Barkly Street is the place to start. Whether you want to inhale steaming bowls of pho laden with herbs and zesty lemon, or carefully mop up fragrant Ethiopian stews with spongy traditional bread, Footscray is where it’s at. And the culinary adventures don’t stop there. Not only is the iconic Footscray Market laden with exotic gourmet delights, there’s a buzz about this market that’s an experience in itself.
Drawn by cheaper rent, a thriving arts and music scene and a growing sense of excitement as to what this exciting locale has in store, new cafés, bars and restaurants have opened in droves, drawing foodies from across the city in search of something new and full of flavour. While gentrification has moved Footscray on in a big way – new developments seemingly pop up overnight – this vibrant neighbourhood has managed to maintain its gritty charm.