7 Best Food Markets Around the Globe
There may be seven wonders of the world, but the culinary world has no such limits. Cuisines from every corner of the globe, to produce grown in every region, it is really the local markets that provide a mouthful to the heart of a country.
If you want to truly understand the taste of where you travel, looking up a local market is your best bet. Everything seasonal, regional and artisanal are present along with what makes a city unique and unmatched.
Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market — San Francisco, California, United States
For more than 100 years, the Ferry Building in San Francisco has been a landmark for those arriving by train or ferry. The beautiful building that stood long before the Golden Gate and Bay Bridge became a food market around 13 years ago and since then it has been a foodie haven. You can get a taste of the city’s best eateries from oysters to sourdough bread to meat cones and fresh produce on Saturday mornings. Don’t be surprised to see some of the city’s best chefs sniffing out the freshest local finds, like the unusual Candy Cap mushrooms at Far West Fungi that taste like maple syrup and are used in desserts at the city’s most exclusive restaurants.
Castries Market — Castries, St. Lucia
The tropical island of St. Lucia is known for fresh fruit and seafood. It is also home to former Top Chef contestant, Nina Compton, from Season 11, who once told us, “We love citrus in everything, whether it’s seafood or even roasted pork. We love a little kick wherever possible.” The market covered in colorful umbrellas is the perfect place to buy ingredients and spices for accra, a traditional and native dish similar to a fish beignet of sorts. If you aren’t quite at master chef material, head to the back of the market where kitchen stalls reside and locals cook up regional favorites. For the best of all worlds, the Castries Culinary Adventure and Private Dinner allow you to pick out ingredients and fresh fish near the boats where a Celebrity Chef will cook up just for you.
Kauppatroi — Helsinki, Finland
Finland is known for its architecture, saunas, high academic scores and one of the greatest open-air markets. Orange tents near the harborside make up the Kauppatroi market with some of the most exotic berries and produce. Although, if you want to try an unusual meat, head into the indoor Market Hall that has been standings since 1889 for a smoked reindeer sandwich, with crème fraiche to enhance the flavor on a freshly toasted crostini.
Tsukiji Fish Market — Tokyo, Japan
If you want something more than a simple neighborhood market and more of an epicenter of the global seafood exchange, head to Tsukiji. This isn’t for the seafood squirmy or someone that can’t handle the hustle and bustle of this fast-paced market. Think of the stock exchange for seafood. But, if you want the freshest fish and uni straight from the urchin shell, this is the can’t miss food center of Tokyo. If either you can’t get in or the smell of seafood is too pungent, head to the outer market where you can get a fresh sushi breakfast and a bit calmer of an atmosphere.
Union Square Green Market
Celebrity’s own and native New Yorker, Chef Cornelius Gallagher, swears by the Union Square Green Market. His culinary inspiration is rooted in the destinations he visits and nothing is closer to his heart than the pulse of the Big Apple. He often says that the winning ingredients are Evolution, Attention, and Passion and this market has those attributes. What began as a determination to aide Hudson Valley Farmers has turned into a place where New Yorkers flock for the best seasonal produce four days a week, year-round. This kind of commitment to continuously provide guests with unique, fresh and native experiences is a part of the Celebrity Distinction that drives our own culinary team.
Queen Victoria Market — Melbourne, Australia
The land down under has a lot to offer, especially in the heart of Melbourne at the famed Queen Victoria Market. If you want more than a market tour, join us on a Chef Market Discovery where you’ll sample local flavors and delicacies, followed by a ride on the Melbourne Colonial Tramcar. A Celebrity Chef and a local foodie guide will introduce you to some exotic meats from pig’s heads to sweetbreads to goats’ milk butter to grilled peppered kangaroo. Meet the people and producers who keep the market alive — a Melbourne tradition since 1878.
Kuzneckny Market — St Petersburg, Russia
When exploring the historic district of St. Petersburg, the Kuzneckny Market is a must-see and must-taste. While learning about the city’s rich history, admire the fresh local produce, artisanal cottage cheese, pristine caviar, natural honey and smoked fish. Whatever you purchase, you must pair the local delicacies with shots of Russian vodkas.
