Belconnen’s foodie mecca turns two (and here’s what you’ll find inside)

Posted on 3 December, 2025

If you haven’t made it to Capital Food Market yet, Belconnen’s two-year-old foodie destination is worth the trip – and this weekend, there’s free fairy floss.

The market is celebrating its second birthday across this weekend with complimentary face painting, a jumping castle for the kids, live music, seasonal market stalls, and food tastings throughout the venue.

Both Saturday and Sunday sessions run from 10 am to 2 pm, with an author meet-and-greet thrown in for book lovers. It’s a family-friendly celebration of what has quietly become one of Canberra’s most interesting food precincts.

But the birthday weekend is also the perfect excuse to discover – or rediscover – what makes this European-inspired food hall worth a regular visit.

Fresh food essentials

At the heart of Capital Food Market are the fresh food traders who’ve been serving Canberrans for decades. Tom’s Superfruits is the anchor tenant with serious heritage – current owner Sal Jugovac worked there as a youngster when the original Belconnen Markets opened in 1978. Today, his team still focuses on the freshest local produce alongside quality pantry staples.

Sea Harvest brings another family story, one that stretches back to a Greek fishing island in the 1800s. For over 40 years, they’ve been bringing the finest Australian seafood to the capital. The fish counter here is the real deal.

Market Meats delivers top-grade cuts with friendly service (they’re Belconnen’s go-to butcher), while Chicken Coop specialises in Lilydale free-range poultry and game products, run by Che-To and his family with over 30 years of experience.

Tathra Place offers something different again – ethical, beyond free-range protein from their 100-acre regenerative farm in Wombeyan Caves, New South Wales. Think happy ducks, pigs, quail, chickens, lamb, and beef, all raised on fresh pasture without hormones, antibiotics, or chemicals.

For broader groceries, Green Harvest Grocers (now open seven days) boasts seasonal produce, artisanal cheeses, plant-based milks, and a fresh juice and salad bar. They stock dairy and alternatives, handcrafted breads, pastries, jams, and honey – essentially everything you need for a proper weekly shop with a bit more personality than the supermarket.

International flavours

Walk through Capital Food Market and you’ll hear multiple languages, smell spices from half a dozen cuisines, and realise this is far more than your average fresh food hub.

Bestore Asian Grocer is Canberra’s largest Korean store, stocking quality Korean BBQ meats and Japanese liquor alongside fresh vegetables and unique pantry items. If you’re riding the K-Wave, this is your spot.

Asian Savoury covers the broader Asian grocery spectrum, while Canberra Halal Meats provides high-quality halal cuts prepared with respect for Islamic principles, sourcing only the finest ingredients from local farmers.

When it comes to dining, you can take a trip around Asia without leaving Belconnen – from tasty Korean BBQ at Hanok to authentic sushi, yakitori, teppanyaki and sashimi at Kushi Japanese.

The journey continues with What The Pho’s Vietnamese street food, including pho noodle soup and banh mi rolls, Hao Chi’s mouth-watering dumplings and nourishing soups, and The Pandan Leaf’s Malaysian flavours.

Want your tastebuds to explore a little further? Sushant’s Indian Cuisine offers a tour through seven regional Indian cuisines, from Maharashtrian to South Indian, while Taco About serves Mexican eats, and Vanilla Pod Pizza & Pasta offers Italian cuisine in an intimate atmosphere.

Artisan goods and specialty treats

Le Cheeserie is a must-visit. Formed in 2023 by hospitality veterans with experience at The Boat House, Podfood, and Les Bistronomes, they stock Australian and international cheeses that are genuinely hard to find. They also make delicious toasted sandwiches that showcase their selection, using locally sourced quality ingredients.

Those with a hankering for bread and baked goods are well looked after, with Three Mills Bakery’s sprawling space pumping out incredible sourdough, sandwiches and sweet and savoury delights, and Knead Patisserie’s fresh artisan bread and pastries.

You’ll want to carve out some time to trawl the aisles of Deli Cravings – it specialises in imported European and Australian produce, including fine meats, fresh pasta, and delicacies that’ll transport you to Prague, Paris, or Hamburg.

Natural Living is the spot to head for high-quality natural products for body, mind, and home, with expert staff dedicated to helping you achieve optimal wellbeing.

Sweet treats

One of Canberra’s very best purveyors of iced treats, Florence Gelato marries traditional Italian gelato-making with modern innovation – each handcrafted flavour is a symphony of taste and texture.

Those with specific dietary requirements will love Sweet Business Healthy Living – Canberra’s own gluten-free and sugar-free European-style patisserie. Everything is handmade from natural and whole foods, available in diabetic-friendly, keto, low-carb, dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free options.

Thirsty? Roo Tea shakes up your day with bubble tea in flavours ranging from classic milk tea to fruity infusions, all topped with chewy boba while Daily Brew keeps it simple with expertly crafted coffee and delicious small eats.

No better time to visit

This weekend’s second birthday celebration is the perfect time to discover what the Capital Food Market has to offer – or to revisit old favourites with the kids in tow for fairy floss and face painting. Either way, you’ll leave with more than you came for.