Subi Sunset Markets, 6008

For the Summer season, Subiaco Square will host twilight hawkers markets each Thursday evening. I went down on the opening night and I wasn't overly impressed with the selection to be honest. Most of food stalls I recognised from other weekly markets, and I was hoping for something new. I set my radar on the Turkish stand (forget the name, sorry!) and ordered the sort of mixed meze - an appetising array of Turkish tastes on the most gorgeous hand made dough. My plate was a rainbow of fresh salad, stuffed vine leaves, marinated eggplant, Greek yoghurt, tomato couscous and juicy flavoursome Kofte (Turkish beef meat balls), $12. My heart sank a little when I saw the lady slug some Kraft packaged dressing over my greens. The beautiful bread and  perfect kofte, went a long way in making up for this short-cut, though.

Hits: Turkish stand, Japanese savoury pastries

Misses: Packaged dressing, limited selection, not enough seating

Subi Sunset Markets
15 Nov 2012 - 13 Dec 2012
Subiaco Square Road (next to Subi train station)

Gaya, Roving

Have you witnessed the Mad Hatters Markets in Freo? They pop up at King’s Square, Wednesday – Sunday. Not quite as extensive as neighbouring markets, there are a few snack lunch options including an organic hot donut truck, Thai street snacks and Pho, among folk selling fresh produce.

I love any meal where you get to mix and play, and so my top pick from Mad Hatters, is Gaya – dishing out the Bibimbap, a Korean meal staple with a modern twist. Gaya is run by a guy whose passion for the Bibimbap is evident in his thoughtful assembly of this multi-faceted bowl of goodness. Every ingredient, as Gaya guy will explain, has a nutritional benefit. A wonderfully varietal and colourful lunch! 

Each day Mr. Gaya will vary the toppings slightly. My Bibimbap was a kaleidoscope of mixed fresh and home-pickled veggies - purple cabbage, lightly tendered zucchini, fresh broad beans, crunchy walnuts, bee pollen, bean shoots, pickled radish, wilted spinach, sesame seeds, cooked carrots and a squirt of Korean hot sauce, all atop wholesome brown rice.

Nothing originates from a jar at Gaya, all components are made lovingly from scratch at the Gaya's home. Even his Miso is the real deal.

Catch Gaya now at the City Twilight Hawkers Markets, every Friday from 5 through Summer.