A new indoor market is set to bring a taste of international street food and local vendors to Chinatown, with The Alley Market officially opening its doors on the 24th of July for a three day opening weekend extravaganza.
Launching at 95 Grote Street, the new permanent market comes from Stephy Ngu and her husband, the duo behind MTWB Markets at the Market Shed on Holland. Stephy told Glam Adelaide that the inspiration for the market came from a desire to create a more accessible space for small businesses.
“We know a lot of small businesses – some start small and grow into full-time businesses, while others are looking for extra side hustles after work,” she said.
“We saw a lot of vendors with great products, but the challenge was always the venue – we didn’t want one person renting a whole big space,” she said.
“Rather than one person renting a whole big space, we thought, why don’t we gather all the vendors together so they can share the rent and support each other?”
The Alley Market will host more than 20 vendors, with a mix of food stalls, makers, and small businesses offering everything from handmade products to street food from across the world.
Located on the corner of Chinatown facing Grote Street, Stephy said that the market is designed to be somewhere people can easily drop into, whether they’re grabbing dinner, meeting friends, or just stopping by.
The food available at Make The World Better’s last markets. Source: Alley Market/Instagram.
“It’s meant to be very accessible – somewhere people can drop in before dinner, while waiting for friends, or just wander through and see what’s on offer,” Stephy said.
“I’ll think, I’m meeting my friends in 10 minutes, let’s just see what this place can offer, let’s buy some for tomorrow’s lunch, or maybe stop by tonight for dessert.”
Food lovers can expect a rotating mix of cuisines, including burgers, popular salt bread, matcha treats, Korean fried chicken, Malaysian dishes, Filipino drinks, Hong Kong and Thai-inspired offerings.
“We have really different kinds of vendors,” they said.
“We’re trying to get them not to overlap their products as well, so everyone has something different to bring.”
With the cost of living front of mind, affordability is also a key focus for the new market.
“Things are quite expensive at the moment, so we’re trying to keep prices around $15 or even under if possible,” Stephy said.
“Instead of spending $30 on a meal, people can try two dishes and support two different small businesses.”
“It’s about helping small businesses get their start while creating a new experience for the community,” she added.
The Alley Market
When: The Alley Market will officially launch with a three-day opening weekend:
Friday 24 July | 5pm–10pm
Saturday 25 July | 11am–10pm
Sunday 26 July | 11am–10pm
Following the opening weekend, the market will operate every week on:
Thursday & Friday | 5pm–10pm
Saturday & Sunday | 11am–10pm
Where: 95 Grote Street, Adelaide
Find out more here.
