Mercado Central de San Pedro - Cuzco, Peru

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The market in Cuzco is huge.  I would say almost a block long.  There are a couple difference entrances on the sides of the building.

The market is sectioned out by types of food:  fruits & vegetables, meats, dried foods, etc.

 On one of the outer corners of the market, there are several tables set up for juices.  I was excited thinking that it would be simlar to the freshly made juices I had in Spain.  Check that out here (La Boqueria - Barcelona). 

The fruit selection was a little limited.  The vendors give you a menu to pick from then proceed to make your drink.  The mango - orange juice was really thick, almost like a smoothie.  Not as refreshing as I had hoped, but you can taste the ripe fruits.

 For being a market, I noticed there weren't many food vendors inside ( you can find the lined up OUTSIDE the market).  Also, the market was pretty empty, not sure if it was due to the parade celebration outside.  It wasn't as exciting as I had hoped for, but it was still worth a trip to look around.

Address:                    Mercado Central de San Pedro
                                          Cuzco, Peru

Type:                            market

snacking around Pisac market

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On the way from Ollantaytambo to Cuzco, I visited teh Pisac ruins and then decided to stop by the Pisac market to wander around and grab some lunch.  It reminded me of Stanley Market in Hong Kong with the endless maze of homemade crafts and vendors.  If you end up here, I'd probably set aside 1-2 hours to explore and snack.  Also, if you come across little girls dressed in traditional dresses and carrying baby lambs, be warned they expect some money if you want to snap a picture.

The colorful display of fruit in the Pisac market.

Some of the varieties of potatoes (tubers) found in the Andes.

In one of the alleys in the market, I stumbled across a man selling empanadas fresh from a huge clay oven.

This carne y queso (beef and cheese) empanada was different than what the normal empanada I was used to.  It was similar to a bun with a soft exterior versus the flakey, slightly crispy ones back in California.

At one of the market there was a lady selling choclo con queso ( Corn on the cob with Cheese). Notice how the corn kernels are giant sized!

The corn kernels are giant sized so its more starchy and filling than the sweeter corn in the States. 

Address:                          Market at Pisac

Type:                                  Peruvian, street foods

Chomp worthy:          Try everything!

Random facts:         The market is open everyday, but the busiest days are Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday with

                                                 Sunday being the busiest and most popular of the three.

Mercado de San Miguel - Spain (Madrid)

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inside Mercado de San Miguel



skewer style tapas

Fruits and veggies

Assortment of dried chilis and fruits

Paella

Housemade chicharrones!

Housemade potato chips

Mini Foie burgers

Painstakingly stacked cherries ( I love the sign!)

Verdict:         Obviously catered to more tourists than the locals, its still a must visit!  Lots of tasty small bites with a variety of foods from vermouth to tapas to paellas.

Address:         Mercado de San Miguel 
                         Plaza de San Miguel  (Sol/Opera)

                         Madrid, Spain

Type:               marketplace
                          casual

Chomp worthy:  nothing


Pass:               nothing

Random facts:

• featured in Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations