Food Markets - What Do You Buy?

[Boglins]

I love food markets but I get overwhelmed by the choice (I'm no good at subway or coffee shops either!) and end up not getting anything, or thinking I've made the wrong choice.

I'm going to one this weekend and don't want to leave empty handed again so what things have you bought that you'd buy again/look for specifically/recommend?

I'm thinking of the produce/artisan type markets rather than the street food type ones.

Thanks!

Good oils, chutneys and cakes. Cheeses too...if there are special pastries, I will also buy those.

Everything.

Except the olives. (Massively overpriced.)

Also, buy a nice drink to walk around with. The experience of being there is just as nice as coming away having bought something. I imagine there will be a hot spiced cider stand or a place that does hot chocolate.

Thanks for the replies! That's a great idea about getting a nice drink, I will definitely do that!

In the past I've bought cured meats, local beer, fudge and cheese and some flavoured gin and vodka (I now make my own drinks)

Homemade pies, pasties, sausage rolls are often nice.

decent locally made cheese, home made cakes, chilli sauces & chutney, there is also an amazing baklava stall at our local market, beeswax candles - stuff you can't get in the supermarket. Anything home made.

I like flavoured vinegars and unusual spice mix’s/rubs

Am I a right misery 😂 they are so overpriced!

Holding they're not overpriced...the food is usually made in small batches...not imported...so it's more expensive for the producers to make.

The prices reflect that.

I live in Australian and our farmer's market only allows locals to sell there...all the food must include a certain percentage of local ingredients. So if you're a fudge maker, then you must source your milk or cream from local farmers.

It means it's expensive but everything's so fresh.

The meat is local, so is the cheese and the baking...it's lovely.

I agree with Bill... mostly.

The local/small made stuff is reflective of the higher price. The bloody olives though?! No way. 😂

LongDog I do live in South Australia where olives grow in abundance...they're probably much cheaper here.

Chutney in abundance. Bread.

Overpriced no, unaffordable for an awful lot of people- absolutely.

I wouldn't be able to justify a spend at a food market to any significant extent. I usually treat DP and I to a pastry or cake and that's all (if I ever go). Would love free reign though- I'm a fiend for cheese/chutneys etc.

I'd get a coffee and a pastry for the kids

Maybe some seasonal fruit or veg too

Or something I would not be able to make myself I. E. Dulce du lait

Thanks all, I got myself a lovely festive latte and took a bit more time wandering around. Got some traybake cakes to share with the kids, some fudge for DH and a chutney to have at Christmas. A much better haul than usual! I do agree that they're expensive in comparison to a supermarket but I like to support small businesses where I can and it's not like it's a weekly thing!