8 of the World’s Best Food Markets
Food markets are not your typical tourist destinations. But they are one of the best places to go when you want to immerse in the local culture and flavors. From fresh produce to good cheap eats, food markets offer a wide array of treats that will make the trip worthwhile. Here are eight of the best ones in the world to add to your must-visit list.
Borough Market (London, UK)
Why go: London’s Borough Market is a well-known food market for many good reasons. Many tourists even find their way to this foodie’s haven when visiting the city. Local produce, organic food, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and an extensive selection breads, pastries, and delectable dishes are just among its top gastronomical attractions.
Cours Saleya (Nice, France)
Why go: Cours Saleya is a vibrant market teeming with colorful flowers, fruits, vegetables, honey, cheeses, spicy sausages, and other authentic local products. It is a great place to shop for the best produce in the region or enjoy the delicious croissants and other treats the food market has to offer.
Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market (California, USA)
Why go: The Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market in San Francisco is a renowned food market in the area. It attracts locals and tourists alike who want to shop, taste, or simply gawk at the wide selection of food products available. Some of the best finds here include local produce and organic products, homemade treats like chocolates, and a lot more.
Grand Bazaar (Istanbul, Turkey)
Why go: Being the world’s largest and oldest covered markets is already a good reason to visit the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. And it does not disappoint. The place is a veritable treasure trove of products that range from rugs and jewelry to delicious Turkish delights and treats as well as a mind-boggling array of colorful spices.
Kauppatori Market (Helsinki, Finland)
Why go: The Market Square or Kauppatori located close to the heart of the city is a renowned attraction in Helsinki. It draws both locals and tourists who shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, and other food products or simply savor the tasty traditional Finnish treats that the market offers.
La Boqueria (Barcelona, Spain)
Why go: La Boqueria is touted as one of Europe’s most popular food markets. It is one of the places to see and experience when visiting Barcelona. This food lovers’ haven is brimming with cheeses, fruits, meats, seaafoods, and so much more. Eat some tapas from one of the tapa bars in the area or have a bite of some of the great tasting breads you can buy in this market.
St Lawrence Market (Toronto, Canada)
Why go: St Lawrence Market is one of the most famous food markets in the world. It is a tourist attraction in its own right for plenty of great and delicious reasons. It is a go-to place for fresh locally-grown produce, artisan and organic products, and more. There are also a wide array of crafts and souvenirs to be found along with scrumptious blueberry jams, delicious pies, and other treats.
Tsukiji Fish Market (Tokyo, Japan)
Why go: This world-famous fish market has long been a popular destination for travelers from across the globe. The live tuna auctions, fresh seafoods of all types, shapes, and sizes, and the wide selection of delicious foods at the outer market are just some of the best reasons to visit this bustling market.
This simple but so tasty grilled meat is inspired by the Mexican Caribbean where citrus and achiote, a brick red seed with a tangy earthy taste, are staples. Achiote is easily found in the latin spice section of grocery stores. This recipe uses pre-ground achiote powder, as it doesn‘t lose intensity on the shelf like most other spices. It is also available in brick form and as a whole seed. Add vegetables to your liking for a beautiful summer BBQ. I like roasting super ripe plantains whole in their peel on a piece of foil right on the grill until hot and steamy inside. Their sweetness works well with the tangy marinade on the meat.