Herb & Chilli Festival
Subscribe
X

Subscribe to Forte Magazine

Herb & Chilli Festival

The Herb and Chilli Festival is bringing the heat to the Yarra Valley this March

Returning for its tenth year, this year’s Herb and Chilli Festival is a celebration of all things hot, with a two-day buffet of food, music, competitions, demonstrations and entertainment.

Adding some serious zest to Wandin over two huge days in March – Saturday, March 19 and Sunday, March 20 – the fiery festival is a homage to the spicy side of life. 

Upon entry, you’ll be greeted with a huge range of festival stalls, both old and new, dedicated just to plants, freshly grown herbs, rubs, jams, spice mixes and more than 40 varieties of chillies on sale. Here you’ll be able to enjoy an abundance of free samples and tastings, as well as purchase the goods to take home and cook up a storm.

If you think you can defeat the heat, Hot Sauce Alley is where you’ll find a huge spread of chilli-based foods on offer with sauces, relishes, and rubs certain to tickle the tastebuds. With an endless cavalcade of hot sauces to try, you’ll also be able to find Chipotle BBQ, Smoked Jalapeno, Blair’s Death Sauce and so much more.

You’ll even be able to buy bottles of your favourites so you can keep the party going way past the weekend.

Over in the international food court, you’ll be spoiled for choice with more than 20 food stores showing off their styles and taste from all around the globe. Spanning over 2,000 square metres, you’ll be able to sit down and dine on your meal, or meals, with live music happening throughout the area.

From the World’s Hottest Dim Sims (made from pure chilli) and slow BBQ feasts to desserts and fresh fruit ice cream for when your mouth is on fire, there’s bound to be something for every taste. If you’re the experimental type (and if you’re at a chilli fest we imagine you are), we recommend swinging by the deli section where you’ll find delights like Salamis, Turkish delights, jerky and smoked fish.

To wash it all down, you’ll find a range of beer, wine, spirits, non-alcoholic beverages and excellent coffee on offer with a focus on small brewers, boutique distillers and local wineries. For fans of spicy daytime cocktails, you’ll also find an abundance of spicy creations to test your tastebuds. Think the likes of Chilli vodka, chilli beer, and spicy vodka. OR perhaps chilli kombucha is more your style? 

If improving your DIY meal repertoire is what you’re after, check out the Cooking Stage where chefs and cooks will share their expertise, tips, tricks and favourite recipes, or if you’d prefer to get in amongst the action you can put your gob to the test with the ever-popular ‘Stinger Wing Challenge’ or the ‘Captain Chilli competition’, with the latter offering the title of ‘Captain Chilli’ to whoever can consume the hottest food items in the quickest time. Here, Mexican wrestlers will be demonstrating their incredible craft and schmoozing with the crowds so be sure to swing by the competition stage to witness exactly that.

Another not-to-be-missed event is the Australian Chilli Cook-Off, where each team cooks a big batch of American-style chilli. The teams are judged by professionals and the public votes as well with a small gold coin donation needed to taste the concoctions.

Heading up the main stage multiple times across the two days is Sydney-based roots act Psycho Zydeco with their blend of Cajun, blues and swamp – adding their kick to an already spicy weekend. Inspired by the sounds of New Orleans and Louisiana, the Psychos – as they’re dubbed by fans – are a melting pot of drums, guitar, sax, washboard, accordion and the occasional industrial-sized triangle.

An event dedicated to foodies and eager heat gladiators of all ages, kids will have a great time at the festival with plenty of entertainment such as face painting, pony rides, jumping castles and a petting zoo. There will be plenty of vegan and other dietary-friendly options, plus the dog can come too.