Pause for a second and consider Australia without migrant influence: there would be no pizza, no pasta, no sushi, no dumplings, no kebabs, no pad Thai, no croissants, no curry, no tacos, no pho… the list goes on. We’d be living on parmas and Tim Tams.

Families from Greece and Italy to Africa and the Middle East have called Dandenong ‘home’ for generations. For one day only, as part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, you’ll be able to travel from Thessaloncia to Turkmenistan with your tongue.

On Sunday 18^th, celebrate cultural diversity with your taste buds at Dandenong Market. Don’t bother renewing your passport; you won’t need it on this gastronomic adventure.

The Dandenong Market will represent fare from all across the globe, from traditional recipes handed down by great-great grandmothers to intriguing exotic delights. Of course there will be hawker-style stalls, but don’t be surprised if you encounter the odd canopied stand, wandering vendor, or a bike hurtling towards you with a basket full of food. Expect sizzling Singaporean satay skewers, gözleme stuffed with spinach and feta, Turkish treats such as baklava, buttery Greek shortbread biscuits and much more.

If all the feasting makes you thirsty, hunt down the Afghan teacart or head to the Boutique Brewers for a free tasting. Apart from stuffing your face, you’ll be treated to an array of cultural entertainment including music and dance performances. There will be cooking demonstrations by visiting chefs and a wide range of merchandise and food available to take home. You’ll even have the opportunity to kiss the camels, but be careful, they spit.   

Entry is free and the food is affordable.  So whether you say bon appétit, smacznego, selamat makan or いただきます, you’re sure to sample something new!

Where: The Dandenong Market, corner Clow and Cleeland Streets, Dandenong
When: 18 March | 11am
Details: dandenongmarket.com.au