Melbourne Night Noodle Markets final week: FAQs and pro tips

Gelato Messina at Melbourne's Night Noodle Markets

Four exotic desserts served at Gelato Messina's Very Very Good Lucky Fortune Bar.

This is your last weekend to hit the Night Noodle Markets for 2016. And if you haven't been yet, or plan to go back, behold this hot list of all your burning questions answered so you may noodle all the better.

For those just joining us, the Night Noodle Markets, the festival that sees Birrarung Marr become a hawker market for 18 nights, runs until this Sunday, November 27.

Mr Miyagi's nori tacos are one of the cult dishes. Photo: Daniel Pockett

Bring your best friend

The biggest question floating around this year was about four legged friends. And the answer is yes, you're welcome to bring dogs to Birrarung Marr so long as you follow the usual rules: keep them on a leash and controlled, and please stay 20 metres from food stalls.

A photo posted by Davin (@davintjw) on Nov 21, 2016 at 8:22pm PST

Plot your menu online

If you're packing any sweet dietaries, plenty of stalls have vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, but save yourself time and check out the whole menu (marked with dietary requirements) before you get in the queue.

The Pimm's bar at the Night Noodle Markets Photo: Daniel Pockett

Melbourne weather is as unpredictable as Trump, how will we know if the markets are on?

The short answer is that the markets go ahead rain or shine, but occasionally dangerous weather patterns mean we need to close the markets for everyone's safety. If that's the case, it will be announced via our social channels (@goodfoodmonth).

Go cash free, without a card

The markets are cashless this year which means either using any card you like, or, if you don't do plastic, swapping cash for a pre-loaded card at any of the information points.

What should I eat?

You've seen the nori tacos from Mr Miyagi, the giant bao from Let's Do Yum Cha and the Peking duck loaded fries from Bao Stop, but there's also a gigantic mound of pineapple fried rice from Eat the Chicken, served in an actual pineapple; a dish called liempo at Hoy Pinoy which Adam Liaw dubs "Asian bacon", and bowls from the Satay Truck team uniting coconut rice, rendang and a belado egg with lots of little sides. The point is, go for the glorious Instagram stars (we've compiled our cult favourites) but don't forget about the ugly delicious jewels.

Gelato Messina's "Fryer and Ice" desserts Photo: Daniel Pockett

Where should I sit?

This is relevant to everyone, but particularly if you're attending with small humans. Menulog has set up a special area on the middle terrace this year where you can sag into an inflatable couch or lounge over a gigantic inflatable pizza slice, order from one of a number of stalls and they'll bring the food to you. Seats, and no stress.