Farmers' and also food markets are places where traders are
passionate about their wares. I try to explain this with a mushroom. These markets
are places where someone not only sells you any mushroom but the mushroom that person truly believes is the best mushroom out there. Farmers know the story
behind the mushroom, they might even remember the day they started mixing the
right ingredients for the compost before they put them in their dark rooms. Or
they can recall the very day they went out to gather mushrooms in the forest. They
know how much effort it takes to get the perfect product, they respect their
food naturally. It is so very lovely to see this pure affection for a product. My
secret tip for a great experience at farmers markets is, to start chatting to
the farmers. You will most certainly hear the most amazing stories about the
food. A visit at a market is about connecting growers and consumers. Do you get
that at your local supermarket?
These markets are places where locals and visitors have
been buying their wares for decades if not centuries (at least that is the case
in some parts of the world). If you are on vacation and visit a market you will
be part of that community, if only for a short time. You sure will be able to
try food staples you can only get at this particular place, and you will most
certainly be longing for these things forever. It is almost as if you tasted the
place, literally. A market tells you a lot about a town, you will find out about
the relation people have with their food. Why do people eat? What do they want
to express? Do they want to express anything at all?
How to best describe food markets? Take passionate farmers and regional
food and scatter them around a beautiful landmark. Add the excitement and
hunger of locals and visitors, and finish off with the scent of herbs, spices,
bbqs and freshly brewed coffee. If that isn’t a recipe for a feast, I don’t
know what is.
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market in San Francisco, USA
This
market started first 1992, originally in the middle of the Embarcadero Roadway and
grew steadily into the diverse market it is today. Market hours: Tuesday:
10am–2pm. Thursday: 10am - 2pm. Saturday: 8am-2pm. Read this for more: One drink I tried in San Francisco.
Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles, USA
This
market in Hollywood started in 1934 at the corner of 3rd & Fairfax and quickly
became the icon it is today. 6333 W 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90036. Hours Monday
- Friday: 9am to 9pm. Saturday: 9am to 8pm. Sunday: 10am - 7pm. I drove along Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles: Slow day in Big Sur - magic moments.
The Bouqueria Market in Barcelona, Spain
Founded
in 1200 as a travelling market outside of one of the gates of the city wall. Trading
permanently at this famous market began in 1826. La Rambla 91, 08001 Barcelona.
Hours Monday to Saturday from 8am – 8.30pm. Have you ever been on a foodie tour in Barcelona?
Mercate del Rialto in Venice, Italy
This
market has been in this exact place for several hundreds of years, unbelievable
is it?. Rialto. Opening hours Monday to Saturday 7am – 2pm. While you are
there, visit Al Merca for the best cicchetti and Prosecco.
Churchill Island Farmers’ Market in Victoria, Australia
This
is one of the farmers’ market that really stands out since it is in such a
picturesque rural setting. You have to be well organised to visit, it takes
place only once a month. Samuel Amess Drive. Churchill Island, Victoria,
Australia. Opening hours: every 4th Saturday of the month 8am – 1pm. While you are in Victoria, you have to visit amazing Melbourne: 9 things Melburnians and visitors love to do.
Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
This place used to be a market for foreigners after the Vietnamese
occupation, you get everything (you won’t ever need) and great street food. Between
Street 440 and Street 444, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Don't forget, when you are in Cambodia it is best not to give to street kids.
Neighbourgoods Market in Cape Town, South Africa
This
market was founded in 2006 and becomes more and popular by the minute. The Old
Biscuit Mill, 373 Albert Road, Cape Town, 7915, South Africa. Hours: Saturday
9am – 2pm. While you are there, why not check out the street art in this part of town?
Torvehallerne in Copenhagen, Denmark
This
neighbourhood market opened its doors in 2011 and ever since nothing can stop
it. Frederiksborggade 21, 1360 Copenhagen, Denmark. Hours: Monday-Thursday: 10am – 7pm.
Friday 10am - 8pm. Saturday 10am - 6pm. Sunday 11am - 5pm. Would you like to read more? Hej Copenhagen - how I fell in love in just one weekend.
Viktualienmarkt in Munich, Germany
This
market, where 110 stalls and shops offer gourmet food has been at this place in
the centre of Munich for the last 200 years. Viktualienmarkt 3,
80331 München. Market hours: 10am – 6pm. When you are there, visit its neighbour
the Schrannenhalle.
Markthalle Neun in Berlin, Germany
There
used to be 14 traditional market halls in Berlin, and this one opened in 1891
is one of the original ones. Today it is a popular meeting place for foodies. Markthalle
Neun. Eisenbahnstrasse 42/43. 10997 Berlin-Kreuzberg Market hours: Tuesday,
Friday from 12pm – 8pm and Saturday 10am – 6pm. Before you hit the town, read this 12 conversation starters.
Where
is your favourite food market? Can’t wait to hear from you.
From
Berlin with love