Korean street sambo specialists ToastieSmith and gourmet Japanese basque cheesecake patissiers 15 Centimeters.
Celebrated Perth chef Brendan Pang will also be serving his sought-after “bumplings”. There is a non-alcoholic bar from Dan Murphy’s, and vegan, gluten-free and halal options will also be available.
Brendan Pang’s bumplings will be available at the Night Noodle Markets.
“There’s just a probably a bit more of a wider variety of food offerings than we had before, which is exciting,” Farrell said.
Melbourne is the fourth and final stop for the markets after events in Canberra, Brisbane and Sydney, and Farrell said large turnouts at all three showed there was still “clearly an appetite” for food-based experiences.
After rain forced organisers to delay the market by a few days in Sydney last month, Farrell said the forecast was looking better for the first week in Melbourne.
“Although it’s going to be cool, it’s going to be dry,” he said. “I don’t know what gods people are praying to at the moment, but it’s working.”
The Melbourne Night Noodle Markets are on from 5pm on weekdays and from 4pm on weekends. Entry is free. nightnoodlemarkets.com.au
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