With beginnings dating back to Singapore in the 1950s, hawkers markets have always been a great way to experience local flavour and culture. Hawkers markets offer up more than delicious, convenient dining, they also offer a space that is carved out for the community to gather. Across Perth, there are several hawker-style markets that bring together people of all walks of life to indulge in the simple pleasure of good, affordable eats in bustling surroundings. Whether you’re craving something familiar like Nasi Goreng or looking to branch out and be adventurous with foods like ice kacang, here is a selection of our favourite around Perth.
Old Shanghai
Old Shanghai
You can’t speak about Perth hawkers markets without mentioning Old Shanghai, an icon of Perth that has been around for decades. If you are looking for something reminiscent of Singaporean markets where bustling crowds collide with fast-working cooks serving up delicious authentic Asian dishes, then look no further than Northbridge’s very own Old Shanghai. Plating up crowd-favourites including Yum Cha, traditional Malaysian and even American-style burgers, Old Shanghai reflects the tradition of bringing together a mix of vendors in one location with a communal dining area in the centre.
Inglewood Night Markets
Inglewood Night Markets
If you dread the thought of having to cook on Monday nights after work, and you’re looking for something more substantial than a quick dash through the drive-thru, then turning to a hawkers market may be the perfect option. Open every Monday, Inglewood Night Markets offer convenient takeaway options from a selection of mobile food trucks. With live entertainment, boutique shopping stalls and coffee-to-go in a family-friendly (and dog-friendly) environment, it’s a lively (and more sociable) alternative to cooking at home. Finishing up on March 29, hurry over to make the best of this popular night market before they shut up for the season.
Scarborough Sunset Markets
Scarborough Sunset Markets
Since launching in 2018, the Scarborough Sunset Markets have returned year after year in both summer and winter, injecting a bit of energy into the Scarborough foreshore. Featuring a variety of stalls offering fresh food, beverages and handcrafted artisanal products for people to browse, it makes for a great family outing on a Thursday evening. Pair this with fabulous performances from different local acts each week, and the stunning location right by the beachfront, and you can see how Scarborough Sunset Market delivers an Australian answer to the traditional hawkers market. Keep updated on their Facebook page for news about performers and vendors here.
Twilight Hawkers Market
Twilight Hawkers Market
The wafting scent of street food and the sounds of laughter and live music create a familiar scene in Forrest Chase on Fridays during the summer months. Now in their tenth season, the Twilight Hawkers Markets showcase a collection of Perth’s most popular street food vendors offering diverse cuisines, with dishes such as Korean BBQ, Japanese pancakes and noodles. With live local performers keeping the atmosphere buzzing, the Twilight Markets post weekly on their Facebook page, so keep an eye out for updates and any sneak-peeks about what you’ll be able to find come Friday evening. The Twilight Markets are ending on March 26, so be sure to pop by before they finish up for the season.
Coventry Village
Coventry Village
If you’re located in the Northern suburb of Morley, Coventry Village hosts a variety of food vendors that serve up everything from traditional Malaysian dishes to Cantonese BBQ to Fijian-style Indian cuisine, all housed under one roof. While hungrily perusing the food markets, make sure you check out the collection of large metal sculptures made from recycled car parts that are scattered throughout the marketplace. This market is open every day from 8am to 7pm with Thursday late night trading, so there are plenty of opportunities to pop in for a bite or to do some shopping. Check their website for shopping and dining options here.
Browse more food markets across Perth
