A robust combination of sounds and colours will light up your day at these markets in true local style as you discover that these are a foodie’s haven.
By Rupali Dean
A robust combination of sounds and colours will light up your day at these markets in true local style as you discover that these are a foodie’s haven and absolutely must visit in 2016
Torvehallerne@ Copenhagen
- The masses can shuttle amid the two beautiful glass and steel market halls. On opposite sides of the square, over 80 merchants snap up blue cheese, organic sausage, artisanal honey, Danish pastries, rhubarb juice, tea, French olive oil and other bounty, both local and international. Recommendations go all out for the Paleo stall, which is the first restaurant to serve paleo food in Denmark; Gorm’s for the best pizzas and Ma poule if you are looking for French delicacies.
Cours Saleya@Nice
- Each morning, the Cours Saleya market running parallel to the sea in the heart of the old town overspills with garden-fresh produce, cheeses, olives, herbs, flowers and charm; a genuine phantasmagoria of visions and aromas, it’s teeming with history, ambiance, and gastronomic inspiration. Do not leave without trying the ‘socca’ at Chez Theresa, which is a flatbread made of chickpea flour, olive oil, water, and salt. The batter is baked over a charcoal filled drum in a large meter wide cast iron pan, sliced and served hot.
Mercado Central @Valencia
- The market is acknowledged to have an outward area of over 8,000 square meters with over 1,000 selling posts. It is full of glowing stalls run by local vendors with fresh produce from near and around. As you stroll through the stalls, it is impossible to not get impressed by the selections displayed right in front of your eyes. One can find everything from fresh fruits and meat, fresh seafood delivered here every single day to a paella pan that serves up to a hundred people. It certainly provides a unique glimpse into the culture and flavours of the city. Tasting an Olive from a vendor or a sweet and juicy orange juice are some unforgettable experiences. Obviously, one cannot bring home the fresh fruits and vegetables but the Bombay rice, the spices, and the special pans for making paella are delicious reminders of your trip to carry back with you.
Rungis@ Paris
- Being just outside Paris, Rungis serves many Parisian restaurants of great standing. The market has distinguishing clients and only the freshest, highest quality products are vended here. Fancy this, the roads in the market boasts of street signs, this is a first! After donning the plastic butcher coats and the caps the tour begins in the wee hours of the morning taking you through all the various pavilions ranging the gamut from fish, tripe to cheese to flowers and ends up with a breakfast, which is as fresh as fresh can be! Rungis is indisputably the Mother of all Markets.
Pike Place Market@Seattle
- To get an insider’s view of the food world in and around the world famous Pike place market opt for a guided tour, which is a historical four hour moveable feast that also illuminated on culinary trends and producers. Walking through the buildings and outdoor stands, you would come across attractive seasonal flowers, fresh cut meat and seafood from local butchers and fishermen. The many fish stalls, that throw fish around are hugely famous and have highlighted in the movie Free Willy too. The Beecher’s homemade cheese, also offers the best ever macaroni and cheese!
(The author is a Delhi-based food and travel writer)
