Sweet-tooth enthusiasts are in for a treat as Queen Victoria Market is set to host the inaugural ‘Sweet As’ Festival. The event, happening on Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30, will feature over 20 dessert vendors offering a wide array of tempting sweets. From traditional knafeh to souffle pancakes, Basque cheesecake, churros, halo-halo, and more, this two-day festival promises to satisfy every dessert lover’s cravings. The festival will run from 9 am to 4 pm on both days.
Collaboration with Melbourne Food & Wine Festival and The Bearded Bakers
The ‘Sweet As’ Festival is a collaboration between the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival and The Bearded Bakers. Known for their iconic knafeh, The Bearded Bakers will also offer a special creation inspired by the market’s diverse traders. Their Knafeh and Fig dessert combines the sweetness of figs with the rich flavors of knafeh, topped with pistachios and sugar syrup.
“We are thrilled to bring the ‘Sweet As’ Festival to Queen Victoria Market and share our passion for desserts with Melbourne,” said Joey El-Issa, co-founder of The Bearded Bakers. “Our Market-inspired knafeh is a fusion of cultures and flavors, much like the market itself. It’s a tribute to the amazing traders and their fresh produce that make the market so unique.”
In addition to the sweet treats, festival-goers can enjoy live performances during the ‘Baking and Shaking’ sessions, featuring live music, drumming, and dancing.
Sweet Offerings to Look Forward To
The ‘Sweet As’ Festival will showcase a variety of dessert vendors. Here’s a preview of what’s in store:
Colombiantojos: Enjoy Colombian corn cakes in tropical and berry flavors.
Toyoki Souffle: Watch as fluffy Japanese souffle pancakes jiggle on your plate.
Sticky Date: Savor the classic sticky date pudding, reimagined with a modern twist.
Il Panzerotto, Taste of Puglia: Indulge in sweet and savory panzerotti filled with Nutella, vanilla custard cream, and more.
La Dolce Vita: Treat yourself to tiramisu in traditional, chocolate, and limoncello varieties.
Swirle: Marvel at the glistening candied fruit skewers, known as Tanghulu.
Lucky Coin: Sample Korean cheese coins in Nutella KitKat or pistachio cream.
Experience the ‘Sweet As Tour’
For those looking to explore even more of Queen Victoria Market’s sweet offerings, the ‘Sweet As Tour’ is a must. Guided tours will take you through the market, where you can indulge in pastries, traditional Greek spoon sweets, handmade Sicilian gelato, and hot jam donuts. The tour takes place on Saturday, March 29, from 10 am to 12 pm, with tickets priced at $99 per person.
Whether you’re a fan of classic desserts or looking to try something new, the ‘Sweet As’ Festival at Queen Victoria Market offers a delicious experience for everyone.
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