Now, I’m not advocating freeloading, but with 2 perpetually hungry boys ( 3, actually), free food is not to be turned down, ever. When it’s delicious tropical fruit it’s very hard to say no. So, I’ll let you in on my best tip for free food in Cairns. Rusty’s Market!
It’s fabulous, every type of fruit and veg you could possibly imagine, mostly tropical, mostly local, heavily Asian influenced and cheap! You could easily forget you were in Far North Queensland and imagine being in a market somewhere in Thailand, without the meat section, the meat section in some Thai markets is best avoided, for me.
A Cheap Lunch at Rusty’s Market
We love to eat here, everybody can pick what they want and eat as much or as little as they like. Samosas with home-made tomato and tamarind sauce ( my favourite), sticky rice with banana ( D’s favourite) , squid balls (Boo’s favourite), steamed pork buns ( the Chef’s favourite), spring rolls and lots of other stuff, all between $2 and $2.50
Fruit for Desert Comes Free
OK, the idea is that you try before you buy, we do always buy something. Today we sampled mangoes, 3 types of plums, langans, peaches and avocados before settling on the plums. You may also be able to get free samples of yogurts, cheeses, chocolate and breads, depends how good you are! The problem is, I always feel guilty and end up buying something.
Just Wander Around and Imagine You’re in Asia
Look at all these Asian specialties! It makes me want to break out the wok.
Rusty’s Market Sells Other Stuff, Too
Loads of other stuff, hippy dippy clothes and jewellery, 2nd hand books, plants, locally produced coffee and cheeses, lots and lots of lovely things.
Rusty’s market is open Friday to Sunday lunch time. My best tip, get there late on Sunday and see the prices come down. 50c for a melon sound good?
(Part of photo friday on Delicious Baby)
I just wish we lived closer to Cairns and could go more often, Port Douglas is one hour north of Cairns by car. Checking out Rusty’s Market is a great way to spend an hour or two, delicious, educational and fun. What do you think? Is there anything like this near you? Stay in touch, enter your email address in the box on the left to see how we cope on our family travel odyssey, we’re leaving in 5 months, it could be interesting!
I love your idea! We are all about the farmer’s markets here in Seattle (and of course when we travel too), and sampling is one of my top reasons for going! I love all your close-up shots. Beautiful colors.
Thanks Ladies, I have a new love in my life, food photography! We had such fun at Rusty’s yesterday, the kids just love tasting and smelling everything on offer.
Looks so exotic! In fact, some of it too exotic for my picky eaters to ever try, but I myself would love it!
Gorgeous photos. It really does remind you of a market in Asia … although I’m guessing it’s a little cleaner. Those samosas look delicious.
Local markets are so good and for me always the best way to find out about local delicious food and delicatessen.
I like to taste new fruits and food too and I know what you mean about the guiltiness afterwards, but most of the time I’ve never seen most of the stuff on display so having a little taste is a good starting point to help me decide what to buy.
Great photos!