In April, the Adelaide Central Market was ranked the third-best food market in the world, beating famous markets in Paris, Valencia and New York – not to mention some stiff competition in Melbourne and Sydney.

The market is a tourism drawcard in the South Australian capital, attracting more than eight million visitors each year.

It has more than 70 traders under one roof, making it the largest undercover fresh produce market in the southern hemisphere.

Market general manager Fabienne Reilly said the world ranking wasn’t a surprise as much as a reminder.

“The character of our market comes from being a great melting pot,” she said. “It’s a mix of hyper-local and multicultural. It reflects our diverse migrant communities. It’s relaxed, but with a really high standard of quality. People care for quality here. We just don’t make a fuss about it.”

Her tip for anyone who hasn’t been in a while is to walk in with all your senses switched on.

“We often think shopping can be a chore, but the market is a great sensory experience,” Reilly said.

“It’s good for the soul.”

It can also be good for the bank balance.

“What’s taken for granted is how it’s not only really quality and fresh produce, but often the most affordable, especially for fruit and veg,” Reilly said. “We forget that, especially compared to supermarkets.”

Here are four stalls regulars know to head for:

Saudade: The tart people queue for

If you’ve ever walked past the market’s Grote Street entrance and noticed a queue, that’s Saudade. Its pastel de nata – Portuguese custard tart – has built a following so loyal that visitors keep asking for it to open a branch in Melbourne.

“Many visitors, including locals, often tell us our pastéis de nata are as good as, if not better than, the ones they have tried in Portugal,” says Miguel Alemao from Saudade.

His order for a first-timer? A “nata” with a dusting of cinnamon and a coffee.

Saudade’s Portuguese custard tarts have built a loyal following. Photo: The Post SA

Les Deux Coqs: Pastries on one side, pâté on the other

Les Deux Coqs is run by Alexis and Audrey, who took over the business from its French founders in 2025. There, you’ll find glossy tarts on one side, terrines and pâté en croûte on the other.

“Visitors are often intrigued when they see a traditional-looking French store inside the market,” Alexis said.

“At first, it can seem like an unusual combination, but it really works. From appetisers and charcuterie to pastries and desserts, we have something for every part of the meal.”

The best-seller is the duck mousse. Those with a sweet tooth should try the canelés, crème brûlée or lemon meringue tart.

Alexis and Audrey run Les Deux Coqs, bringing French pastries, terrines and pâté en croûte to the market. Photo: The Post SA

House of Health Collective: The four-stall secret

If you’re trying to cut back on single-use plastic, the House of Health Collective is the easiest place to start. Its four stalls make up one of Australia’s longest-running certified organic operations, and bring-your-own-container shopping is built into how it all works.

“Buy what you need, bring your own container, skip the packaging,” said Chester Frank, who runs the Collective with his brother Rob jr.

“Bulk buying is one of the most cost-effective ways to shop. It’s cheaper than people think and the quality difference is immediate.”

In the bulk section, customers can scoop just the quantity they need of oats, rice, nuts, lentils and dried beans. The refill stations work the same way for liquids: Pour your own oil, nut butter, or even liquid soap into your own jar.

The Collective stocks plenty of more unexpected items too, such as ceremonial cacao, adaptogenic mushroom blends, wild-caught seafood, artisan ferments and raw honey.

House of Health is one of the market’s long-running wholefoods stalls. Photo: Lewis Potter

The Olive Tree: A cellar door in a market stall

If you’re buying ingredients for dinner and want to match the right wine, Paul Bratovic is your man.

He’s been at the market for more than 25 years and Stall 61 – The Olive Tree – stocks only South Australian wines, so Bratovic’s staff can talk you through the regions, producers and exactly what to pour with whatever you’ve just picked up from the seafood or charcuterie counters.

You can also BYO(E)B – bring your own empty bottle. The Olive Tree refills high-quality Clare Valley olive oil and Bleasdale Tawny.

And most Friday nights The Olive Tree has free wine tastings from visiting South Australian producers.

The Olive Tree is a go-to spot for the right bottle of SA-made wine to go with dinner. Photo: The Post SA

A new chapter, same heart

The market is about to double in size as part of Adelaide’s Market Square development. In the meantime, it’s very much open, trading and thriving.

Reilly said the expansion was a major new chapter, but not a reinvention.

“What’s most important for us is that we preserve everything that makes the market so loved – the unique atmosphere, the authentic shopping experience, the focus on amazing food and a sense of community,” she said.

Where Adelaide shows up

The market isn’t just where South Australians shop, it’s also a place where they celebrate.

In July, Illuminate Adelaide’s magic will bring roving performances to engage with, a mesmerising art installation to explore and a special after-dark foodie event.

Also in July, the market’s much loved Bastille Day celebration returns, showcasing French food, wine and culture, bringing a taste of France to the Market.

There’s also the “producer in residence” stall near the Grote Street entrance, where a new South Australian producer, start-up retailer or eatery tests their idea every three weeks – so even regulars have a reason to see what’s changed.

Friday nights, Saturday mornings and the art of wandering

Friday nights at the Adelaide Central Market were voted Australia’s favourite food experience in the 2025 Delicious 100 awards.

With live music from 6pm and trading until 9pm, these nights put the fun in grocery shopping.

“You can shop, but you can also dine,” Reilly said. “You can go with loved ones. You can listen to music, entertain the kids, hang out. It’s a perfect place for a wander.”

She said some regulars had been faithful to their Friday night shopping and dinner experiences for years. One customer told her they’d sat at the same table every Friday for years – and the couple at the next table had too. They became friends.

Saturday is for taking your time. Reilly said her perfect market morning was less about a strict plan and more about following her nose: Coffee and breakfast at Atlas Continental, cheese tasting at Smelly Cheese, traditional sweets at Turkish Delights, then stocking up on fruit and veg for the week.

“By the end of it, a lot of people who haven’t been here for a while are thinking, ‘Why have I not been here for so long?’,” she said.

“It’s like rereading a really good book. You just feel recharged.”

Republished from The Post SA