Ten of the world’s most interesting food markets


Updated on 08 September 2015 | 0 Comments

We take a look at some of the most unique and unusual food markets around the world.

Food markets are intriguing places, and are often a great place to see local life, pick up interesting souvenirs and, best of all, taste authentic food.

They can also be hectic and busy, so watch your belongings. And remember it's polite to ask the vendors before taking photographs.

We've picked out 10 markets around the globe that are well worth visiting.

Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo, Japan

If the smell of fish makes you heave, the world’s largest wholesale fish and seafood market (pictured above) isn’t for you. From the early hours, everything from sea urchins to sashimi-grade tuna fish is perused, haggled over and sold to food retailers and companies.

It’s big business – a bluefin tuna once sold for $1.7 million at one of the market’s legendary tuna auctions. As this is a wholesale market, tourists are limited to visiting during the early hours so check the website for up-to-date changes.

Photo: InsideJapan Tours - www.InsideJapanTours.com

Azadpur Mandi, Delhi, India      

Although this market has been renamed MNI, it’s still known as Azadpur Mandi to everyone. It's an enormous 80 acres and is said to be Asia’s largest fresh produce market with an abundance of everything imaginable: pumpkins from Kolkata, stinky durian from Malaysia, even fresh olives from Spain.

As you’d expect of an Indian market, it’s a hive of activity, with porters, merchants, sellers and traders all vying for business in a madcap manner.

Kashgar Sunday Market, Kashgar, China

Kashgar market
Situated between China and Central Asia in the region of Xinjiang, this market feels less Chinese and more culturally connected to the local Uyghur people, who are Turkish-speaking Muslims.

Kashgar has, at different times in the past, been ruled by Tibetan, Persian and Mongol empires, and this is reflected in the cuisine and market. Fresh bread from outdoor pit ovens, pomegranate vendors, sizzling lamb, hand-pulled noodles, fragrant teas and delicious pastries are all on offer in the winding alleyways.

Chun Yeung Market, Hong Kong

This is one of Hong Kong’s traditional wet markets and perhaps the most unusual as a tram line runs through it. This narrow street by North Point MTR station is packed with food stalls serving everything from steamed buns to noodles.

But it’s also got a more interesting side, hence its ‘wet’ market name, where you can wander among buckets of fish and basins of live crabs, soaking up the atmosphere as vendors haggle with buyers for the best deals in town.

Spice Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey

Spice bazaar
Next to the Grand Bazaar, there’s a little less to squirm at inside the Spice Bazaar. Spices are piled high, from ruby red saffron to bright yellow turmeric, while the aroma of dried fruits, scented oils, honeycomb, Turkish delight and fresh coffee add to the experience.

Located inside a 17th-century building, this used to be the Egyptian market as it once sold produce shipped in from Egypt. It may be pretty touristy but it’s definitely worth a visit. 

La Central de Abasto, Mexico City, Mexico

For size alone, it’s worth wandering around Mexico City’s wholesale market in the district of Iztapalapa. This market is responsible for 80% of the food consumed in the capital. It takes up 328 hectares and has over 2,000 vendors doing business.

The market is arranged by produce, so you’ll find pyramids stacked high with single items; there’s even a section dedicated purely to potatoes. It’s a fast-paced place though, so photography and dawdling aren’t always welcome.

Cai Rang Floating Market, Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Cai Rang
It’s hard to beat the floating food market experience. This one is the largest in the Mekong Delta and runs from about 5am until lunchtime. Vistors usually book in an early start at Can Tho’s riverfront for the six-kilometre boat ride.

The market consists of lines of boats selling all manner of goods, from fruit and fish to snack food and drinks. Sellers hang whatever they’re selling on a long pole. It’s a great place to see locals barter and buy their wares for the day.

Kreta Ayer Wet Market, Singapore

This wet market really is wet – it’s hosed down constantly to maintain its super-clean reputation. Not everything about this Chinatown institution will appeal to everyone. Eels, frogs and snakes – sometimes alive – are among the goods on offer.

But it also sells Asian vegetables and has a section where visitors can pick up tasty dishes such as Singapore’s famous Hainan chicken rice. It’s best experienced in the morning, from about 6am, as it tends to wind up around lunchtime.

Yeliseyevsky, Moscow, Russia

Yeliseyevsky market
The fanciest market around? This converted 18th-century mansion, with a few more columns, chandeliers and caviar than your average market, stands out a mile. Open 24 hours a day, it does a fine line in food and drink – we’re talking cognac, upscale chocolate, replica Faberge eggs and more.

With its Art Nouveau interior and costumed staff, it’s worth simply walking around soaking up the opulence of it all before stopping for a traditional coffee and slice of Russian rye bread.

Tomohon Traditional Market, Indonesia

In the hills of North Sulawesi on Indonesia’s Sulawesi Island is a market that is certainly not for the squeamish. Among the piles of colourful chillies and tropical fruit, it’s not long before you encounter stall upon stall of bat wings, rats, snakes and dogs.

Sloths and wild pigs have also been seen. The stench is, not unexpectedly, appalling. While it’s a disturbing sight for many, it’s a full-on cultural experience for others. One man’s pet is another man’s dinner.

What's the most interesting food market you've visited? Let us know in the comments below.

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