Korea Town Mart is always busy. That’s probably because while only modest in size, its selection is judiciously chosen. This is one of two Korea Town Marts on Elizabeth Street, but this is the bigger one – right on the city fringe near the Queen Victoria Market. As its name might suggest, KT Mart specialises in all things Korean. There’s a great variety of pickled things, including kim-chi (naturally). Along with pickles, Korea also loves its chilli and KT Mart is no exception. Its range of chilli pastes and sauces is unsurpassed.

The shop also has a large range of dumplings and gyoza, with seafood, veggie and pork packages all ready to be boiled, steam or fried. Plus, KT Mart has one of Melbourne’s most extensive selection of specialty Asian rice: from standard jasmine to koshihikari and all kinds of wild varieties.