If there’s one thing the Ekka never skimps on, it’s the food. From nostalgic classics to over the top creations you’ll be bragging about long after the show’s over. The air is thick with the scent of smoky grills, sugary treats and deep fried everything and honestly, half the fun is eating your way from one end of the showgrounds to the other. Here’s what’s worth loosening your belt for this year.
Strawberry Sundae
If there’s one thing you can’t skip at Ekka, it’s the Strawberry Sundae. A crisp cone stacked with creamy white ice cream, fresh chopped strawberries, rich strawberry ice cream, whipped cream and a strawberry on top. The quintessential Ekka treat. A tradition since 1950, with proceeds supporting the Prince Charles Hospital Foundation.
Hoy Pinoy
You can smell it before you even see it. It’s smoky, sweet and impossible to ignore. Hoy Pinoy’s grill fires up Filipino barbecue favourites like banana ketchup glazed pork belly, soy glazed chicken skewers and tender Wagyu beef with Kare Kare sauce, making it one of the Ekka’s most irresistible must eats.
Poppin Tanghulu
If you’re chronically online then you’ll know all about the viral tanghulu and this year it’s back at the Ekka, bigger and bolder. We’re talking a ridiculous one-metre-long stick of tanghulu, plus Australian FIRST Watermelon Chamoy for the ultimate sweet flex on the showgrounds.
East Blue Seafood
If you’re feeling a little fancy at the Ekka, skip the usual show fare and head straight for East Blue Seafood’s lobster rolls. Succulent lobster bathed in garlicky butter is layered over fresh, tangy apple slaw, all hugged by a perfectly soft, golden-toasted roll. It’s rich, indulgent and the kind of bite that makes you forget you’re at the show.
Thirty Monkey
If you know the acai hype, then you’ll love this. Berry rich acai piled high with crunchy granola, fresh fruit and drizzles of goodness, all served up in true Thirty Monkey style. It’s refreshing and just virtuous enough to balance out your other Ekka indulgences. Oh, and you’ve got to try heir viral nacho acai.
Blackstone BBQ
Another absolute must is the Tasting Platter from Blackstone BBQ over at Gourmet Plaza. We’re talking mega fries loaded up with tender beef and lamb, fresh salad, a hit of tangy tzatziki and a generous drizzle of truffle aioli.
Antico
For a slice of comfort at the Ekka, Antico’s woodfired pizzas hit the spot. Crisp, blistered bases straight from the oven are topped with quality ingredients and just the right amount of char, giving every bite that irresistible smoky flavour. Perfect for sharing or not.
Fish in the Family
When you need a break from all things deep-fried, Fish in the Family has you covered with their freshly shucked oysters and juicy prawns. Served chilled and ocean fresh, it’s a little taste of the coast right in the middle of the showgrounds.
