Exploring Food Markets of the World

Food is an integral part of any culture. For travelers, experiencing the new sights and sounds of a country is only a part of the entire experience. The aromas and flavors of the local cuisine help provide a more complete experience of travel and immersion within a new culture.

Food markets provide one of the biggest attractions for both tourists and locals. A local food market combines all of the culinary elements of the culture in one place. The following are some of the most famous food markets the world has to offer.

Spain

Spain is recognized as much for its food as for its music and architecture. One of the most famous markets is La Boqueria in Barcelona. It’s an indoor market full of spices, fruits, and vegetables.

Local vendors offer a huge selection of meats, cheeses, and seafood for locals and visitors to enjoy. Spanish olives and dried fruits are featured along with a variety of traditional meals.

The market also has tapas bars and a school where visitors can learn the tradition and preparation of the local foods.

Chile

In Santiago, Chile, La Vega Central is a market where the country’s many flavors can be discovered. From fresh meats to a variety of produce, this market provides everything needed to get a true sense of Chilean culture.

Seasonal fruits, juices, and traditional items like sopapilla can all be enjoyed at La Vega Central. The market also has a selection of restaurants to enjoy when making your way through its large number of vendors.

Thailand

The Khlong Toey Market in Bangkok is large enough to feel like a village within the city. And because of its size, visitors can find practically everything they could ever want. Beyond food, the market has kitchenware and fabrics for sale.

The vendors offer produce, seafood, and local dishes for the patrons to enjoy. Khlong Toey Market has become a popular destination for tourists seeking an authentic market experience in Bangkok.

Turkey

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is a favorite attraction for many world travelers. It consists of over 4,000 shops making it one of the largest markets in the world. The market contains cafés and restaurants where visitors can find kebabs and other traditional Turkish cuisine.

United States

San Francisco’s Ferry Building is renowned for its selection of high-quality food brought in by local farmers and merchants. From fresh produce to ready-to-eat meals, this market is a popular location to spend the day tasting and enjoying artisanal treats.

Like the other markets throughout the world, San Francisco’s Ferry Building has restaurants and cafés alongside vendors who offer high-quality meats, seafood, and produce. For Americans, it’s a reminder that long-distance trips aren’t always necessary to enjoy the pleasures that food markets have to offer.

Food markets around the world give locals and tourists a way to celebrate the food that is at the heart of every culture. For the traveler who understands the social and cultural role that food plays, exploring food markets provides a richer experience to world travel.

Image attributed to Mckaysavage

Tags: food, markets, thailand, Travel, turkey, united states

This entry was posted on Monday, April 7th, 2014 at 5:00 pm and is filed under Travel Advice. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.