A Feast for the Senses: Exploring Adelaide Central Market
- The History of the Adelaide Central Market
- 1869: A Modest Start
- 1900: Relocation and Expansion
- Mid-20th Century: A Culinary Haven
- Modern Era: A Cultural Icon
- The Market’s Architecture
- Adelaide Central Market’s Must-Check Meat Shops
- The Mettwurst Shop
- Something Wild
- Poultry Cuisine
- Adelaide Central Market’s Top Fish Stalls
- Cappo’s Fish Market
- Angelakis Bros
- Adelaide Central Market’s Best Fruit and Vegetable Stalls
- Aubergine’s
- House of Organics
- Coco’s Fruit and Veg
- Asian Green Grocer
- Adelaide Central Market’s Finest Dairy Product Traders
- Fleurieu Milk Co.
- Say Cheese
- The Yogurt Shop
- Adelaide Central Market’s Best Novelty Shops
- Persian Art Treasure
- The Old Lolly Shop
- Little Tokyo
- Adelaide Central Market’s Best Eateries
- Lucias Pizza and Spaghetti Bar
- Les Deux Coqs
- Jamu
The Adelaide Central Market offers two things every traveler loves: food and culture.
With each stall offering an array of flavors attained from decades of tradition and heritage, the market is an irresistible playground for food enthusiasts and cultural wanderers.
With this article, we’ll help you experience the best of Central Market’s offerings!
The History of the Adelaide Central Market
1869: A Modest Start
In 1869, the Adelaide Central Market sprouted into existence on Gouger Street, born out of a simple and noble vision to provide a central marketplace for our city’s booming population.
With a humble collection of stalls offering Adelaide’s freshest fruits, veggies, dairy products, and meat, the market quickly became a vital source of sustenance for the local community—a noble duty it still carries on.
1900: Relocation and Expansion
By the advent of the 1900s, the Central Market had firmly established itself as a beloved destination, drawing a growing number of curious and food-loving visitors.
The spot’s upswing in popularity led to its relocation to its current site, the ever-energetic Grove Street!
The move yielded fruitful results, allowing for more stalls and ultimately laying the foundation for our beloved commercial hotspot’s enduring success.
Mid-20th Century: A Culinary Haven
As Adelaide experienced post-war prosperity, the Central Market evolved from a traditional trading spot into a bustling hub of top-tier gastronomic marvels.
Throughout the mid-20th century, Adelaide welcomed waves of immigrants who brought with them their culinary offerings, opening the gates to new delicacies and more gourmet innovation.
This infusion of cultural diversity solidified Adelaide Central Market’s reputation as a foodie’s paradise. The opportunity to sell and taste remarkable food here is for everyone!
Modern Era: A Cultural Icon
The Adelaide Central Market still stands tall, attracting locals and globetrotters with its colorful culture and a cornucopia of the city’s finest produce.
With a commitment to sustainability and the celebration of local talent, it continues to flourish as a lively community!
The Market’s Architecture
The Adelaide Central Market’s interior comes alive with a kaleidoscope of hues. The stalls here typically use the harmonious blend of sunny yellows, luscious reds, earthy browns, and vibrant greens!
In terms of architectural style, expect to see a seamless fuse of the old world’s rustic and colonial charm and modern flair, with high ceilings adorned by intricate ironwork.
Adelaide Central Market’s Must-Check Meat Shops
The Mettwurst Shop
Website: http://www.themettwurstshop.com/
Stall Number: 22
Contact Details: 0450 267 658
Operating Hours:
- Sun to Mon – Closed
- Tue – 7 am to 5:30 pm
- Wed – 10 am to 5 pm
- Thu – 9 am to 5:30 pm
- Fri – 7 am to 9 pm
- Sat – 7 am to 3 pm
The Mettwurst Shop’s beef jerky and salami have showstopping flavors. We never leave this place without buying some.
With 23 years of experience, this classic stall offers a variety of highly-rated and beloved smoked meat—all gluten and MSG-free!
Their classic mettwurst is also worth every penny. With smoky, savory, and robust notes, each bite contains the perfect balance of seasoned spices, hints of garlic, and a touch of meat essence that lingers quite a bit!
Something Wild
Website: http://www.somethingwild.com.au/
Stall Number: 55
Contact Details: (08) 7120 7367
Operating Hours:
- Sun to Mon – Closed
- Tue – 7 am to 5:30 pm
- Wed – 10 am to 5 pm
- Thu – 9 am to 5:30 pm
- Fri – 7 am to 9 pm
- Sat – 7 am to 3 pm
Looking for game meats like diced venison and kangaroo steaks? How about unconventional treats such as camel chorizo, smoked wallaby, or buffalo ham?
Well, we got the wildest meat stall for you: Something Wild!
From minced wild boar to crocodile sausages, this shop’s range of meat products is exotic, highly rated, and flavorful.
Be bold and try something new. We suggest starting with Something Wild’s emu cuts!
Poultry Cuisine
Website: https://shop.adelaidecentralmarket.com.au/collections/poultry-cuisine
Stall Number: 51
Contact Details: (08) 8231 3707
Operating Hours:
- Sun to Mon – Closed
- Tue – 7 am to 5:30 pm
- Wed – 10 am to 5 pm
- Thu – 9 am to 5:30 pm
- Fri – 7 am to 9 pm
- Sat – 7 am to 3 pm
A meal becomes more delightful with a platter of impeccably roasted chicken, especially one from Poultry Cuisine! Our team’s favorite here has to be their tender cuts of chicken breast and succulent wings—both fantastic for fine dining and happy hour!
If you want a healthier option for burger day, this stall’s sweet and savory chicken patties are the bomb!
For adventurers looking for something new, try some of their best-selling chicken feet. They go well with a hot and spicy BBQ glaze!
Adelaide Central Market’s Top Fish Stalls
Cappo’s Fish Market
Website: https://adelaidecentralmarket.com.au/traders/cappos-fish-market/
Stall Number: 7
Contact Details: 0448 802 175
Operating Hours:
- Sun to Mon – Closed
- Tue – 7 am to 5:30 pm
- Wed – 10 am to 5 pm
- Thu – 9 am to 5:30 pm
- Fri – 7 am to 9 pm
Craving for some fish fillet, garlic butter salmon, or prawn cocktails? Well, our favorite fishmonger might get you hooked with their oceanic delights!
With their straight-from-the-fisherman’s-net goods, Cappo’s Fish Market is one stall you shouldn’t skip. Check out their fantastic prawns, shellfish, and crustaceans that can make you dive into a sea of flavors!
Angelakis Bros
Website: https://www.angelakis.com.au/
Stall Number: 5 to 6
Contact Details: (08) 7375 9951
Operating Hours:
- Sun to Mon – Closed
- Tue – 7 am to 5:30 pm
- Wed – 10 am to 5 pm
- Thu – 9 am to 5:30 pm
- Fri – 7 am to 9 pm
- Sat – 7 am to 3 pm
From its humble beginnings as a small fish shop in the 1960s, Angelakis Bros has flourished into one of Adelaide’s prime seafood providers. When it comes to lobsters and oysters, this spot is considered by most (including us) as royalty.
Our favorite product here is their juicy scallops! We also recommend their richly flavored cuts of fresh kingfish—packed with subtle sweetness and succulence!
Adelaide Central Market’s Best Fruit and Vegetable Stalls
Aubergine’s
Website: http://www.aubergines.com.au/
Stall Number: 57
Contact Details: (08) 8231 4994
Operating Hours:
- Sun to Mon – Closed
- Tue – 7 am to 5:30 pm
- Wed – 10 am to 5 pm
- Thu – 9 am to 5:30 pm
- Fri – 7 am to 9 pm
- Sat – 7 am to 3 pm
Aubergine’s is a dream come true for our team’s fruit lovers.
Their crimson strawberries hold the perfect combination of sweetness and sourness, while their golden peaches are full of tanginess!
Don’t miss out on their crisp apples, too!
For your tropical yearning, give their sun-kissed mangos a go. Sink your teeth into one, and you’ll understand why they’re life’s golden cuts!
House of Organics
Website: https://adelaidecentralmarket.com.au/traders/house-organics-sustainably-grown-produce/
Stall Number: 34 to 35
Contact Details: 0419 840 429
Operating Hours:
- Sun to Mon – Closed
- Tue – 7 am to 5:30 pm
- Wed – 9 am to 4:30 pm
- Thu – 7 am to 5:30 pm
- Fri – 7 am to 3 pm
- Sat – 7 am to 3 pm
House of Organics stays true to its name. They only offer nature’s sweetest and healthiest treats!
The honey-tasting pears they sell are superb, while their tart apples usually take up a lot of space in our shopping bags because of their distinct floral notes!
Their lemons, always ripe and ready, offer a delightful balance of tangy undertones and vibrant acidity. Savor their cavendish bananas, too—creamy varietals with caramel-ish sweetness and vanilla-like aftertaste!
Coco’s Fruit and Veg
Stall Number: 20 to 21
Contact Details: 0418 885 345
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 9 am to 5:30 pm
- Fri – 9 am to 9 pm
- Sat – 9 am to 3 pm
- Sun – Closed
With a passion for freshness and quality, Coco’s Fruit and Veg is an exemplary choice for your daily fruit and veggie needs!
Their top-of-the-line heirloom tomatoes and leafy greens have turned our salad from “okay” into “Wow, may I know the recipe for this one, mate?”
Additionally, don’t leave without trying some of their nectarines and plums! These fruits normally have a subtle tanginess and sweetness.
Asian Green Grocer
Website: https://adelaidecentralmarket.com.au/traders/asian-green-grocer/
Stall Number: 41
Contact Details: 0423 709 536
Operating Hours:
- Sun to Mon – Closed
- Tue – 7 am to 5:30 pm
- Wed – 9 am to 5:30 pm
- Thu – 9 am to 5:30 pm
- Fri – 7 am to 9 pm
- Sat – 7 am to 3 pm
Asian Green Grocer is simple, small, and gets the job done—providing shoppers with Asia’s finest goods. From exotic fruits and vegetables to rare spices and condiments, this shop is what you need if you want to cook some authentic Asian dishes!
Here’s our pro tip: seek guidance from this store’s knowledgeable staff to delve deeper into the products you’re eyeing. Without their expertise, we would have missed out on the sensational flavors of rambutan and durian!
Adelaide Central Market’s Finest Dairy Product Traders
Fleurieu Milk Co.
Website: http://www.fleurieumilkco.com.au/contact-us
Stall Number: 16
Contact Details: 0406 428 461
Operating Hours:
- Sun – Closed
- Mon to Fri – 9 am to 4:30 pm
- Sat – Closed
Our mornings get better when we start with a glass of Fleurieu Milk Co.’s low-fat milk and mango yogurt.
Straight from the dairy farms on the foothills of Fleurieu Peninsula, this company’s milky indulgences have been an Adelaidean staple for over 15 years!
If you swing by their lovely stall in the Central Market, don’t forget to snag the classic edition of their farm-fresh selection.
If you want to add flavor to your morning milk, go for their strawberry and banana-flavored ones—the best excuses to have cookies for breakfast!
Say Cheese
Stall Number: 46
Contact Details: (08) 8231 0347
Operating Hours:
- Sun to Mon – Closed
- Tue – 7 am to 5:30 pm
- Wed to Thu – 9 am to 5:30 pm
- Fri – 7 am to 9 pm
- Sat – 7 am to 3 pm
Say Cheese’s carefully curated products, especially their divine feta and their parmesan, will melt in your mouth.
Treat yourself to this shop’s gouda, brie, and cheddar, too! For a grater time (sorry, can’t help it), pair this shop’s cheeses with their baguettes and sourdough loaves—versatile baked goods that complement any cheese!
The Yogurt Shop
Website: http://www.theyoghurtshop.com.au/
Stall Number: 67
Contact Details: 0410 521 373
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 10:30 am to 4 30 pm
- Tue to Thu – 7 am to 5:30 pm
- Fri – 7 am to 9 pm
- Sat – 7 am to 3 pm
- Sun – Closed
When we say The Yogurt Shop is a crème de la crème dairy stall, we’re not yoking around! Puns aside, this site’s broad assortment of delish yogurts made us come back for more.
Seriously, they have over 30 unique flavors of first-rate yogurts: jaffa bombs, cappuccino, berry bliss, and more!
If you need help in picking, here are our team’s top three choices: mango (super sweet), choc mint (crunchy and minty), and apricot crumble (tart and sour).
Adelaide Central Market’s Best Novelty Shops
Persian Art Treasure
Website: https://patpersia.com.au/
Stall Number: 14
Contact Details: 0410 521 373
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 9:30 am to 3 pm
- Tue to Thu – 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
- Fri – 9:30 am to 7:30 pm
- Sat – 9:30 am to 3 pm
The eclectic rugs of Persian Art Treasure have turned my humble abode into a haven teeming with colors and extraordinary patterns! Each carpet here is a masterpiece, showcasing intricate motifs reflecting centuries of Persian artistry!
The designs range from highly detailed medallions to sprawling floral arrangements and geometric tessellations.
The colors are rich and varied, ranging from deep and regal hues, like ruby red and sapphire blue, to earthy tones of amber and olive green, and even soft pastels!
The Old Lolly Shop
Website: http://www.blackebysweets.com.au/
Stall Number: 33
Contact Details: (08) 8212 4122
Operating Hours:
- Sun to Mon – Closed
- Tue – 7 am to 5:30 pm
- Wed – 10:30 am to 3:30 pm
- Thu – 8 am to 5:30 pm
- Fri – 7 am to 9 pm
- Sat – 7 am to 3 pm
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and grab some of The Old Lolly Shop’s timeless sweets! At this sugary wonderland, you’ll discover a heap of delightful confections and candied temptations!
From classic Aussie-made candies, like Lagoons and Choo-Choo Bars, to unique and hard-to-find British sweets, such as Barrats and crackles, this kid-friendly store has an extensive selection that can satisfy every sweet tooth.
Little Tokyo
Website: http://www.littletokyo.com.au/
Stall Number: 59 to 60
Contact Details: 0424 169 112
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 9 am to 5:30 pm
- Fri – 9 am to 7 pm
- Sat – 9 am to 3 pm
- Sun – Closed
With our hectic schedule, a trip to Japan seems impossible. Thankfully, Little Tokyo is here to bring us the essence of the Land of the Rising Sun right in the heart of Adelaide!
From sakura-themed glassware to tatami mats, everything here screams Japan.
During our last shopping spree, we couldn’t resist their bento boxes and sake cups.
Plus, their unique green tea collection is full of one-of-a-kind teas with hints of seaweed and a delightful umami kick. Don’t miss out!
Adelaide Central Market’s Best Eateries
Lucias Pizza and Spaghetti Bar
Website: http://lucias.com.au/
Stall Number: 1
Contact Details: 0424 169 112
Operating Hours:
- Sun to Mon – Closed
- Tue – 7 am to 4 pm
- Wed – 7 am to 3 pm
- Thu – 7 am to 4 pm
- Fri – 7 am to 8 pm
- Sat – 7 am to 2:30 pm
Craving a taste of authentic Italian flavors? Look no further than Lucias Pizza and Spaghetti Bar!
Their scrumptious pizza varieties and flavorful pasta dishes will transport you straight to the buzzing streets of Italy.
We also think you can never go wrong by following our go-to meals here: bolognese, muesli, and salmon bagel—best topped with a glass of crisp reds!
Les Deux Coqs
Website: https://www.les-deux-coqs.com.au/
Stall Number: 2
Contact Details: 0424 169 112
Operating Hours:
- Sun to Mon – Closed
- Tuesday – 7 am to 5:30 pm
- Wednesday – 10 am to 3 pm
- Thursday – 9 am to 5:30 pm
- Friday – 7 am to 9 pm
- Saturday – 7 am to 3 pm
Les Deux Coqs is Adelaide Central Market’s slice of France. It’s classy, elegantly designed, and has the aroma of morning croissants dipped in finely-brewed black coffee.
The star of the show here is the charcuterie you’ll personally mix and match!
If that’s not your thing, their best-selling and decadent chocolate croissant and baguette de campagne are your alternatives. Among their standout creations, the lemon meringue and raspberry-almond tarts steal the show with their presentation and flavor!
Jamu
Website: https://www.lovejamu.com.au/
Stall Number: 69
Contact Details: 0424 169 112
Operating Hours:
- Sun to Mon – Closed
- Tue – 7 am to 5:30 pm
- Wed – 9 am to 3 pm
- Thu – 8 am to 5:30 pm
- Fri – 7 am to 9 pm
- Sat – 7 am to 3 pm
Thirsty from a day of shopping? Well, we recommend blessing your parched throat with Jamu’s sensational smoothies—our favorite drinks at the market!
As proud mango fanatics, we always go with their mango passion drink, a coconut milk-drenched smoothie topped with passion fruit slices, mango cubes, and banana cuts!
