Food markets are places where food-enthusiasts can be seen at their most earnest: looking, listening, sniffing, feeling and shopping. Shopkeepers and vendors yell greetings in different languages while customers haggle noisily. The aroma of floral teas, high-quality spices and freshly baked goods wafts through these places that are considered meccas of food. Here are seven food markets from around the world that you must visit:
Kashgar Market in Kashgar, China
Considered the biggest market in Central Asia, Kashgar Market runs only on Sundays. Kashgar was an important trading point along the Silk Road for over 2,000 years. The market is known for its large scale and the variety of goods that are sold. Fruits, spices and nuts dominate the produce. Lamb kebabs are also sold here, making a good lunch for those who visit and spend the morning shopping.
Spice Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey
Spices are the main attraction of this Istanbul market that is also well-known for selling halva, cheese and tea. It was established in 1664 and has been functioning ever since. Wine-coloured heaps of sumac invite patrons to walk through the narrow aisles, browse the various spices on offer and buy some of the best.
Borough Market in London, United Kingdom
One of London’s oldest and most popular food markets, Borough Market in London is a culinary haven. Traders selling everything from wine and cheese to fresh fruit and vegetables can be spotted here. Chefs from various London restaurants can be spotted shopping for ingredients, which they later turn into interesting dishes.
Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem, Israel
Jerusalem's winding alleys and cobblestoned streets lead to Mahane Yehuda, which houses stalls and shops selling everything from fragrant tea and baked goods to innovative spice mixes. The juice stalls here are very popular, churning out pomegranate, mango and orange juice among other varieties. The market especially comes alive over the weekends.
Gadodia Market in Delhi, India
Originally designed to be used as both a commercial and residential property, Delhi’s Gadodia Market is located in Khari Baoli, which is considered one of the world’s largest spice markets. Built around a Mughal-era bungalow, the market sells spices from Northern, Western and Eastern India. The chillies sold at Gadodia Market are the most sough-after. Even restaurants in Delhi have been known to source their spices from here.
St. Lawrence Market in Toronto, Canada
Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market is made up of three major buildings, each selling different kinds of produce. Find everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to meat and dairy at The South Market. The Saturday Farmer’s Market, which is a part of The North Market, is a 200-year-old tradition. Dealers selling antiques also appear at The North Market on Sundays.
Union Square Greenmarket in New York, USA
Vendors at the Union Square Market in New York change every week and this keeps things interesting. Open every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, the market sells locally sourced organic vegetables, different cuts of meat and baked goods. Food trucks here serve tasty street food to hungry customers.