The Family Hawker Market in Ballarat

The Family Hawkers market is a very popular event in Ballarat. The event took place inside the Mining exchange where there were a few families. But by 1:30-2pm all the families left. Most of the food was not sold out by then.

This was a free market for everyone and dishes were priced between $5-$15. Drinks were between $3-$7. Water was not free unless you brought your own bottle in. It was $3.

Sauce at Fu Man Lou for the dumplings

The Asahi sign

Wines at Billy's bar

At Round the way bages

Oils and salts for $10 each at Kitterly's cakes.

Here we were treated to a performance by Demi Louise. She was lovely and got everyone talking.

Asahi is a Japanese restaurant in Ballarat and its known for their good food. Here we tried their crab croquette and whilst it is alright I have had better in Melbourne. These crab croquettes were drowned in mayo and the fruit sauce.

Fu Man Lou is one of the better Chinese restaurants in Ballarat. I have walked by it and it looked like the Hutong of Melbourne. At the festival I had three small prawn dumplings for $9. They were good but a little on the small side.

And then we were treated to some free churros from Zazagoosa a Spanish restaurant in Ballarat. The churros were really good, not too sweet and not too heavy.

Billy's Lane had some free samples of the piadina for us to try. It was made freshly and they too had to give it away at the end.

Also the sausage roll from Sovereign hill was really fulfilling and this too was given away. Sovereign Hill are known for their pies and this did not disappoint.

Catfish thai had 2 scoops of sorbet for the price of $5. Here both the coconut and passionfruit worked well together and were not too heavy on the flavour or the texture.

We liked it very much so. But next time they should have a balloon artist for the kids, some volunteers selling Japanese food (they can be from Melbourne) and games for the kids. And coffee is a must.

Oh and for next year there could be a competition to get people to visit Ballarat on the Vline train.