There’s a little bit of Indian, some Chinese, Vietnamese, Laotian and Cambodian influence, and I even saw a New Zealand food truck there one day.
The Global Food Market of a Sunday morning at Logan Central is a treasure trove of smells and flavours.
But let’s call it for what it is. People colloquially refer to it as the “Thai markets”, and in terms of the cooked section of the markets on Station Road, that’s the dominant style of food.
The fresh food markets in Croydon St has fruit and vegetables originating from all over the globe.
The wonderful thing about the Thai markets is that it’s the closest anyone in Queensland will likely get to real Southeast Asian street food, which is why it’s a real attraction for people who travel from throughout the region to eat in and takeaway.
It’s not fancy. Just like sitting in a smog-filled alleyway of Bangkok, the stools are short and simple, and plastic-covered tables folded up and down to suit.
Also similar to some of the busier part of a big Asian city, the smells from each stall compete for your dining attention.
Most vendors have a selection of stir fries and soups, and it’s worth understanding that some of these recipes have been handed down for generations.
Food is a culture in Southeast Asia, and its people are proud of their cooking.
Barbecued meat on a stick is a staple snack, but it’s the marinade that makes the difference. Nearby, I see bananas fried in a sesame batter, and at just $5 for a bag of six slices, there’s desert sorted.
The same shop has a selection of Thai sweets, some made with taro, others with mung bean and one based with a favourite western ingredient, coconut.
Next door, there is a selection of wok-fried choices – basil chicken, fried rice and a Thai omellete. Most of the fried dishes are heavy on garlic and chilli, but there are a range of meats or vegetarian options to choose from as a base for the meal.
Noodles, rice and freshly-cut vegetables are a given in this type of food.
Look around, and you’ll see additions to a main meal such as north-eastern sausage, Chinese-style donut, marinated and chopped pork belly or Indian roti, either sweet or savoury.
Soup broths are cooked for hours. Yes, they often contain meat or seafood. But the flavours and aroma which gathers in the soup thanks to the vegetables and spices is outstanding.
Drink stalls are also distinctly Asian, with teas and freshly-squeezed sugar cane juice the order of the day.
Don’t expect to sit for hours, lingering over your next course.
But do expect to walk away with your taste buds given an authentic street food experience, all of it served with the hospitality Thailand has become renowned for.
