Street markets around the world
One of the first things I do when I arrive in a new town is to check out its street markets. Street markets, especially those that locals go to, are an ideal place to go food and souvenir hunting.
The best thing about good street markets is how accessible they are. They’re meant for the local community, which means that the more popular markets should be easy to get to, located in a family-friendly part of town and have plenty of public transport options. Apart from food, cheap fresh produce and gifts for the folks back home, a market is a great place for photography if you enjoy taking photos of people.
Out of the many street markets I’ve been to, here’s a list of my favourites.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang has both daytime and night markets. Both are worth a visit because the focus tends to be different. The day market has food and items related to the local cottage industry like snacks and handmade crafts, while vendors at the night market sell souvenirs that are more commercially made.
Irkutsk, Russia
I discovered this wonderful market in Irkutsk purely by mistake. I was on my way to the pick-up point for Lake Baikal when I noticed a row of stalls on the other side of the road. Most of the vendors were selling toys, flowers and fruits but I was overjoyed when I saw a group of ladies selling freshly baked bread, especially when all I had had for breakfast that morning was a cup of instant noodles.
Shanghai, China
The market on Dongtai Lu (Dongtai Road) in Shanghai was the first antique street market that I’d ever visited, which was a nice change. It had a selection of old jewellery, furniture and vintage beaded bags but this market is also famous for its Mao memorabilia. As with all markets claiming to have heirloom or antique items, I would suggest you be absolutely sure that what you’re buying is genuine before you part with your cash.
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The night market at Kota Kinabalu is famous for its delicious and fresh seafood. The vendors can prepare grilled fish and squid for you, usually served with a plate of rice, fresh seaweed and a special chilli-based dipping sauce. Prices are very reasonable and you get the whole open-air dining experience that only Malaysia can offer.
Donggongon, Sabah
Dongonggon is the home of Sabah’s street market. I was glad that my KK friends brought me to the weekend tamu (market) because here I was able to listen to traditional music, buy some local sweets and take photos of the seaweed and vegetables that were being sold. For those who have never eaten seaweed fresh from the sea, you can find lots of that in Donggongon. It has an unusual texture, but it’s very tasty.
Istanbul, Turkey
Turkey has lots of markets; some of them are open-air while the rest are covered markets like the centuries-old Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Market. Of the two, I prefer the Egyptian Market- it’s smaller and more manageable than the Grand Bazaar, which is very easy to get lost in. The Egyptian Market, which is also called the Spice Bazaar, has some lovely stalls selling ceramics, dried fruits, Turkish tea and delicacies, cheeses and of course, spices.
Mine Thauk Market, Inle Lake, Myanmar
Mine Thauk is one of five markets that are held in rotation every week near Inle Lake, Myanmar. At least two of these markets are floating markets but in order to visit the ‘right’ one, you would have to know when they operate. The Mine Thauk market is quite a large market selling local produce and food from the village, as well as handmade crafts. You’ll also see some women selling rather nice silver jewellery, although you’ll probably find better quality (and therefore more expensive) items in a proper silver workshop.
Khlong Hae Floating Market, Hatyai, Thailand
This floating market is southern Thailand’s first. Here, vendors cook from their sampans at the Hae canal and sell fried rice and finger food like fish cakes, sliced mango with glutinous rice and quail eggs. Vendors don’t get up from their boats but instead pass the food over in long-handled baskets to anyone who is buying. Customers will then place their money in those baskets. Getting to Khlong Hae is easy – all you need is a tuk-tuk from Hatyai town.
Street markets are a fun way to get acquainted with a new town or country. Just make one trip to a market and you’ll see how the locals dress, what they eat and how they cook.
*Anis also writes at Five Foot Traveller.
