Welcome to my first installment of my ‘Rhi’s guide to’ series! I am so excited to share my first post with you, and what better way than to start with Sunday markets in Auckland. Markets are on the rise; people’s interest in locality and seasonality has increased dramatically, and being able to connect one on one with the growers, makers and all round foodies provides you with an experience that no supermarket shelf can give you.
I visited three of my favourite Sunday markets, the perfect three for a market beginner. There is a little bit of distance that separates these markets, but is the perfect excuse for a day out. Starting at La Cigale, you can grab yourself a beautiful crepe for breakfast and wander the stalls with a fresh juice. Then make your way to the newly developed Hobsonville Point farmers market, pick a fresh loaf of crusty bread, a jar of relish and some cheeses and basque in the beautiful sunlight aside the water. After a long, lazy lunch, you can’t miss the Glenfield night markets. The shopping mall carpark transforms at night into a culinary melting pot, filled with flavours of Asia, India and Europe with little gems tucked around every corner.
I visited three of my favourite Sunday markets, the perfect three for a market beginner. There is a little bit of distance that separates these markets, but is the perfect excuse for a day out. Starting at La Cigale, you can grab yourself a beautiful crepe for breakfast and wander the stalls with a fresh juice. Then make your way to the newly developed Hobsonville Point farmers market, pick a fresh loaf of crusty bread, a jar of relish and some cheeses and basque in the beautiful sunlight aside the water. After a long, lazy lunch, you can’t miss the Glenfield night markets. The shopping mall carpark transforms at night into a culinary melting pot, filled with flavours of Asia, India and Europe with little gems tucked around every corner.
My first stop was at Auckland’s French mecca, La Cigale Market. La Cigale is an eatery during the week, and transforms on the weekends to a hub of fresh produce and fine foods. Tucked behind the streets of Parnell, as soon as you step out of your car you are welcomed by smells of fresh bread, the soft hum of guitar strings and people wandering up and down the array of stalls with little dogs at their feet.
Inside, people queue for pain au chocolat and galettes, workers buzzing behind the counters to keep up with demand for the impressive mountain of cheeses and fresh bread. Old wines line the walls, and French flags hang from each corner. Step outside and you can’t help but be overwhelmed by the massive selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, embodying the French love for fresh, locally grown produce. Oyster mushrooms, smoked shallots and fresh turmeric and just a few of the gems you will find amongst the rows of greens and shiny royal gala’s. Take a stroll over one row and you will discover an abundance of nuts and dried goods, you can't help but be in awe of the beautiful dried figs in all of their rustic beauty.
Along with the produce, the whole, raw and clean food epidemic is evident. Find a beautiful Green Goddess smoothie at The Organic Mechanic, or treat yourself to a slice of raw Snicker Licker cake from The Raw Kitchen (I can guarantee, this was amazing!). If you love a bit of butter and sugar, you can’t go wrong with a fresh croissant or a bacon butty.
Inside, people queue for pain au chocolat and galettes, workers buzzing behind the counters to keep up with demand for the impressive mountain of cheeses and fresh bread. Old wines line the walls, and French flags hang from each corner. Step outside and you can’t help but be overwhelmed by the massive selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, embodying the French love for fresh, locally grown produce. Oyster mushrooms, smoked shallots and fresh turmeric and just a few of the gems you will find amongst the rows of greens and shiny royal gala’s. Take a stroll over one row and you will discover an abundance of nuts and dried goods, you can't help but be in awe of the beautiful dried figs in all of their rustic beauty.
Along with the produce, the whole, raw and clean food epidemic is evident. Find a beautiful Green Goddess smoothie at The Organic Mechanic, or treat yourself to a slice of raw Snicker Licker cake from The Raw Kitchen (I can guarantee, this was amazing!). If you love a bit of butter and sugar, you can’t go wrong with a fresh croissant or a bacon butty.
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Next I visited the farmers market at Hobsonville Point, a suburb formed in the old Whenuapai Airforce base. The new modern buildings tie in with the old, original buildings built on the air base, and the market is now held in an old Seaplane hangar upon the waterfront. The large, open spaces fills with noise of live music and buzzing customers talking one on one with the sellers, with the sunlight trickling through the old building.
The area in and around the landing is beautiful, and makes the perfect lunch spot. Grab yourself a wood fired pizza and a freshly brewed kombucha, or a loaf of bread with some homemade pate and cheese and perch yourself on one of the sunlit benches overlooking the glistening water. While I was there, I grabbed myself the cutest bottle of raw cacao almond milk from Velvet Delight, then was enticed over to Magnolia Kitchen’s vintage looking stall laced with homemade, vegan fudge. I also had the opportunity to pick myself up some fresh yeast from the pizza stand, which made my day as it is so expensive in specialty stores!
The little treat that caught my eye was a slow braised beef and blue cheese pie; crisp, buttery pastry encased a rich but tangy filling, with a hint of creaminess from the blue cheese. This market also has its own in house coffee stand, leaving all the caffeine lovers satisfied while they wander up and down the rows of completely different stalls. Although all the stalls, products and makers are different, it is so evident that they all share the same love and pride for what they have created.
The area in and around the landing is beautiful, and makes the perfect lunch spot. Grab yourself a wood fired pizza and a freshly brewed kombucha, or a loaf of bread with some homemade pate and cheese and perch yourself on one of the sunlit benches overlooking the glistening water. While I was there, I grabbed myself the cutest bottle of raw cacao almond milk from Velvet Delight, then was enticed over to Magnolia Kitchen’s vintage looking stall laced with homemade, vegan fudge. I also had the opportunity to pick myself up some fresh yeast from the pizza stand, which made my day as it is so expensive in specialty stores!
The little treat that caught my eye was a slow braised beef and blue cheese pie; crisp, buttery pastry encased a rich but tangy filling, with a hint of creaminess from the blue cheese. This market also has its own in house coffee stand, leaving all the caffeine lovers satisfied while they wander up and down the rows of completely different stalls. Although all the stalls, products and makers are different, it is so evident that they all share the same love and pride for what they have created.
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After a deliciously content afternoon, the last market of the day is the Glenfield Night Markets. Tucked under the Glenfield mall is the famous night markets; rarely advertised, by widely known by people of all areas. Here you will find cuisine heavily influenced by flavours of Asia and Europe, with the odd unique stall tucked in between. There is literally something for everyone, and is the perfect place to take your family for a change from the normal Sunday night dinner.
If you are claustrophobic, this may be a wee step out of your comfort zone. There is no doubt that hundreds of food minded people pass through the aisles in the few hours that the market is open, so trust me when I say it is best to go as early as you can. Upon arriving, you literally have no idea to look first, and the saying ‘trust your nose’ comes into effect. Whether your heart desires fiery soft steak tacos, Korean bulgogi beef skewers, or pork buns as soft as a cloud, you will be able to find it in a snap. Here you will find dishes full of flavour and love, once you have eaten a bite you cannot help but want to search around for another diamond in the rough.
If you are claustrophobic, this may be a wee step out of your comfort zone. There is no doubt that hundreds of food minded people pass through the aisles in the few hours that the market is open, so trust me when I say it is best to go as early as you can. Upon arriving, you literally have no idea to look first, and the saying ‘trust your nose’ comes into effect. Whether your heart desires fiery soft steak tacos, Korean bulgogi beef skewers, or pork buns as soft as a cloud, you will be able to find it in a snap. Here you will find dishes full of flavour and love, once you have eaten a bite you cannot help but want to search around for another diamond in the rough.
You will also find your gimmicky, novelty dishes such as potatoes curled, with each exposed side covered in savoury cheese flavours, or the cutest fish waffles filled with creamy chocolate filling. The appearance of healthier, organic products is also becoming evident in the night markets, with the presence of organic ice pops from Lalele, or multiple smoothie and juice stands. Modern takes on traditional food is also becoming widely seen, putting fusion twists and the introduction of graphic art to entice new customers.
The perfect finish to a day out exploring the undiscovered gems of Auckland, trying creations straight from the creators themselves, getting to directly experience and be involved in their passion for their craft.
The perfect finish to a day out exploring the undiscovered gems of Auckland, trying creations straight from the creators themselves, getting to directly experience and be involved in their passion for their craft.
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I had so much fun creating this post for you, and I hope you set aside one Sunday to take those you love and explore parts of Auckland you may not have visited before.
What markets do you recommend I visit? Love finding new and exciting culinary hubs!
Let me know what you thought of my first 'Rhi's Guide To..' and what you would like to see featured next :)
Rhiannon xx
What markets do you recommend I visit? Love finding new and exciting culinary hubs!
Let me know what you thought of my first 'Rhi's Guide To..' and what you would like to see featured next :)
Rhiannon xx
