Vibrant colors of life

Returning to Melbourne after more than 10 years, right in the middle of summer, still groggy from the long flight, the hot wind and blazing sun instantly woke me up. Taking advantage of the time between meetings during my trip, I visited Queen Victoria Market. For me, visiting a local market is an essential experience when traveling anywhere. These markets, overflowing with produce, reflect the culture, cuisine, and unique characteristics of life in each region. So, when in Melbourne, you can't miss Queen Victoria Market – or simply "Queen Market".

Melbourne is known as a culinary paradise.

Infused with the spirit of Melbourne.

Melbourne is known as a culinary paradise: delicious fresh seafood, famous Australian beef, and an abundance of fresh fruit. Besides the large supermarket chains, many people still prefer going to traditional farmers' markets, where they can buy fresh, homemade produce. Prices may vary slightly, but you get to choose your goods, bargain, and chat with familiar vendors.

Opened in 1878, Queen Market is a living witness to Melbourne's history. Originally a wholesale market for fresh produce, the market's function gradually changed as the city grew. Today, Queen Market welcomes 10 million visitors annually. Locals come here to buy food for family meals, tourists buy souvenirs for loved ones, or simply enjoy a bag of hot bagels, grilled sausage sandwiches, and browse the wide variety of fruits, vegetables, seafood, handicrafts, clothing, and more on display.

Queen Market is so large that it's hard to know where to begin. Wandering aimlessly, enjoying the bustling atmosphere, and admiring the well-stocked stalls is one way to experience the market. Around you, street performers fill the square, smartly dressed office workers have lunch on the street, and merchants call out to their customers…

Opened in 1878, Queen Market is a living witness to Melbourne's historical development.

A wide variety of goods

According to its official website, Queen Market is divided into several sections. However, it can easily be categorized into two main areas: the food section, which includes fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, and cheese, and the merchandise section, which sells clothing, toys, and souvenirs.

Fresh seafood such as beef, chicken, lamb, pork, and various types of fish, shrimp, crab, and octopus, all freshly caught from the sea, are displayed in abundance in glass cases. A variety of fruits harvested from farms near Melbourne are also brought here: ripe cherries, luscious pink peaches, and tempting strawberries. I chose to buy some cherries, a fruit not found in Vietnam. Taking a bite of the thin skin, I felt the sweet and tangy flavors bursting on my tongue, as if I could sense the sunshine, the wind, and the salty taste of this land embodied within them.

You can find delicious coffee, bread, pastries, and cheese in the food court, along with a variety of affordable lunch options. Sandwiches, fried rice, shrimp, shellfish, and more are prepared in a very appetizing way. If you plan to have lunch here, you need to find a seat quickly because it's crowded and there are few tables; you'll likely have to eat standing.

Around 2 or 3 p.m., as the market is about to close, meat, fish, and vegetables can be discounted by up to 50%. That's when Queen Market comes alive with the loud, cheerful calls of vendors carrying their produce and food items.

Around 2 or 3 p.m., Queen Market comes alive with the loud, bustling calls of vendors carrying various produce and food items.

A place that preserves tradition.

Despite the passage of time, Queen Market has retained its bustling atmosphere and traditional market-style trading. If Queen Market were a person, the stalls would be the parts, and the constant flow of people along the walkways would be the blood carrying nutrients to sustain the body.

More than just a testament to centuries-old architecture, Queen Market reflects the interwoven social and cultural landscape of Melbourne. It's not only a vital hub for commerce and interaction among locals and tourists , but also a symbol of generations in Melbourne. Some stall owners are second or third-generation merchants, inheriting their businesses from their fathers or families, each with their own unique history.

This isn't a place you just come and go. The bustling atmosphere, the shouts of vendors, the haggling, the side stories, the abundance of fresh goods, and the diverse culinary offerings will make you want to return again. “Life is more colorful at Queen Market.” Indeed, life is more vibrant thanks to Queen Market!

Source: https://heritagevietnamairlines.com/ruc-ro-sac-mau-cuoc-song/