There is nothing we love more than wandering through markets all over the world, talking to locals and finding out how to cook, or sometimes even eat, what they are offering.
We’re yet to find a stall holder who is unwilling to engage in the intricacies of their particular product range: how they grow it; how they nurture it; how to know when it’s ripe, and importantly, how to cook and enjoy it at its best.
Some will even go into the atmosphere you need to create, the company you need to have and the wine to pair it with. Those ones we especially like. It’s incredible what discussions you can have, even when you don’t speak the same language!
Markets, Markets Everywhere
We’ve strolled markets in Turkey, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, England, France, Italy (lots), Germany, Switzerland, New Zealand, and even found entertaining stall holders in the souks and camel markets of Dubai.
Some are large permanent markets, but the ones we like best are put up and dawn and are down, without a trace of existence, by 13:00 in the afternoon. You must be a lark to get to these ones in time to pick the best fresh produce and piping hot bread. The owls miss out!
Most of the time they’re easy to find, look for the market squares in the old town districts, but sometimes they are tucked away in a barn or shed in some open space on the outskirts of a small town. Only the locals know about them so you have to tackle someone who looks like they’ll be able to describe how to find it.
We found asking for “directions to the fresh produce market please” was worth learning in a few languages. According to Google translate it’s something along the lines of:
French: Itineraire vers le marche des produits frais s’il vous plait
Italian: Indicazioni per il mercato dei prodotti freschi per favoure
Arabic: Well, that’s a lot of squiggly shorthand that’s beyond us but we found
the Arabic people often speak excellent English and are very helpful!
A Lot to Take In
The array of items on offer at both the permanent markets, souks and pop-up weekly local markets is wide and varied.
An interesting fact is that, in Italy, we found out that over 70% of everyday clothing purchased by the locals, is bought at their local weekly market. The retail outlets are for special occasion wear and tourists!
What we’ve also found interesting is that whether you’re in Europe, Australasia, Africa, or the Middle East, most clothing is the same. It all comes from the East and is pretty much the same everywhere. Functional and cost effective.
I remember when we used to travel we’d fill our suitcases with gifts for people of food, trinkets and items of clothing that were unique and different. Ideal gifts for family and friends. Nowadays there’s absolutely no point carry extra weight in gifts as you can pretty much get everything everywhere now. It all comes from the same places. Makes packing a lot quicker and easier!
Some of Our Favourite Markets
There are a few markets that we’ve really enjoyed. Our friend Ishmael, at the Spice Souk in Dubai is always a pleasant evening out. The boat trip across the creek is great in the cool evening breeze and for one AED each way, it’s well worth it. We love his knowledge about the spices, teas and particularly love his chocolate coated, almond stuffed fresh dates.
We loved the autumn markets in Northern Italy. These are annual markets to celebrate the end of summer, when the cows come down from their alpine pastures and the harvest is in. The produce is incredible and we’ve never seen so many varieties of tomatoes, pumpkin and plums.
For a great family market, we enjoyed going to the Tamahere Market in Hamilton, New Zealand. However now that the antique market doesn’t coincide with it I feel it’s lost a bit of its appeal. With it only being once a month, one needs to find a weekly alternative so, when in the Waikato, we tend to frequent the Claudelands showground Sunday market.
This year we’ve been there for the strawberry and asparagus season. Yummy!
In South Africa, I think the Howick based Karkloof Farmers Market is definitely worth a visit if you’re in that neck of the woods. It has a great spot for coffee looking over the dairy farmlands and has a great mix of local wares. The music is usually pretty vibey and the meeting and greeting warm and friendly.
Market Culture
We enjoy market culture because it’s laid back. The larks all arrive really early, bleary eyed, with hair still holding tightly to the pillow imprint. They’re all sleepy, but prepared to be up early so they can serve their loved ones the best, freshest food. Their love is not for their appearance, but for their ability to give those who grace their kitchens with a meal that will nourish and sustain.
These larks love to share their recipes and point you to the best cheese, broccoli or hand-made pasta available. Their recommendations can be trusted and, if you’re lucky, you may even to treated to multiple tastings of produce from a proud farmer, willing to show you what makes his stall, and offering, different to the others.
The pride they take in their displays is remarkable. They know just how to group, stack and hang their wares for the best effect. They only need to catch your eye and you’re engaged in conversation before you can blink. Mostly, they do not mind if you taste and talk, but not buy. After all, they understand that there is only so much you can eat in a week. However, we are always up for one or two more of something delicious, and our waistlines pay the price! Never mind, hopefully tomorrow we’ll walk it off!
More about food here and more on our travels here.
