World cultures, customs, and languages have long divided people. Some things have connected people worldwide and helped them learn about each other. Examples are the variety of foods available from various cultures and the web of trade that connects them.
The world’s food markets are an interesting example of how these two cultures have fused to produce a new type of ancient marketplace. These will captivate the senses of even the most jaded traveler while also satisfying the shopping enthusiast hidden deep within the most discerning gourmets.
8 world’s best food markets
● St. Lawrence Market: Toronto, Canada
The St. Lawrence Market in Toronto is a great example of the immigrant contribution to Canadian cuisine. The marketplace features three large buildings, each offering a unique selection of goods. The South Market has the day’s freshest produce, meats, and dairy, while St. Lawrence Hall sells food industry ingredients and equipment. The Saturday Farmer’s Market has been in the North Market for over 200 years. On Sundays, the market hosts weekly antique sales, where visitors can pick up a piece of Canadiana for a song. While you’re here, only leave by sampling some regional specialties.
● Unique Square Market: New York, USA
The weekly rotation of vendors gives this market its distinctive flavor. The market is open year-round on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. This New York City market sells everything from organic vegetables grown nearby to fresh bread and unusual cuts of meat. While exploring the market, visitors can stop for a bite to eat at one of the food trucks selling tasty fare.
● Mercado Central: Santiago, Chile
The Mercado Central has seen it all, from bustling crowds to total abandonment after a fire in 1872. Since the site’s renovation, it has become home to fish, cheese, and fresh produce. Locally made empanadas are another great option for visitors. Additional services such as pharmacies and travel agencies are also available.
● La Boqueria: Barcelona, Spain
The first recorded appearance of this food market was in 1217, making it one of the world’s oldest. Here, hundreds of vendors offer samples of regional specialties to attract passing tourists. The market is known as the foodie Mecca of Europe due to its abundance of Spanish staples such as offal, olives, and salted cod. In addition to delicious regional specialties, plenty of bars serve up drinks, tapas, and pintxos.
● Spice Bazaar: Istanbul, Turkey
The name of the market gives away the fact that spices are the primary selling point. Nonetheless, this market also sells every Turkish delicacy imaginable to wandering shoppers, such as floral tea, halvah, and stringy cheese. Pyramids of fragrant sumac and pul biber fill the narrow aisles of this spice market. The market has been open continuously since 1664, and it is well worth your time to stop by and experience a piece of Turkish history in the form of Kanafeh.
● Or Tor Kor Market: Bangkok, Thailand
This market is known as one of the best fresh markets, and a documentary featuring Gordon Ramsay’s visit to the market during his travels through Southeast Asia has helped spread the market’s name worldwide. Visitors can always find the most recent harvest of Thai local produce here, perfect for incorporating into South and Southeast Asian dishes. The local currency may make fruits, vegetables, and spices more expensive, but their spicy aroma more than makes up for it.
● Borough Market: London, UK
One of London’s oldest food markets. The fresh produce section is larger than in most European markets, setting it apart. While searching for the freshest fish, customers can enjoy traditional meat and cider from New Forest Cider. The cheese shops here are a popular destination, as tourists and chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants have come to appreciate the region’s authentic Cheddar, Montgomery, Leicester, and Swiss.
● Tsukiji Fish Market: Tokyo, Japan
The world’s largest fish industry is Japan. It’s no surprise that its capital city has a world-class fish market. Fresh tuna auctions at 5 a.m. make most fish markets busy. Get up early to see this amazing display of human ingenuity because the public viewing area is small at dawn. After this loud performance, try some fresh sushi or sashimi at one of the many sushi bars in the market. While shopping, try authentic Japanese nori, wasabi, and sashimi knives.
Conclusion
All visitors can taste the local culture and cuisine at these food markets, including the traditional cooking methods. Visitors to these historic cities must visit their famous food markets. To satisfy your foodie side, plan a trip to your favorite place.