One of the treasures of the northern suburbs of Melbourne is the Preston Market a multi cultural food and produce extravaganza. The market is open Wednesday – Saturday and sells just about everything you could possibly need. Not only food which is the main focus – fresh meat and poultry, seafood, baked goods, nuts, spices, small goods, and produce but also fresh flowers, home wares, clothing, shoes, and more. The diversity of products on offer is quite astounding and I must say I have never walked away not being able to find what I was looking for. I have a few favourite places I visit regularly and I try at least one new place each time I visit just to mix it up and hopefully find another great place to add to the regular list.
What I find most endearing about the market are the traders – their knowledge, generosity and friendliness keeps me coming back. They always have a cooking tip or two and are willing to answer any questions about their products. With their early starts each morning they could be forgiven for being a little grumpy but they never fail to greet each customer with a smile.
The market has a strong sense of community not just among the traders but also customers. Groups gather to chat each morning or discuss the news over a coffee in a one of the many cafes. Regular customers catch up with their favourite traders and butchers laugh and joke across their counters.
The market is cultural melting pot with products from all over the world – the Asian grocer selling green mangoes, lychees and Vietnamese mint, the spice shop with their couscous, freekeh and ras el hanout and the delicatessen with olives, Italian sopressa and ricotta.
Located between Murray Road and Cramer Street and with the Preston Metro Rail Station in the car park on the South Morang train line, access to the market is fantastic. There is plenty of parking and buses stop right outside too.
The beauty of shopping at the market is buying items by the exact amount needed which makes cooking easy and it definitely reduces waste. Make sure you take some reusable ‘green’ bags or join the ranks of the trolley users, I have to admit I have! There is a bit of trolley etiquette to learn but once you have mastered it you can shop for hours and all your goodies stored in your trolley and you will be hands free and won’t have tired arms from carrying bags.
Be sure to visit Preston Market to stock your pantry or just enjoy the experience, do some shopping, grab a coffee and cannoli and meander around the stalls.
Market Hours
Wednesday 8am-3pm
Thursday 8am-3pm
Friday 8am-3pm
Saturday 8am-3pm
Find out how to get to the market here
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