The Best Street Markets For Foodies From All Walks Of Life

Going on a vacation as a foodie can be a real blessing. After all, the world is full of different cuisines that each have their own delectable array of dishes. The only downside is that it can be hard picking what to sample when there’s just so much to choose from.

If you’re on the hunt for something delicious to try on vacation, street markets are usually an excellent place to check out. There’s no shortage of items to sample and buy here, to the point that you could probably lose an entire day just trawling the stalls. Of course, for the best experiences, you’ll want to go to some truly unforgettable street markets.

La Merced in Mexico City, Mexico

One market that demands a lot of your time is Mexico City’s La Merced. Reportedly spread across eight buildings, this spot offers a wealth of Mexican treasures that you’re not going to find in your local Taco Bell. Of course, there will be familiar dishes like tacos, just expect them to offer a whole new taste sensation from what you might be used to. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can try some of the market’s more unusual dishes like ant larvae or crispy-fried crickets. However, if you’re not that wild of a foodie, something like the fried tamales ought to suit your appetite.

Richmond Night Market in Vancouver, Canada

It seems there’s more to love about the spring and summer seasons than just nice, warm weather. This is the time of year when Richmond Night Market in Vancouver is reportedly open. On any weekend during this period, you can peruse over 200 stalls and enjoy whatever takes your fancy. There are apparently no less than 500 food options available, with many offering Asian delights like grilled octopus. Of course, as a Canadian street market, there’s got to be some local delicacies, with the “beavertails” probably being the most popular. Definitely worth a try if you have a sweet tooth.

La Boqueria in Barcelona, Spain

If a market attracts over 40,000 visitors a day, you know it’s something special. That’s allegedly the crowd that La Boqueria in Barcelona manages on a daily basis, with customers won over by the mix of fresh food and delicious eateries. The market is home to spots like Bar Pinotxo, where you’re bound to find some of the best tapas in the country. There’s also a whole bunch of delicatessen shops, with delights like Jamon Iberico - local cured ham - available to sample. We can’t imagine anyone going to this place and not walking out with either a full stomach or a bag brimming with treats to try later.

Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) in Tokyo, Japan

When people say you should take a trip down Memory Lane, we like to believe that they’re talking about this street market in Tokyo. Known as Omoide Yokocho - which roughly translates as Memory Lane - it’s home to dozens of restaurants that primarily specialize in foods like grilled meat and sake. With the stalls all crammed together, the market might seem small compared to some others around the world. However, there’s evidently a lot of quality packed into the tight space. It’s definitely worth brushing up on some Japanese, so you can try out their yakitori chicken skewers and beef tendon stew. Although thankfully, a lot of the restaurants do have menus in English.

Shilin Night Market in New Taipei City, Taiwan

Taiwan is growing as a foodie destination, and that’s thanks to incredible street markets like Shilin Night Market in New Taipei City. Offering a bountiful mix of local treats and international favorites, the down-to-earth market proves that an Asian vacation is definitely worthwhile for foodies. Some of the dishes to look out for here are oyster omelets, fried milk balls, and plenty of bubble tea. Plus, there’s no rush to get through the market as it’s reportedly open from 4 pm to midnight. So, you can take things nice and slow as you explore the alleyways full of food here.

Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey

If you like your street markets to have some history, you’ll probably want to jet off to Istanbul. It’s here that you’ll find the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest covered markets. It’s also one of the biggest too, reportedly spread across 61 streets and containing more than 4,000 shops. This 15th-century market is definitely not somewhere you can rush through in an hour, so make use of the generous opening hours of 9 am to 7 pm. Also, be sure to look out for traditional dishes like menemen and Turkish delight, as well as the doner kebabs from Donerci Sahin Usta. They’re arguably the best in all of Turkey.

If you’ve never paid much attention to street markets before, now is definitely the time to change that. These are often some of the best places to try out new dishes and may well help you fall in love with a whole new cuisine. That’s especially likely if you go to any of the markets that we’ve recommended.