Spice up ya life: Chilli Week is back from Thursday at Verity Lane Market

Posted on 6 May, 2024

Do you like it hot, Canberra?

Personally, I’m something of a butter chicken gal myself, but if you’re so into spice your name should be Victoria Beckham, do we have the event for you.

Kicking off this Thursday 9 May, Chilli Week is back at Verity Lane Market with a diverse and delicious lineup of spicy dishes across all six of their pop-up vendors.

So, what can you sink your teeth into (preferably with a glass of milk ready and waiting)?

Well, you can start with crunchy crumbed jalapeno poppers with risotto and cheese from La Cocina Pura before moving onto a spicy fried chilli chicken burger from Korean chicken hub, Seoul Chicken.

Or perhaps some Sichuan peppercorn chicken bites from Super Bao are more your style, paired with a chilli chicken Ayam Rarang from Indonesian kitchen Rasa Rosa?

Want some European spice in your life? Don’t miss the Amatriciana pizza with spicy nduja sauce from the delicioso Pizza Artigiana.

Running for 11 days until Saturday 18 May, Verity Lane Market’s General Manager Kathryn Oplantzakis says it’s all about letting vendors unleash their creativity as well as bringing some heat to Canberra’s autumn.

“Chilli week lets all our vendors celebrate a beloved ingredient amongst all of their cultural backgrounds and bring a bit of heat to the Market Hall for Canberra to enjoy in one special flavourful week.”

“This year we’ve moved the event to be closer to winter – a time which is much more synonymous with hot, spicy food to both warm the body and clear the sinuses. Locals and visitors alike are going to love turning up the heat as the weather cools around them.”

However, in some sad news, it’s also been announced that Singaporean favourites Lim Peh’s Wonton Noodles will finish their Verity Lane residency at the end of May.

“Lim Peh has been in an incredibly popular vendor at Verity Lane, with lines rolling out the door since they opened their kitchen in April of 2023.”

“While we are sad to see them depart, we know they are off to achieve big dreams and are so thrilled we are able celebrate Chilli Week with them before they go.”

Celebrate how you ask? With a Hainanese Chicken Rice, with Scallion Soy, a Cucumber Medley and Garlic Chilli Sauce, of course!

Naturally, a spicy marg from the Verity Lane Bar will be on offer, a spicy mango margarita with chilli salt, in fact and yes – bottles of milk are quite literally on hand for those who are less tolerant (me).

Photography: Ben Calvert