Picture an open market teeming with life: parents and kids shopping, greengrocers hawking their wares at the top of their voices, a littte Vietnamese lady who looks like 60 but is probably 75 selling you cheap bok choy, scrumptious meat and cheese, the smell of fresh bread and fresh brewed coffee.... you get the picture. It has always been my slice of heaven in Adelaide, being the foodie I am. I love the sheer choice of things. If you don't like big white onions, buy the small purple ones. Don't like veggies, buy meat! There's everything from kangaroo to crocodile on sale, and lots of cool Asian goodies at Chinatown next door. Central Market is a great place to people watch, find some fresh produce if you're cooking and a very good place to take pictures. There's always something interesting to shoot. Be aware that this is Adelaide we are talking about, and Central Market is only open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
On market days, the Central Market is a feast for the senses. I usually go on a Saturday morning, getting some fresh bread and cheese for breakfast and sitting at one of the numerous cafes with a cup of tea/ coffee. If you fancy something different, pop into one of the many asian cafes for a warm bowl of noodle. Then it's time for a long, leisurely browse through the gourmet shops, kangaroo butcher, seafood shops and all the wonderful fruit and veg shops with their delicious produce. Gouger St is filled with cafes, restuarants and shops that will appeal to any epicure, and you can't miss the Asian shops in Chinatown (just beside the market: it is unmissable) for a browse through the interesting things Asians eat.
Once you've seen enough, you can head to the hawkers corner and marvel at the Asian food on offer. Try your hand at using chopsticks (remember, noodles are for experts only, especially if they are in a bowl of soup) or order up some exotic Asian dish you've never tried. Alternatively, head for something familliar down Gouger Street, where you get a selection of Asian eateries mixed with Italian, Argentinian, French and Aussie cuisine. Whatever you choose, have a ball!
You can get to Central Market on the free City Loop (99C)from anywhere in the city or walk towards Hilton Adelaide from the tram stop in Victoria Square. It's also a 15 minute walk from Rundle Mall, just ask for directions ot use a map. Enjoy!