9 of the best food markets around the world – from Barcelona to Bangkok

Any attempt to draw up a “best of” list is destined to invite controversy. And when the subject is food, everybody (Singaporeans most of all) will have their own firmly held views. What we can probably agree on is that food markets around the world offer a wonderful experience for all the senses, whether it is the sight of the colourful produce and the ambience in which it’s traded; the noise of the banter between the buyers and sellers; the scents and feel or, most importantly, the taste of the arrays of local and exotic products. Here’s our guide to some of the world’s favourite food markets.

Borough Market, London

Sited by the River Thames, this is the United Kingdom’s most famous food market, dating back more than 1,000 years. Following a renaissance in the 1990s, it now provides artisanal and locally produced food. Many of the stallholders are the food producers: the farmer who reared the animal, the fisherman who caught the fish, the baker who baked the bread. It sells everything from cheese and chocolate to fish, fruit and vegetables, oils, olives, spices and street food. You’ll also find cookery demonstrations, debates and educational programmes. Local favourites include the traditional Cockney ‘pie and mash’, which is given a distinct makeover at Pieminister.

Borough Market, 8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL, England

Market La Boqueria, Barcelona

This huge, historic covered market in Barcelona began 800 years ago as meat stalls for local farmers. Today, it prides itself in serving up goods from around the world. In addition to a range of exotic food, you’ll also find a wide range of mushrooms and interesting fruit juices to quench your thirst. Don’t forget to make a pit-stop at one of the market’s many tapas bars, too.

Market La Boqueria, Rambla, 91 08001, Barcelona, Spain