Foodies Need To Visit These Amazing Markets
If your idea of the perfect trip is to taste all the amazing foods the country has to offer, this article is for you. While food markets offer tourists fantastic arrays of different options to try, it's important you don't forget there's history written all over the walls too. After all, food is so much more than what it is - it reflects an entire country and its culture. Here are 20 of the best food markets around the world you have to visit.
1. Tsukiji Market - Tokyo, Japan
If the main goal behind your Japan trip was to experience some of the freshest, most delicious sushi in the world, you can't miss out on Tsukiji Market. Where there's plenty of fresh seafood for you to enjoy, you'll also be pleasantly surprised by the traditional food options available. There's so much to eat and buy, so make sure you come early to avoid the big crowds.
2. La Boqueria - Barcelona, Spain
Named the most famous food market in all of Barcelona, you just can't skip a trip to La Boqueria which is located right in the heart of the city. Not only is it visually stunning, you can soak up so much culture here. Did you really expect anything less than that though? With 330 stalls sprawled out, you can explore and get a taste of what this beautiful culture has to offer.
3. Marché des Enfants Rouges - Paris, France
Really experience the romance of Paris by visiting their oldest food market, Marché des Enfants Rouges. It's an incredibly charming destination full of history, as it opened all the way back in 1615! It's amazing seeing how it continues to thrive, offering tourists and locals alike a satisfying array of fresh produce, cheese, and various street foods to indulge in.
Connie Ma from Chicago, United States of America on Wikimedia
4. Lau Pa Sat - Singapore
Singapore has always been a hot spot for amazing street food, so head to one of their markets to experience it all. At Lau Pa Sat, you'll get the perfect blend of culture, history, and food. The building has been around for decades, first built as a fish market back in 1824. Now, you're able to try the best satay sticks and pan-fried noodles dishes you've ever tasted. Better come with an empty stomach!
5. Nishiki Market - Kyoto, Japan
After hitting up Tsukiji Market in Tokyo, we highly recommend making the trip over to Kyoto where you can feast in their unique famous foods. With more than 100 shops and restaurants lined up on the narrow street of Nishiki Market, you'll probably be stopping at every one. To get you excited, some popular food finds here include senbei, karaage, and delicious soymilk donuts.
6. Ferry Building - San Francisco, United States
San Francisco is often called one of America's greatest cities thanks to how rich it is with culture and history. A perfect example of that is the Ferry Building, a covered market filled with amazing artisan food stalls. While it's not the biggest on this list, with just 50 or so shops and eateries to visit, the quality of goods more than makes up for the quantity.
7. Or Tor Kor Market - Bangkok, Thailand
If you thought 100 vendors was a lot, you'll be shocked by the sheer size by Or Tor Kor Market in Bangkok. One of the top food markets in the world, you'll find everything from souvenirs to produce to snacks and street food. It's every Thai food lover's dream! Just walk around and get lost in all the amazing offerings. Why not visit Moo Satay Heiy Hui for their amazing pork satay or Kaeng Mae Malee7 for their curry dishes?
8. St. Lawrence Market - Toronto, Canada
Don't sleep on Canada guys! As one of the most beloved indoor markets in the country, you can purchase the freshest goods here. The quality is fantastic! But what people love most here is the atmosphere - it's always crowded with tourists and locals enjoying the comforting vibe. We recommend making a stop at one of several great bakeries found here, along with stalls selling Montreal-style bagels you can't miss.
– Wladyslaw [Disk.] on Wikimedia
9. Ningxia Night Market - Taipei, Taiwan
Are you drooling at the thought of freshly prepared oyster egg omelettes, chicken rice, or scallion pancakes? If the answer is yes, make it your life goal to visit Ningxia Night Market in Taiwan. This outdoor market is loaded with so many delicious food options as far as your eyes can see. Whether you're craving savory or sweet, we can guarantee there's a Taiwanese dish with your name on it.
10. Borough Market - London, UK
Operating since 1756, it's safe to say Borough Market is one of the oldest in London. The focus here is on quality, offering customers fresh and tasty options they won't be disappointed with. Holding over 100 unique stalls, we'd suggest checking out Richard Haward Oysters for fresh seafood or El Pastor for some seriously good tacos.
Jeremy Keith from Brighton & Hove, United Kingdom on Wikimedia
11. Bến Thành Market - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Over in Vietnam, there's no shortage of affordable yet delicious food options. While Bến Thành Market offers more than just food, including souvenirs, flowers, and so much more, let's be honest, we're here to eat. You absolutely can't leave the country until you've had Bun Rieu, Bun Bo Hue, and Pho. These three noodles dishes are must-tries! And with around 1,500 stalls, we're sure you can find them here.
12. Mercado Central - Santiago, Chile
Covering more than 8,000 meters of ground, it's safe to say Mercado Central is huge. It's so fun wandering around the market exploring all the small vendors and their offerings. If you're coming hungry though, we don't think you'd last very long. One look at those delicious ice cream treats and hefty lunch plates and you'll be pulling out your wallet in no time.
13. Wang Fu Jing Snack Street - Beijing, China
The perfect place to visit in Beijing if you're wanting to try out a variety of snacks, Wang Fu Jing Snack Street will satisfy all your cravings. This 800 meter long street is filled with vendors selling Stinky Tofu (adventurous eaters only!), skewers, Chinese crepes, tanghulu, and so much more. There's no need for lunch when you visit here - just fill up on snacks!
14. Gwangjang Market - Seoul, South Korea
A super trendy place that's fun for locals and foreigners alike, Gwangjang Market in South Korea is your one-stop shop for trying all the best snacks this country has to offer. We're talking tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), kalguksu (a noodle soup), kimbap (seaweed wrapped rolls like sushi), and hotteok (sweet fried and filled pancakes). There's roughly 5000 stalls here, so be prepared to spend the whole day!
15. Paloquemao - Bogota, Columbia
If you want to experience Columbian culture at its finest, head over to Paloquemao where you'll get to embrace the hospitality of the locals, see amazing sights, and taste their most delicious dishes. This market is home to approximately 2,000 vendors, meaning you'll have plenty to see.
16. Jean Talon Market - Montreal, Canada
Found in the Little Italy district of Montreal, the Jean Talon Market is a gem beloved by all the locals. Here, you can purchase the most amazing fresh fruit, vegetables, and dairy products. The quality is always incredible, meaning you're getting a great bang for your buck. But on top of that, there are plenty of great eats to try too, including croissants, bagels, and filling sandwiches.
de:User:Eberhard von Nellenburg on Wikimedia
17. Jemaa El Fna - Marrakesh, Morocco
Did you know this cultural food market is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site? That's right, because it's continued to serve as a cultural focal point for the city, its importance to the identity of Morocco is to be treasured. As you immerse yourself in the atmosphere and beautiful sights, you can dine on delicious eats at the same time. For meat lovers, you're going to love all the different grilled options they have here.
18. Pike Place - Seattle, United States
Home to the first ever Starbucks, that alone drives a lot of traffic to Pike Place in Seattle. This rustic looking market isn't just photo-worthy, it's tasty too. From dumplings to chowder and falafels, there are so many great restaurants and eateries to explore. Every time you come back, there'll be something new worth trying.
19. Namdaemun Market - Seoul, South Korea
A traditional market also found in Seoul, this is a wonderful place to stop by if you want to explore all the different goods known in this country. As you shop for clothes and souvenirs, we highly recommend picking up some street food to munch along the way. There's plenty of dumpling, soup, and dessert stops just waiting for you!
20. English Market - Cork, Ireland
Active since 1788, this English Market in Ireland has been around for quite the long time. There's history you can feel here! With all of its beautiful ceilings and columns, it's not just a feast for your stomach, it's one for the eyes too. But let's talk more about the food because the gourmet bread and sausages here are incredible!
