World’s Best Food Markets

From fish at Tokyo’s Tsukiji to the best cuts of meat in Barcelona, we got insiders to spill their secrets

The Tsukiji Fish Market – Tokyo

At 57 acres, this is the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world, with over 2,000 tonnes of seafood going in and out every day, chefs racing to get their hands on the freshest produce and tourists from all over the world showing up to simply take it all in. Visit before it moves to a new location in Toyosu, in November this year.

Insider tip: “Make sure to check out Aritsugu, a 300-year-old Japanese knife shop, where you can get your name engraved on a knife. Say you’re friends of Muni san from Sri Lanka”

Spice Bazaar – Istanbul

Also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, this Fatih district market was constructed in the 17th century as part of a mosque. It was also part of the ancient Silk Route. You can find spices, saffron, caviar, dried fruit and even something called Turkish Viagra! When you’re tired, take a coffee break at the 100-year- old Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi.

Insider tip: “The Bazaar is home to the historic Pandeli restaurant, open since 1901. The classic Turkish dishes, such as ‘dönerli patlican borek’ (doner meat, eggplant and cheese pastry), iridescent blue Iznik tiles and photos of illustrious visitors bring to mind the 19th-century grandeur of Istanbul.”

Cai Rang Floating Market – Vietnam

About 6km from Can Tho city, this early-morning market is one of the largest on the Mekong Delta. Boats of all sizes sell coconuts, mangoes, papaya and fish. Make sure you reach before 9am.

Insider tip: “The small boats selling deliciously thick Vietnamese coffee.”

The Neighbourgoods Market – Cape Town

Housed in a bright, airy biscuit mill in Woodstock, this Saturday market is a treasure trove of handmade artisanal goods, like tea and unrefined African shea butter. It also hosts speciality festivals, seasonal events and live music shows.

Insider tip: “Visit the Honest Chocolate stand for handcrafted chocolate. Also check out Steve Jeffery’s handmade charcuterie; the Cafeteria food truck; local artisanal pear cider at Everson’s and macarons from Martin Senekal.

Carmel Market – Tel Aviv

The 1920s open-air market on HaCarmel Street is as popular for fresh produce as for its restaurants. The family-run Amrani is known for freshly roasted nuts and spices, and Lehamim Bakery is a great place for artisanal breads.

Insider tip: “At Café Cohen, the owner, Shlomo Cohen not only roasts coffee, but is also a big fan of opera. Ask for the strong, aromatic black coffee and encourage Shlomo to sing Frank Sinatra’s I Did It My Way”

Borough Market – London

Dating back to the 13th century, this is London’s oldest fruit and vegetable market. You can also sample charcuterie, honey and wine, and participate in guided tours and workshops. Follow the market on Twitter for recipes and regular updates. It’s also one of the only markets to publish its own magazine – Market Life.

Insider tip: “Goto Brindisa for Nunez de Prado olive oil, sherry vinegar, jamon Iberico and smoked paprika. At Neal’s Yard Dairy, you can taste lovely cheeses.”

Fish Market – Sydney

Home to lobsters. Sydney rock oysters, yellow fin tuna and baby octopuses from the Blackwattle Bay, this market also includes a swanky cooking school. Plus, there are weekend discounts.

 Insider tip: “Vic’s Meat Market is fantastic – head to the Wagyu Bar for amazing beef or The Smoker for pulled pork, brisket and other smoked meats.”

Mercado De La Boqueria – Barcelona

Slices of serrano ham, chorizo, cured sausages, organs (the likes of tripe, hearts, and even bull penises): you’ll find it all. For the ambitious, there are also cooking classes.

Insider tip: “Go to the Petras stand, a mushroom and truffle shop with a great selection from all over the world. It also sells dried, travel-friendly varieties.”

Municipal Market Of São Paulo

Housed in a building that has stained-glass windows, this one looks more like an art museum than a market. It sells everything from meat, veggies, seafood to cheese, spices and snacks and employs more than 1,500 people. The first floor has various lunch options: Hocca Bar is a local favourite for its salt-cod pastry.

Insider tip: “Try the fresh fruit, from the cacao of Amazon to mangoes from the Bahia coast. Visit Emporio Chiappetta to stock up on cachaça.”

St Lawrence Market – Toronto

This one is popular not just for its produce, but also for its classes on subjects like macaron-making and knife skills. There’s a Saturday Farmers’ market and seasonal festivals like the strawberry one that’s held every June.

Insider tip: “Scheffler’s Deli is a one-stop shop for hard-to-find cheeses and expertly cured meats. Try the samples of duck and pistachio pate and pata negra ham.”