UNITED KINGDOM

Spitalfields Fine Food Market by Robyn Hodson
I’m on the fence where the revamp of Spitalfields Market is concerned. I really liked Old Spitalfields. It had dark corners where the ghost of Jack the Ripper stalked the shadows. The old building had real character in its slightly grimy, train station-like interior. It also had some very odd stalls. But I think it was the people that made it – my favourites being the beatnik artist-types in purple tights and strange hats with bells sitting in The Magic Loungeabout on open-mike night, smoking roll-ups and drinking beer. It was all in the atmosphere ... read more

MOZAMBIQUE

Maputo Fish Market by Robyn Hodson
Maputo is not a place most travellers choose to spend their time because of its war-zone exterior. Instead they scoot on through and up the coast to seek the island paradise for which Mozambique is famous. For those who have time in Maputo, there are a few interesting places to stop and as far as culinary advice is concerned, go straight to the local fish market. The seafood is cheap, cheerful and utterly delicious ... read more

MARKETS & DELIS

Visiting a food market is the quickest way to immerse yourself in the local culture. With their bright colours, scents, smells, and the bustle of locals, markets are quite simply, the essence of a country. Explore with us as we take you down narrow alleyways to meet cheesemongers and bakers, to Slow Food markets, spice souks or open-air organic farmer’s markets to discover tastes and ingredients you’ve never had before.

Here we'll share our experiences, as we collect together and constantly keep you in the know with a dizzying array of markets, specialist food stores and delis that will set your taste-buds tingling.

Should you have suggestions for our research or ideas that you feel may be relevant to other travellers, please send us a note to ideas@justtheplanet.com

We'd really like to hear from you.

FRANCE

French Food Markets by Corey Amaro
Photographer, Corey Amaro, is always tempting us with her gorgeously, rich images. Based in Provence, but a regular traveller to all corners of France, she shares with us some glimpses of her local food markets ... read more