A Foodie Affair: Flavours of Japan – FAQ’s

FAQs

• What do I receive as part of my ticket?

  Ticket holders will receive:

  • A Flavours of Japan Stamp Card
  • A Flavours of Japan Map
  • SMM Market Bag
  • Dishes and samples from our participating food traders
  • Immersive experiences from our general merchandise traders.

• What's on the menu?

  • Agathe Patisserie - Hojicha Infused Mini Croissant filled with Homemade Strawberry Jam. (V)
  • Bambu - Pork Gyoza with Spicy Ponzu Sauce.
  • Cobb Lane Bakery - Matcha Cheesecake with Mochi and Red Bean (V)
  • Fritz Gelato - Award-Winning Gelato with Traditional Japanese Matcha and Organic Milk and Sugar. (V)
  • Greek'n Out - Shallow Fried Calamari Served with Togarashi and Yuzu Aioli. (V, GF)
  • My Cookie Factory - Black Sesame Cookie with Gooey Sesame Center and Crispy Edges. Served warm. (V)
  • Oyster Bar by Aptus - Torched Salmon Sashimi with Soy, Mirin and Sake Glaze. (GF)
  • Simply Spanish - Chorizo and Prawn Dumpling with Shiitake Mushroom, Chestnut, Sesame, Bonito Flakes and Vinegar Dipping Sauce.
  • Smithburg - Eggplant Katsu Curry: Panko Crumbed Eggplant, Kastu Curry Sauce, Japanese Mayo, Togarashi Seasoning, Pickled Cabbage. (V)
  • Tea Drop - Matcha White Chocolate Coated Strawberry with Choice of Drink: Iced Matcha or Iced Hojicha with choice of flavours, Matcha Latte or Hojicha Latte, Cold Brew Genmaicha. (V)
  • UGO Burrata Bar - Burrata Hiyayakko: Green Onion, Bonito Flakes, Ginger, Soy Sauce Dressing and 30g Burrata, served with a side of Edamame. (V)

• What other traders will I visit as part of Flavours of Japan?

  For the first time, A Foodie Affair invites ticketholders to go beyond their plate and immerse themselves in the rich traditions of Japanese culture through a unique shopping experience, discovering authentic made-in-Japan goods and deepening appreciation for Japan's timeless artistry. 

  Osara

  Osara represents the cultural and lifestyle aspects of Japan through thoughtfully curated homewares - many of which are tied to three of Japan’s most revered life ceremonies: the tea ceremony (茶道 / sadō), flower arrangement (華道 / kadō), and incense appreciation (香道 / kōdō). These traditions embody the essence of Japanese culture - mindfulness, elegance, and seasonal awareness - and align closely with Osara's values of sincerity, intentionality, and timeless design.

  Discover the craftsmanship and meaning behind these three ceremonies instore in a quiet and immersive way.

  Tomi Art

  Tomi Art is Melbourne made and designed brand with the product concept of Japanese traditional art into contemporary wearable art. The designer, Satomi blends a flair for modern design concepts with a deep connection to the aesthetics of the traditional Japanese art and culture of her heritage. Each piece is mindfully made, intricate and unique with essence of Japanese traditional art.

  Satomi designs and produces a beautiful range of statement accessories made from Japanese kimono and Mizuhiki paper cord, as well as luxurious scarves of Japanese indigo blue.

  Here you will uncover the elegance and tradition of Japanese kimono. 

• What is included in the Japanese Discovery Bag?

  The Discovery Bag is available for $50 and is packed with beautiful, authentic treasures that will extend your Flavours of Japan experience beyond the Market.

  You'll receive your Discovery Bag upon check-in at the Market, then collect your goodies from participating traders along your journey. 

  Inside you'll find: 

  • A stunning Japanese greeting card from Tomi Art - so beautiful, many choose to frame them as art prints.
  • A choice of a mini matcha shaker or incense from Osara, and a booklet introducing you to the traditions of Japanese tea ceremony, flower arrangement and incense appreciation, including a gift voucher to the store.
  • A 20% off voucher for all Japanese-origin retail products from Tea Drop. 
  • A bottle of Chotto Motto Yuzu Hot Sauce from Georgie's Harvest - perfect for adding a zesty Japanese twist with some kick to your meals or cocktails. 
  • Shichimi Togarashi (Japanese seven-spice seasoning) from Gewürzhaus to spice up your cooking at home.
  • A 10% discount from Flinders + Co with information about their premium A5 Japanese Wagyu.
  • Spiral Foods Organic Furikake from Moses and Co. Market Wholefoods - perfect for adding a pop of flavour to add to your meals.

   

• How long will the event take?

  Flavours of Japan is a self-guided tour where you can roam around the Market in your own time, stopping along the way to enjoy some delicious food. There is no time limit, however, we recommend allowing 2-3 hours to complete the tour. Normal market hours apply with stalls inside the Market closing at 4pm Wednesday and Saturday and 5pm on Friday.

• What time is Flavours of Japan?

  There are two sessions on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, which take place between 14-24 October. You can select to purchase a ticket for 11am or 1pm.

• Where does Flavours of Japan start?

  When you arrive, please head to the Market Office in the Centre Aisle where you will receive your Flavours of Japan Stamp Card, Map and Market Bag to start you on your journey. 

• Will there be allocated seating available at each venue?

  Ticket holders can choose to dine in participating venues (subject to availability) or opt for takeaway to enjoy while walking around the Market or dining in any of the Market’s public spaces.

• Does this event cater for any dietary requirements?

  Some of our traders will cater for dietary requirements. Please contact them directly to find out more. 

• Where is the best place to park?

  Parking is available on the rooftop carpark (access via Coventry St) and York St carpark. There is also parking available in surrounding streets close to the Market. 

• Outdoor events / weather

  Flavours of Japan is an indoor event and will run rain, wind or shine. 

• Can I change the date of my ticket?

  We are unable to offer the transfer of tickets to a different date, please see the cancellation policy for more details.

• What is the cancellation policy?

  Cancellation by Ticket holder: In case a ticket holder wishes to cancel their ticket, they may do so up to 7 days prior to the event date, and they will receive a refund of the ticket price. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 7 days of the event date.

  No-shows: If a ticket holder fails to show up for the event, no refund will be issued.

  Event Cancellation: In the unlikely event that the event is cancelled or rescheduled, all ticket holders will be notified via email and provided with information regarding the refund or rescheduling process.

  Force Majeure: In case of a natural disaster, an act of terrorism, or other unforeseen circumstances, the event may be cancelled without notice. In such cases, ticket holders will be notified as soon as possible, and refunds will be issued in accordance with applicable laws.

• Who should I contact if I require a refund?

  Please email your booking details to smmmarketing@portphillip.vic.gov.au to request a refund, along with the reason for requesting the refund. Your request will be assessed by the South Melbourne Market team.