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A Foodie Affair: Flavours of Japan

Published 5 May 2025

This June, immerse your senses in a self-guided culinary and shopping experience inspired by the flavours and customs of Japan through South Melbourne Market.

A Foodie Affair: Flavours of Japan invites you to embark on a delicious self-guided degustation tour, exploring the unique tastes and traditions of Japan. Enjoy a selection of dishes and experiences from Market traders that will transport you through a journey of authentic flavours and craftsmanship.

Wander at your own pace, visiting traders in any order you choose. Sample an array of Japanese-inspired delights like fresh sashimi, crispy katsu curry, juicy gyoza and indulgent matcha treats. Along the way, discover the art of the traditional tea ceremony, the beauty of flower arrangement, the rich history of incense appreciation and the elegance and tradition of Japanese kimono - all while shopping for exquisite made-in-Japan goods.

Tickets are limited – join us for this one-of-a-kind culinary and cultural adventure!

The Food Menu

Savour the flavours of Japan with an exclusive self-guided degustation across 11 dishes and one specially selected drink. You'll experience a variety of off-menu creations inspired by our traders using Japanese ingredients, techniques and flavours.

  • Agathe PatisserieHojicha Infused Mini Croissant filled with Homemade Strawberry Jam. (V)
  • Bambu - Pork Gyoza with Spicy Ponzu Sauce.
  • Cobb Lane Bakery - Matcha Cheesecake with Mochi and Red Bean 
  • Fritz Gelato - Award-Winning Gelato with Traditional Japanese Matcha and Organic Milk and Sugar. (V)
  • Greek'n Out - Shallow Fried Calamari Served with Togarashi and Yuzu Aioli. (V, GF)
  • My Cookie Factory - Black Sesame Cookie with Gooey Sesame Center and Crispy Edges. Served warm. (V)
  • Oyster Bar by Aptus - Torched Salmon Sashimi with Soy, Mirin and Sake Glaze. 
  • Simply Spanish - Chorizo and Prawn Dumpling with Shiitake Mushroom, Chestnut, Sesame, Bonito Flakes and Vinegar Dipping Sauce.

Indulge in award-winning matcha gelato from Fritz Gelato.

  • Smithburg - Eggplant Katsu Curry: Panko Crumbed Eggplant, Kastu Curry Sauce, Japanese Mayo, Togarashi Seasoning, Pickled Cabbage. (V)
  • Tea Drop - Matcha White Chocolate Coated Strawberry with Choice of Drink: Iced Matcha or Iced Hojicha with choice of flavours, Matcha Latte or Hojicha Latte, Cold Brew Genmaicha. (V)
  • UGO Burrata Bar - Burrata Hiyayakko: Green Onion, Bonito Flakes, Ginger, Soy Sauce Dressing and 30g Burrata, served with a side of Edamame. (V)

Dig into the freshest sashimi from Oyster Bar by Aptus.

The Experience Menu

For the first time, A Foodie Affair invites ticketholders to go beyond their plate and immerse themselves in the rich traditions of Japanese culture through a unique shopping experience, discovering authentic made-in-Japan goods and deepening your appreciation for Japan's timeless artistry. 

  • Osara SO:ME Space Osara represents the cultural and lifestyle aspects of Japan through thoughtfully curated homewares - many of which are tied to three of Japan’s most revered life ceremonies: the tea ceremony (茶道 / sadō), flower arrangement (華道 / kadō), and incense appreciation (香道 / kōdō). These traditions embody the essence of Japanese culture - mindfulness, elegance, and seasonal awareness - and align closely with Osara's values of sincerity, intentionality, and timeless design. Discover the craftsmanship and meaning behind these three ceremonies instore in a quiet and immersive way.

Discover the craftsmanship and meaning behind Japan's most revered life ceremonies at Osara.

  • Tomi Art SO:ME Space - Tomi Art is a Melbourne made and designed brand with the product concept of Japanese traditional art into contemporary wearable art. The designer, Satomi blends a flair for modern design concepts with a deep connection to the aesthetics of the traditional Japanese art and culture of her heritage. Each piece is mindfully made, intricate and unique with essence of Japanese traditional art. Satomi designs and produces a beautiful range of statement accessories made from Japanese kimono and Mizuhiki paper cord, as well as luxurious scarves of Japanese indigo blue. Here you will uncover the elegance and tradition of Japanese kimono. 

Uncover the elegance and tradition of Japanese kimono with Satomi at Tomi Art.

Flavours of Japan Discovery Bag

Take a little extra slice of Japan home with you by adding a Flavours of Japan Discovery Bag to your experience!

The Discovery Bag is available for $50 and is packed with beautiful, authentic treasures that will extend your Flavours of Japan experience beyond the Market.

You'll receive your Discovery Bag upon check-in at the Market, then collect your goodies from participating traders along your journey. 

To add a Discovery Bag to your order, please select the bundle ticket option on the bookings page.

Inside you'll find: 

Japanese incense form Osara.

  • A stunning Japanese greeting card from Tomi Art - so beautiful, many choose to frame them as art prints.
  • A choice of a mini matcha shaker or mini incense from Osara, and a booklet introducing you to the traditions of Japanese tea ceremony, flower arrangement and incense appreciation, including a gift voucher to the store.
  • A 20% off voucher for all Japanese-origin retail products from Tea Drop
  • A bottle of Chotto Motto Yuzu Hot Sauce from Georgie's Harvest - perfect for adding a zesty Japanese twist with some kick to your meals or cocktails. 
  • Shichimi Togarashi sample (Japanese seven-spice seasoning) from Gewürzhaus to spice up your cooking at home.
  • A 10% discount from Flinders + Co with information about their premium A5 Japanese Wagyu.
  • Spiral Foods Organic Furikake from Moses and Co. Market Wholefoods - perfect for adding a pop of flavour to add to your meals.

Chotto Motto Yuzu Hot Sauce from Georgie's Harvest.

Complimentary Tastings

During Flavours of Japan, all Market visitors are invited to enjoy two complimentary tasting experiences - no ticket required.

  • Moses and Co. Market Wholefoods - Enjoy a refreshing taste of Japan with free cold soba noodle tastings at Moses and Co. featuring premium Spiral Foods ingredients - a light and delicious way to explore authentic Japanese flavours.
  • The Little Wine Shop - Sip your way through Japan with a tasting of Japanese beer, wine, whisky or sake - and meet the passionate makers and suppliers behind these exceptional drops on select days.

Sample a taste of Spiral Food's cold soba noodle at Moses and Co.

Even More to Explore: Japanese-Inspired Finds Across the Market

Don't forget to explore even more Japanese-inspired treasures throughout the Market. Be sure to visit:

  • Ba Ba Rolls: A selection of flavoured matcha drinks, including strawberry, mango and coconut. 
  • Coconut Revolution: Japanese Honeysuckle candles and diffusers, as well as Lotus Flower body lotions and creams.
  • Deli Nuts: Deli Nuts will be bringing back their popular caramalised almonds with matcha during Flavours of Japan.
  • In2Homewares: Beautiful Japanese ceramic homewares.
  • Matcha Mate: The popular pop-up is returning to the Market just in time for Flavours of Japan to offer their delicious range of hot and cold matcha drinks and matcha mizu (popping-up May 7 - June 1)
  • South Melbourne Market Grocer: An extensive range of Japanese groceries including condiments, spices, and sauces to level-up any meal.
  • Spotty Dot: Wooden Sushi Set and Origami for kids.

Discover In2Homewares stunning made in Japan range of ceramics.

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