The Best 20 of International Street Food Markets

-


Food is one of the best ways to experience a new culture, and street food is the perfect way to do it. From savory skewers to sweet treats, international street food markets offer a wealth of flavors and unique dining experiences. Here are the best 20 international street food markets that every foodie should add to their travel list.


1. La Boqueria, Barcelona, Spain

La Boqueria is a centuries-old lively marketplace in the heart of Barcelona. With over 300 stands, visitors can find anything from fresh seafood, exotic fruits, and traditional Spanish dishes such as paella and tapas. Of the most popular vendors are Bar Pinotxo and El Quim de la Boqueria, featuring scrumptious seafood and other regional specialties. 


2. Borough Market, London, UK

Located in the trendy Southwark neighborhood of London, Borough Market is one of the city's oldest and largest food markets. The market has over 100 vendors selling everything from artisanal cheeses and breads to international street food like Indian curries and Spanish paella. Don't miss the grilled cheese sandwiches from Kappacasein, or the oysters from Wright Brothers.


3. Mercado de San Miguel, Madrid, Spain

Mercado de San Miguel is a historic market in Madrid that's been recently renovated to showcase the best of Spanish cuisine. The market has over 30 stalls offering traditional dishes like ham croquettes and Spanish tortillas, as well as more modern creations like sushi and artisanal chocolates. Be sure to try the tapas from La Casa del Bacalao and the oysters from Daniel Sorlut.


4. Shilin Night Market, Taipei, Taiwan

Shilin Night Market is one of the largest and most famous night markets in Taiwan, and it's a food lover's paradise. The market has over 500 stalls offering Taiwanese street food like stinky tofu, grilled squid, and bubble tea. Don't miss the fried chicken from Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken, or the ice cream from Smoothie House.


5. Mercado Central, Valencia, Spain

Mercado Central is a beautiful Art Nouveau building that houses over 400 vendors selling everything from fresh seafood and meats to fruits and vegetables. The market is famous for its traditional Valencian dishes like paella and horchata, as well as for its delicious Spanish ham. Be sure to try the churros from Chocolateria Valor and the turron from Casa Mira.


6. Jemaa el-Fnaa, Marrakech, Morocco

Jemaa el-Fnaa is the main square of Marrakech and a hub for Moroccan street food. The market is known for its delicious tagines and couscous dishes, as well as for its fresh juices and dried fruits. Be sure to try the grilled meats from stalls like Chez Hassan or Chez Lamine, and the mint tea from any of the tea stalls.


7. Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok, Thailand

Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest markets in Thailand, with over 15,000 vendors selling everything from clothing and souvenirs to street food. The market is known for its spicy and flavorful Thai dishes like pad Thai and green curry, as well as for its fresh tropical fruits. Be sure to try the mango sticky rice from Kao Hom, and the crispy pork from Si Morakot.


8. Gwangjang Market, Seoul, South Korea

Gwangjang Market is a traditional Korean market that's been around since 1905. The market has over 5,000 stalls offering traditional Korean street food like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and hotteok (sweet pancakes). Gwangjang Market is also known for its fresh and high-quality ingredients, making it a popular spot for foodies in Seoul. Don't miss the bibimbap from Hanyang Jokbal and the mayak kimbap from Cho Yoonsun.


9. Mercado Municipal, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Mercado Municipal is a bustling market in Sao Paulo that's been around for over 80 years. The market has over 300 vendors selling everything from fresh produce and meats to Brazilian street food like pastel (fried pastry) and coxinha (deep-fried dough filled with chicken). Be sure to try the mortadella sandwich from Mortadela Brasil and the cod fritters from Hocca Bar.


10. Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo, Japan

Tsukiji Fish Market is the largest wholesale fish market in the world, and it's a must-visit for sushi lovers. The market has over 400 vendors selling the freshest seafood and sushi, as well as other Japanese delicacies like tamagoyaki (rolled omelet) and mochi (sweet rice cakes). Be sure to try the sushi from Sushi Dai or Daiwa Sushi, and the tamagoyaki from Tsukiji Yamacho.



11. Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops selling everything from spices and textiles to Turkish street food. The market is known for its delicious Turkish kebabs and baklava, as well as for its traditional Turkish coffee. Be sure to try the kebabs from Tarihi Sultanahmet Koftecisi and the baklava from Karakoy Gulluoglu.


12. Kreta Ayer Wet Market, Singapore

Kreta Ayer Wet Market is a traditional wet market in Singapore that's been around since the 1800s. The market has over 100 stalls selling fresh produce and meats, as well as traditional Singaporean street food like Hainanese chicken rice and laksa (spicy noodle soup). Don't miss the char kway teow (stir-fried noodles) from Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee and the satay from Haron Satay.


13. Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakech, Morocco

Djemaa el-Fna is a famous square in Marrakech that transforms into a street food market at night. The market is known for its traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine and couscous, as well as for its grilled meats and fresh juices. Be sure to try the sheep head from Chez Lamine and the fresh orange juice from any of the juice stalls.


14. La Vucciria Market, Palermo, Italy

La Vucciria Market in Palermo is a historic market that's been around since the 16th century. The market has over 200 stalls selling fresh seafood and meats, as well as traditional Sicilian street food like arancini (fried rice balls) and panelle (chickpea fritters). Don't miss the gelato from Gelateria Cappadonia and the cannoli from Pasticceria Cappello.


15. Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ben Thanh Market is a bustling market in Ho Chi Minh City that's been around since the 19th century. The market has over 3,000 stalls selling everything from fresh produce and meats to traditional Vietnamese street food. Be sure to try the banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) from Banh Mi Huynh Hoa and the pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) from Pho 2000.


16. Borough Market, London, UK

Borough Market in London is one of the oldest and most popular food markets in the city. The market has over 100 stalls selling everything from fresh produce and meats to international street food. Be sure to try the raclette from Kappacasein and the paella from Brindisa.


17. La Boqueria, Barcelona, Spain

La Boqueria in Barcelona is a famous food market that's been around since the 13th century. The market has over 200 vendors selling fresh produce and meats, as well as traditional Catalan street food like croquetas (croquettes) and churros (fried dough pastry). Be sure to try the jamon iberico (Iberian ham) from Bar Pinotxo and the seafood from El Quim de la Boqueria.


18. St. Lawrence Market, Toronto, Canada

St. Lawrence Market in Toronto is a historic market that's been around since the 19th century. The market has over 100 vendors selling fresh produce and meats, as well as international street food like peameal bacon sandwiches and poutine (French fries with cheese curds and gravy). Be sure to try the peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery and the cheese curds from Kozlik's Mustard.


19. Jemaa el-Fnaa, Casablanca, Morocco

Jemaa el-Fnaa in Casablanca is a bustling square that transforms into a street food market at night. The market is known for its traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine and couscous, as well as for its grilled meats and fresh juices. Be sure to try the sardines from Chez Driss and the lamb tagine from Chez El Bahia.


20. Thong Sala Night Market, Koh Phangan, Thailand

Thong Sala Night Market on Koh Phangan island in Thailand is a popular spot for backpackers and travelers. The market has over 50 vendors selling traditional Thai street food like pad Thai and green curry, as well as international dishes like falafel and pizza. Be sure to try the pad Thai from Pa's Kitchen and the falafel from Falafel Daoud.



Conclusion

International street food markets offer a unique and authentic way to experience the local food and culture. From the bustling markets of Southeast Asia to the historic markets of Europe, there is no shortage of amazing street food markets to explore. Each market has its own specialty dishes and flavors, making every visit a culinary adventure.

When visiting these markets, it's important to come with an open mind and a willingness to try new things. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations from locals or other vendors. And always be aware of the hygiene and cleanliness of the stalls to avoid any food-borne illnesses.

So, if you're a foodie or a traveler looking to experience the best of global gastronomy, be sure to add these 20 international street food markets to your list of must-visit destinations. Happy travels and happy eating!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Start a Food Blog or YouTube Channel

-
Image
Food is a universal language that everyone speaks, and the internet has made it easier than ever to share recipes, cooking tips, and culinary experiences with people around the world. If you're passionate about food and want to share your knowledge and experience with others, starting a food blog or YouTube channel is a great way to do it. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps of starting your own food blog or YouTube channel, from choosing your niche to building your audience. 1. Choose Your Niche Before you start your food blog or YouTube channel, you'll need to decide on your niche. What type of food will you focus on? Will you share recipes, restaurant reviews, or food-related travel stories? There are countless options to choose from, so it's important to consider what you're passionate about and what you're most knowledgeable about. Some popular food blog niches include: Healthy eating Vegetarian or vegan cooking Baking Ethnic cuisine Local food ...
Read more

Smoothies and Juices: Healthy and Delicious Recipes 9

-
Image
Smoothies and juices are the perfect beverages for anyone who loves to indulge in healthy and delicious drinks. Whether you're trying to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet, or simply looking for a refreshing beverage to cool down on a hot day, smoothies and juices are a great option. In this blog post, we'll be sharing some of our favorite smoothie and juice recipes that are both healthy and delicious. So grab your blender and let's get started! The Benefits of Smoothies and Juices Before we dive into the recipes, let's take a moment to talk about the benefits of incorporating smoothies and juices into your diet. One of the biggest benefits of smoothies and juices is that they are an easy way to get more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Many people struggle to meet their daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables, but by blending them into a smoothie or juice, you can consume a large amount in one sitting. Another benefit of smoothies and ...
Read more

The Science of Food and Immunity

-
Image
As the world grapples with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there has been increased interest in ways to boost the immune system. While there is no magic food or supplement that can guarantee immunity against any disease, there is evidence that a healthy diet can help support immune function and reduce the risk of illness. In this blog post, we will explore the science of food and immunity, and discuss which foods can help boost your immune system. The Immune System Before we delve into the topic of food and immunity, it's important to understand a bit about how the immune system works. The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body against harmful pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria. The immune system has two main components: the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system. The innate immune system is the body's first line of defense against pathogens. It includes physical barriers, such as the skin and muc...
Read more

Exotic Fruits from around the World

-
Image
Fruits are not only delicious and nutritious, but they also come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors. While many of us are familiar with common fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges, there are many exotic fruits from around the world that are less well-known but equally delightful. In this article, we will explore some of the most exotic fruits from different parts of the world. Durian Durian is a tropical fruit that is native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its strong smell, which some people describe as pungent or even foul. Despite its smell, durian is a highly prized fruit in many parts of Asia and is considered the "king of fruits" by many. The durian is a large, spiky fruit with a green or brownish outer shell. Inside, it has a soft, creamy flesh that is yellow or orange in color. The taste of durian is difficult to describe, but it is often said to be a combination of sweet, savory, and slightly bitter flavors. Durian is a versatile fruit tha...
Read more

The Secret to Making Perfect Risotto Every Time

-
Image
Risotto is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a creamy, comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. However, making the perfect risotto can be a challenge. It requires patience, attention to detail, and the right technique. In this blog post, we will explore the secrets to making perfect risotto every time. What is Risotto? Risotto is a traditional Italian rice dish that is made by cooking short-grain rice in a broth until it becomes creamy and tender. The rice used in risotto is typically Arborio, Carnaroli, or Vialone Nano, which are all high-starch varieties of rice that can absorb liquid without becoming mushy. Risotto can be served as a side dish or as a main course. It can be flavored with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, seafood, meat, and cheese. Some popular variations of risotto include mushroom risotto, asparagus risotto, and seafood risotto. The Secret to Making Perfect Risotto Making perfect risotto requires the right tec...
Read more