World Rice Festival

Overview

The World Rice Festival is headed to Melbourne from December 7–9 to celebrate the diversity of this global food staple. Rice-heavy dishes are found all over the world, from the Philippines and Thailand to India and Spain — and you'll get to taste it all under one roof here, alongside cooking demonstrations, live music and cultural performances.

Expect around 20 vendors to set up at Birrarung Marr — think lamb ribs and pork belly (with rice, of course) from Rice Paper Scissors, Thai sticky rice boxes from Farang Thai Issan BBQ, and Filipino lechon cebu from Hoy Pinoy, plus stalls selling dosas, paella and rice paper rolls.

Each stall will serve a special rice dish for the occasion, along with other signature menu items. The cherry on top is dessert from like torched rice pudding from the Brûlée Cart and rice flour durian mochi from Duria.

The drinks will be supplied by HWKR, which will have its own 'chill out' lounge, serving cocktails, sushi and other snacks. The A'Beckett Street food hall will also host the launch party on Wednesday, December 5. For $41, you'll get five mini rice dishes, one dessert and a boozy beverage.

Entry to the festival itself is free, and will be open from 5–10pm on Friday, 10–10pm on Saturday and 12–5pm on Sunday.