Melbourne Night Noodle Markets: Top 5 things to feed the kids

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. But amid the spices and generous globs of chilli, you might wonder what's on offer for the kids? Many stalls are happy to prepare chilli-free versions of menu items, but be prepared for an eight to 10-minute wait.

1. Let's Do Yum Cha have the basics down pat, with vegetarian dumpling and prawn and chive dumpling options (two for $5 or five for $10), a treat with a splash of soy. Vegie spring rolls (two for $5/five for $10) are also a good option. (Watch out for the piping-hot plates.)

2. Give them something to hold: Mamak's golden chicken-satay skewers (six for $10) are crispy, buttery and easy to chew off the stick. A plump side of roti canai ($6.50) conveniently comes with curry and sambal on the side.

3. Wonderbao's buns are a great healthy option. Served at ready-to-eat temperature, their big choi baos - shiitake mushroom, tofu and vegies in a sweet bun - help fill hungry stomachs. Five dollars each or three for $12.

4. Conveniently parked on the grassy hill (aka "play area"), Ghost Kitchen provides a generous mound of salt 'n' pepper popcorn chicken for $10. Forgo the chilli sauce (unless your kids are good with heat), and watch the addictive morsels be devoured in seconds. Sweet potato wedges ($8) are worth a shot too.

5. Wash down the lot with a big drink of sweet coconut milk. The young drinking coconut ($6) from Mini Pancakes keeps the gang well occupied, thanks to the muskiness of the drink and the novelty of their straw disappearing into the big white husk.