For 10 delicious nights in March, the Enlighten Night Noodle Markets will return to Reconciliation Place, with a blend of Asian and Western eats, live music and alfresco dining.
The markets are EFTPOS only, so leave the cash at home, and instead bring along an empty stomach. Here's some of what's on the menu at this year's event:
Phoritto (Little Kyoto)
If this isn't a match made in foodie heaven, we don't know what is. For those times you feel like Mexican and Vietnamese comfort foods at exactly the same time, meet the phoritto - a pho soup inspired burrito.
Sweet 'n' sour crispy pork belly burger (Chur Burger)
Chur Burger is a newcomer to the Enlighten Night Noodle Markets this year - it's the burger chain's first visit to Canberra. We love the look of their sweet 'n' sour crispy pork belly burger, complete with pickled slaw, sweet 'n' sour sauce and charred pineapple.
Trio of Korean BBQ tacos (POKLOL)
Three vibrant pockets of bulgogi beef, chilli chicken and chilli pork, mixing Korean and Mexican flavours, plus pickled carrots, kimchi slaw, cucumbers, shallots and topped with POKLOL's secret sauce. Vegetarian option also available.
Great Balls of Fryer (Gelato Messina)
Messina lovers hardly need an excuse to stop by this stall, and this time around they've got even more pun-filled treats. The 'Great Balls of Fryer' is deep-fried spiced banana gelato, mango pudding, passion fruit and caramel. If that doesn't tickle your fancy there's the 'Pavrova' or 'Thai and Stop Me' to check out. We won't stop you.
Slow-cooked adobo pulled beef (Kusina)
The southside Filipino restaurant is bringing their slow-cooked, adobo pulled beef – you just have to decide how you want to eat it. You can have it with rice, in a burger, or even as nachos. Or have all three – anything goes.
Peking Duck Fries (Bao Stop)
Go for the bao, stay for the Peking duck fries. These were unsurprisingly a favourite last year. Think crispy, golden fries topped with shredded Peking duck, smothered in Peking sauce and finished with spring onion. And they're gluten free.
Molten custard buns (Let's Do Yum Cha)
Do sweet treats come much cuter? These little soft buns are filled with a warm, gooey custard filling. Not only do they taste delicious, they're an Instagram winner.
Strawberry watermelon cake (Black Star Pastry)
There's always room for a slice of Black Star Pastry's watermelon cake, layered with almond sponge and rose cream and sprinkled with rose petals.
Waffle on a stick (Waffleland)
Waffeland – it sounds like such a magical place, doesn't it? The Sydney ladies are bringing their waffles on sticks to the markets. These warm sweet treats come loaded with toppings such as Nutella, lychee caramel syrup or sesame maple syrup. Enough said.
The Enlighten Night Noodle Markets are on March 3-12 at Reconciliation Place, as part of Enlighten. Mon-Thu, Sun 5pm-9pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-midnight. Free entry. See goodfoodmonth.com/canberra/enlighten-night-noodle-markets.