And back to the focus of our trip - markets! Valencia has one of the best markets in Spain. Coming from
La Boqueria in Barcelona, I was ready for other markets less known.
Mercat Central, or Central Mercado or Central Market, is one of the oldest running food markets in Europe.
La Boqueria is so famous and talked about consistently, but I actually prefer Valencia's market. There are less ready to eat foods compared to La Boqueria, but there are far far less tourists and crowds. The market is so clean and well-lit with natural sky lights. On top of that, the vendors are incredibly friendly and so happy to explain their products and how to properly utilize them. This is the best place to get a feel of local life and local living in Valencia.
In another part of town, L'Eixample,
Mercado de Colón is a former market built in 1916. In 2003 the space was renovated to house boutique shops and cafés, with a lower floor containing a cafetería, wine shop, deli, and spaces for events. It is a perfect stop for an afternoon drink and snack. The deli below also has some great ingredients to take away and cook at home, if you happen to have a kitchen where you are staying.
 |
| Mercat Central |
 |
| Inside the market |
 |
| Wide aisles |
 |
| Well-lit and spacious |
 |
| Muscatel. Grapes from Alicante |
 |
| Varieties of garbanzos, legumes, and rice |
 |
| Chufa. Tiger nuts. The key ingredient in horchata. |
 |
| Fish section |
 |
| Incredibly clean for a wet market |
 |
| HUGE squid |
 |
| Paellas to take away |
 |
| Sizes of paella pans |
 |
| Even gigantic ones |
 |
| Mercado de Colón |
 |
| Full of cafes |
 |
| Perfect for lunch or an afternoon snack |
 |
| Access to the lower floor for the cafetería, deli, wine shops, and events centers |
 |
| Burgers ready to grill |
 |
| Breaded food ready to fry |
 |
| The bluest of blue cheese |
No comments:
Post a Comment