Top 7 Food Markets in Asia

By Mandarin Journeys

Street Food in Asia Any visitor to Asia knows the importance of street markets in sustaining local communities. Not only a significant source of income for the vendors, but also a powerful cultural exchange platform for foreign visitors, street markets continue to thrive. Having slurped, chewed and sipped our way through dozens of Food Markets in Asia over the years, here is our top 7.

1. Dong Hua Men Night Market ( Beijing, China)

The  ‘top’  street  food  market  in  Beijing,  Dong  Hua  Men  is  located  in  the  heart  of  the  commercial  Wangfujing  area  and  con>nues  to  offer  exo>c  nibbles  from  Beijing  and  greater  China.  For  the  conserva>ve  foodie  there  are  a  number  of  classic  snacks  like  soup  filled  dumplings,  fried  noodles  and  sugar  coated  fruit  s>cks.  The  real  crowd-­‐pleasers  however,  assuming  you're  the  adventurous  type  at  least,  are  the  sumptuous  chocolate  coated  scorpions,  crunchy  deep  fried  crickets  and  succulent  grilled  tentacles.  We  suspect  most  snacks  were  sourced  on  this  planet  but  can't  be  en>rely  certain.  Have  a  dumpliang  and  let  your  camera  lens  consume  the  rest.

When:  Every  Day  from  4pm-­‐10pm  Where:  Close  to  Donganmen  Street,  Dongcheng  District.  Beijing,  China.

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When:  Every  Day  from  9am-­‐11pm  Where:  Sipailou  Rd  near  Fang  Bang  Middle  Rd.  Huangpu  District.  Shanghai,  China  

Welcome to the real Shanghai. No glitzy buildings, no shiny malls, just real people in an unremarkable setting. Unremarkable, except for the food that is. Fang Bang Market popped up after the 2010 World Expo as a result of the ‘cleaning process’ that resulted in the disappearance of the famous Wujiang Lu Market. Point and eat or point and click, your palate and camera will leave this venue satisfied, if not somewhat bewildered. Some of the usual suspects are an easy challenge for every visitor: fresh fruit, dumplings and a wide range of conventional snacks. The real character test comes in the form of an explosive concoction affectionately called ‘Stinky Tofu'; ferment some innocent tofu in a mix of rotting vegetables, seafood leftovers and stale milk and voilà, your snack is served (yes, really).

2. Fang Bang Market at Lao Jie (Shanghai, China) When: Every Day from 9am-11pm Where: Sipailou Rd near Fang Bang Middle Rd. Huangpu District. Shanghai, China

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Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo is a universe unto itself. Here in the world’s largest fish market dating back to the Edo Period, most of the fish of Japan and to some extent the rest of the world (mostly for sushi restaurants) is traded. The ‘Holy of Holies’, the auction area, enforces strict visitor quota (120 per day, first come first serve) to preserve the quality of the food and the integrity of the auction. If you miss out on the auction, the outer market is still a must for any foodie visiting Tokyo, with the world’s best fish sold alongside Japanese kitchen utensils and several tiny sushi restaurants, until about 11am when the market closes. There are even a few sushi making workshops on offer after the visit for the insatiable gourmet or aspiring sushi chef.

3. Tsukiji Market (Tokyo, Japan) When:  Every  Day,  All  day  (  Best  >mes  are  in  the  morning,  5am)  Where:  Tsukiji  Market,  Chuo  District.  Tokyo,  Japan

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Much like the rest of Kyoto, the Nishiki Market is rich in history and tradition and remains a foodie haven with an emphasis on quality over quantity. Much of the market’s food is locally sourced and many stalls offer free samples or cheap tasting plates to be consumed on the spot. From centuries-old knife shops to fifth generation fish mongers and tiny sit-down restaurants, Nishiki Market is a must for anyone interested in learning about traditional Kyoto food products.

4. Nishiki Market ( Kyoto, Japan) When: Every Day from 9am – 6pm Where: Nishikikoji-dori, North of Shijō Avenue. Kyoto, Japan.

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The  food,  which  takes  the  main  character  role  and  rounds  out  the  whole  experience  is    inven>ve,  original  and  visually  appealing  while  the  tastes  are  exo>c  yet  not  too  challenging  for  the  average  

palate.  Easily accessible and packed with fresh produce, this is undoubtedly one of the most worthwhile food markets in the world. The venue brims with life and the explosion of color is matched by an eclectic mix of fragrances and textures spread out across a maze of stalls. The pungent smell of Durian and dried fish is offset by the sweet fragrance of pineapples, papayas and a dazzling array of other fruits. You can pick up anything from a humble bread snack to a fully prepared Green Curry or a selection of steamed, friend, broiled or baked ready-to-eat snacks. Go hungry and plan on a nap afterwards.

5. Or Tor Kor Market (Bangkok, Thailand) When: Every Day from 8am – 6pm (approx.) Where: Kamphaeng Phet Rd. Chatuchak. Bangkok, Thailand.

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The  food,  which  takes  the  main  character  role  and  rounds  out  the  whole  experience  is    inven>ve,  original  and  visually  appealing  while  the  tastes  are  exo>c  yet  not  too  challenging  for  the  average  

palate.  

The diminutive city of Luang Prabang has a Morning Market that is considered the central meeting point after every sunrise. Locals and visitors alike join to either stock up on a myriad of local goods or to stroll down along the alley lined up with food stalls on the ground or on tables. We recommend that visitors try to make it to the market during the early morning hours; not only do locals gather to buy their daily groceries, but it is also the moment of the day when monks stroll down the market in hopes of receiving their alms, a unique and humbling display.

6. Morning Market (Luang Prabang, Laos) When: Every Day from 7am – 12pm. Where: Area around Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, Laos.

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The  food,  which  takes  the  main  character  role  and  rounds  out  the  whole  experience  is    inven>ve,  original  and  visually  appealing  while  the  tastes  are  exo>c  yet  not  too  challenging  for  the  average  

palate.  Not so much defined by individually demarcated markets, the entire Old Town of Hanoi is a vast market in its own right. Much as Western towns were once divided, streets in the Old Quarter each belong to a certain guild; blacksmiths, mechanics, cooking utensil vendors, textile vendors, etc. Just about every street corner also has one or more food stalls to cater to the vendors and buyers alike. Towards the evening, when shops begin to close, the food stalls begin to flourish, saturating the sidewalks with improvised food terraces. Hanoi wakes up at night and do does the appetite of ravenous punters; make sure you’re one of them.

7. Hanoi Old Quarter (Hanoi, Vietnam) When: Every Day of the Year! Where: Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam

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