Callum Hann will take over the South Melbourne Market Food Hall Courtyard on Saturday 27 June for a free mushroom cooking demonstration that requires nothing more than showing up.
The two-hour session runs from 11am to 1pm and is hosted by the Australian Mushroom Growers Association, A better choice!, and South Melbourne Market. It marks the start of mushroom season with easy, family-friendly recipes that use locally grown produce.
Hann is best known as a MasterChef Australia favourite who finished runner-up and has since built a career as a cookbook author and food educator. He has partnered with the mushroom growers association for similar events before, including a 2024 demo at the same market and recent season launches in Adelaide featuring mushroom tacos and pies.
If you want to walk away with new weeknight dinner ideas, this is the kind of free drop-in that pays off. Hann will demonstrate how to make the most of Australian mushrooms in dishes that work for families and budget-conscious cooks.
The only detail to watch is the start time. While the main listing says 11am, some event channels mention a noon start. The safe approach is to arrive at 11am and grab a coffee from a nearby stall if you are early.
Getting to the market is straightforward by tram. Route 96 from Bourke Street stops right outside at Stop 127, and routes 12 and 109 are also options. On-site parking is limited, so public transport is the better bet.
Before or after the demo, St Ali Coffee Roasters and the market’s own Canteen are reliable spots for breakfast or a caffeine hit. If you stick around for lunch, nearby Pizzateca Lupa and The Railway Hotel are worth a look.
Hann’s appearance is part of a broader push to put Australian mushrooms at the centre of winter cooking, and the free Saturday session gives locals a chance to steal a few tricks from someone who knows exactly how to make them shine.
Quick Facts
South Melbourne Market
Historic public market in South Melbourne offering fresh produce, food hall, and community events. It serves as a hub for locals and visitors seeking local food and produce.
Australian Mushroom Growers Association
Industry body representing Australian mushroom growers, promoting the use of local mushrooms through events, recipes, and consumer education campaigns.