You can lead a Man to a Fish Market…
Wherever I travel, I like to see the “local.”
Local streets, restaurants, and, of course, local markets are the only way to see what life is genuinely like and immerse yourself in the culture of the place you are visiting.
Fish markets worldwide come in all shapes and sizes. Some only sell fish, but some also sell great cooked sea food, which, of course, is fresh as can be and super tasty to boot.
I asked a few of my fellow travel writers to share some of the fish markets that they’ve visited. Enjoy!
Taling Chan Floating Market, Bangkok, Thailand
Taling Chan Floating Market in Bangkok has the freshest catch—it’s almost as if they reach over from the side of their boat, scoop them right out of the water, season and stuff them with herbs, and then toss them directly into the wok and onto your plate. Anthony Bourdain visited this market many years ago, and so, of course, I had to go and experience it for myself!
Marigot Market in St. Martin
Craving a fresh, salty protein to elevate your dish? Step into the vibrant atmosphere of Marigot Market, where tantalizing smells and the lively chatter of friendly locals fill the air. Situated along the waterfront near Fort Louis, this bustling market is host to a colourful array of locally-run huts and stalls teeming with the island’s finest produce. Amidst the fresh fruits and aromatic spices lies the bustling heart of all things finned and scaley – the Fish Market. Here, resident fishermen proudly display their fresh catches, offering a wide selection of fish, lobster, shrimp and more. Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the island’s culinary scene, indulging in the freshest seafood and encountering the finest, warm-hearted fishermen.
Mercado de Mariscos in Panama City, Panama
The seafood market in Panama City, Panama (or Mercado de Mariscos, as it’s called in Spanish) is THE place to go for fresh seafood. Here you can choose from a broad range of fish, lobster, shrimp, octopus and crab, all at amazingly low prices. This picture shows a range of fish for sale (including the most popular variety: Corvina, or White Sea Bass), and some mangoes for decoration. In the background, you can see a fish being filleted to order for a customer. The market is located on Panama Bay, at the southern end of the Cinta Costera Boulevard, just before Casco Viejo.
Contributed by Penny de Vine, the creator and author of Travelling Penster
Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, Japan
It’s 4 o’clock in the morning, and you’re still half asleep. Still, this is the best time to visit the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo, Japan. At this hour of the day, the biggest fish market in the world is buzzing with small motor carts racing around, wet floors, loud auctions and tons of fresh fish around you. In the photo, you see a giant tuna getting sliced into pieces. After your visit to Tsukiji, make sure to have some fresh sashimi in one of the nearby stalls. It can’t get any fresher than this!
Contributed by Manouk Bob of Bunch of Backpackers
Check out this article: Is Tokyo Expensive? 10 Cheap Things to Do When Visiting Japan’s Capital
Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle, Washington
Pike Place is an established open-air farmers market close to downtown Seattle, WA. The fish market boasts fresh, sustainable fish and a really fun atmosphere. The employees are famous for tossing the fish back and forth with each other while interacting with the customers. The most well-known is arguably their monkfish, which is set up to snap at unsuspecting customers!
Contributed by Katie Lutz of From Shores to Skylines
Catania’s market in Piazza Carlo Alberto, Sicily, Italy
Calculated Traveller Lea wrote about this market in her For the Love of Food in Sicily article and how she had to hold her breath the majority of the time and look away from some of the sights of fish eyes staring straight into her soul…
Maine Avenue Fish Market in Washington, DC
When in Washington DC, Main Avenue Fish Market is the place to go. Located just south of the L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station you can find vendors galore. Just walk up to any booth, choose your catch, and they will cook it on the spot for you. Ready-cooked items are waiting for you if you are in a hurry. It’s standing room only for eating, though, so bring some napkins and hand sanitizer because you are going to need it.
Hope you enjoyed this little look into various fish markets from around the world! Do you have any interesting fish markets?
