Summer mangoes are at their best and cheapest; buy a tray and eat them on a balcony.
Prawns
Christmas means cold prawns; queues at the Fish Market start before dawn on Christmas Eve.
Cherries
Local cherries arrive in December; look for them at markets and greengrocers.
Pavlova
Meringue, cream and summer fruit: the Christmas dessert Australia claims as its own.
Muslim traveller note: Lakemba’s Haldon Street, Auburn and Bankstown are the easiest places for halal meals. In the city, ask about certification, wine in sauces and shared fryers.