If I dropped in from outer space to Logan City's Global Food Village I would swear I was in Asia.
Apart from a distinct lack of that typical 'smell' of Asia, a combination of rotting vegetation and poor sewerage systems, this market is full of the tastes, sights and sounds of Asia.
Granted, the patrons and stall holders also are a much more diverse cultural mix drawing from the 251 cultural groups that call Logan City home.
While the market has been operating for 10 years it's only been in its present location, right next to Woodridge train station, for about five months.
I was amazed by the freshness and diversity of the produce on sale, such as the bamboo shoots grown by Stephine at Marsden which she sells for $1.50 a kilo.
The market stretches down Croyden street on both sides for a whole block and there are plenty of stalls to browse. Many of the stall holders also grow their produce in nearby suburbs.
Expect to find everything from Asian eggplants and chills to okra and sour leaves, along with a wide range of other more common fruit and vegetables. Don't expect to find things that are out of season or imported.
The food section of the market is even more typically Asian with menus that could be lifted from a Bangkok sidewalk and communal tables crammed with hungry diners. It backs up to the train line occupying the train station car park.
We stopped for breakfast at Molthaien's stall and sampled three dishes. Molthaien is a perfectionist in her cooking and poured six litres of her first batch of pad thai sauce down the drain because she was not satisfied with its flavour.
The dishes ranged in price from $8 to $10 and were very hefty serves - good value!
The market runs every Sunday from 6am to 2 pm, although some stalls sell out way before then. As always with a market, get there early for the best selection.
Global Food Village
Recommended for: Looking for unusual Asian ingredients? This is the place to find them.
Best tip: Catch a train - it's right next to Woodridge Train Station.
Bottom line: Budget conscious market prices.
Kerry Heaney
Disclaimer: Ed+bK was a guest of Logan City and Brisbane Marketing