A WHILRLWIND tour of the world’s culinary delights will be unleashed when Feasting in Footscray kicks off this Friday.
A series of events for the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival will celebrate Footscray’s multicultural food experiences with a special focus on Ethiopian, Vietnamese, Chinese and Cambodian cuisine.
Feasting in Footscray was launched with an Ethiopian coffee ceremony at Konjo Ethiopian Restaurant last week — a sneak peek at a cultural tradition that brings people together to discuss issues and politics, and resolve conflicts.
‘A Cultural Blend: The Origins of Coffee and Ethiopian Spices’ will show people how to scoop up spicy slow-cooked meat and vegetable dishes with bubbly injera bread while experiencing a traditional coffee ceremony.
The ever-popular Rickshaw Run has been sold out, but keep an eye out for the rickshaws as they make a six-course dash touring the best Vietnamese restaurants around town.
Other events include restaurateur and cookbook author Chan Uoy, of Yarraville’s Bopha Devi, discussing the unique flavours and ingredients of Cambodian cuisine.
Maribyrnong mayor Catherine Cumming says the cultural makeup of Footscray’s rich multicultural history evolves every year.
“Feasting in Footscray is a celebration of our city’s people, the cultures that make a home here, the recipes they brought from their homeland, and the food they share with each other,” she said.
“Footscray puts the world on a plate; it’s a foodie’s haven.”
For free family fun, Oodles of Noodles will bring a taste of China to the banks of the Maribyrnong River this Friday, with free Chinese dumplings and noodles on offer. There will be a free screening of Kung Fu Panda on the the river lawn at Footscray Community Arts Centre.
“This year we’re dishing up two of Footscray’s signature dishes — noodles and dumplings — and entertainment with Amazing David the magician, Tim Tim the clown and face-painting,” Cr Cumming said.
Noodles and dumplings and pre-show entertainment will be served up at 6.30pm, with Kung Fu Panda scheduled for a 7.30pm start.
Other events include the Sunset Harvest Market at Footscray station on March 7, and Braybrook Garden to Plate on March 9. Further details: maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
