The joys of 'stocking up' in Marrikville

There's more graffiti in this town than I thought. On today's cross city bus trip to one of my favourite 'foodie' haunts, Marrikville, I noticed it everywhere. Some done as purposeful art, some as spontaneous graffiti to give vent to "the message" the artist wanted to get across. 

But let's move on to Marrikville, home to a fascinating and endearing, multi - cultural society and a plethora of  yummy (clean and well stocked) Vietnamese butcher's shops. I head here once a week to buy meat, and stock up on Meat, Chinese herbs, Vegetable oils and exotic spices. Today's take home shopping basket included Pure Sesame Oil, egg free Wonton Skins (Wrappers), gluten free Garlic Pappadams, 400g jars of  pickled garlic and pickled ginger, meat for the week for $21.55 which includes a lamb backstrap that was cut to order. Cumin Powder, Star Anise, Fennell Seeds, Dried Sweet Basil Seeds, Saffron Threads, Vanilla Pods, Cumin Powder, Coriander Powder, Sweet Paprika and Oregano from Turkey (think old spice route). The fish shops are equally as good as the meat shops - I can vouch for the Tuna.

The all kinds of everything shops that sell imports from China are irresistible.
I came home with 10 pairs of brightly patterned bamboo chopsticks ($2.50),a chopping board for half what I'd have to pay for it on my side of town, a garlic press and a black cotton long sleeved skivvy.

For lunch on the run I treated myself to a $3.50 Pork Roll over flowing with 'the lot' from the Pork Roll "hole in the wall" shop. Flowers are well priced and fabrics are at bargain basement prices.

Off to fry a few garlic pappadams.....