Adelaide central market has long been the pride of our city. I am sure most of us have been at least once in or at least heard of the Central Market. However, the real question that I want to ask is “Do we really know the central market?”. Regular shoppers like myself would think that we know pretty much about the market but in fact, there are many hidden gems yet to be discovered. Over the three years of writing articles on Adelaidefoodies.com, many readers have asked me a simple question. “Where do you buy XXX?” Most of the time, my answer would be “the market”. Adelaide Central Market has got a large variety of food sourced from all over the state and the country and is the largest of its kind in Southern Hemisphere. In fact, it’s a foodie’s heaven and can accommodate all requirements by consumers. Therefore, Adelaidefoodies.com and Whatsonthelist.net, another leading food blog in the state, under the permission of Adelaide Central Market Management, conducted a series of interviews with business owners in the past month to promote South Australia produce and local SA business. All market stall owners have been contacted but some reserved their right not to be featured in the posts. We will try to cover every stall/business in the market. This will benefit all parties, from shop owners to tourists. However, this guide is not an advertisement and we tend to use neutral language to describe thing as precise as possible. Some food items were taste tested and will also be featured. The series of posts are to be located under the tab “Complete guide to Adelaide Central Market” under Interviews section.
Introduction/History of Adelaide Central Market
Contributed by Joanne from Whatsonthelist.net
The iconic Adelaide Markets are the best local produce markets in Australia!
Located in the heart of the CBD (Central Business District for our overseas viewers), “The Markets” (as they are known locally) is a foodies dream destination. If you walk along Grote street near Victoria Square, the big red classic historical building is an obvious and no one can actually miss it.
With 250 Shops Under One Roof, “The Markets” are about “real food real people” and is “The Heart of Adelaide.” Being the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, Adelaide central market is the home to many local food businesses.
On Saturday, the 23rd of January 1869, at about 3 a.m., a group of market gardeners with their horse led carts full of produce headed towards the Victoria Square area (the area between Grote Street and Gouger Street) determined to sell their good separate from the East Ends markets.
With a noisy band and all in tow, the procession made its way to their destination; an abandoned allotment (the area between Grote Street and Gouger Street) and started selling with only a fence and some gas lights.
History alleges all stock was sold out by 6 a.m. with over 500 people attending the opening day.
A memorial plague commemorates the City Market history.
Over the years there have been many changes to the Markets.
On Thursday, the 8th of February 1900, the first stone was laid to build Central Market façade. It still stands today.
In March 1902, gas lighting was replaced by electricity.
In August 1965, the City Market was officially changed to The Central Markets.
Currently, 144 years old, there are approximately 80 stalls trading in fruit, vegetables, café foods and small goods.
From Bakeries to Patisseries, Café’s, Continental Goods and Cheese, Fruit and Vegetables, Meat, Poultry, Seafood, Nuts, Confectionary and Coffee, Speciality Foods, and let’s not forget Books, Flowers, Cameras and Accessories and Plants all make up “The Heart of The Central Markets.”
Do you know which stalls were part of “The Originals?” We certainly do now!
Preferably, after reading the series, you can start shopping in one of Adelaide’s most loved precincts, the Central Market! And don’t wait until family or friends come from interstate or overseas!
Be a “Tourist In You Own Town” and am sure the Central Markets produce and experience will please!
Trading Hours
Sunday & Monday CLOSED
Tuesday 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (limited stalls open)
Thursday 9:00 a.m – 5:30 p.m.
Friday 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m
Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
There is also a tour available to guide you through the market. Further details are here.
Adelaide Central Market Tour from centralmarkettour on Vimeo.
Foodies Cucina - Food and Travel Blog, Canberra 
G’day and very excited indeed Xin, true!
I am honored and humbled to be part of your project and look forward to sharing the rest of the markets with its wonderful history, colorful stall owners who are friendly and knowledgeable about their South Australian foods and produce they sell that they love PASSIONATELY!
Cheers! Joanne
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Very true Joanne! Hope this project can help customers, visitors and tourists to find useful info for the central market and in turn, all the SA produce and businesses can be promoted.
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I took a tour of Sydney foodies through the market and they were all in heaven at the displays on offer. One of the most popular stalls for them was the Mushroom Man and his Porcini Mushroom Salt.
They left the market with overflowing bags and promises to return!
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The porcini salt is indeed a delicay! Many interstate visitors enjoyed the market and are amazed of all the SA produce. 😀 Proud being an South Aussie!
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Me too Xin! It is GR8 to promote our unique state and spread the word of local producers and local foods and meet local business owners who are as PASSIONATE about all things food too!
Cheers! Joanne
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