The Best of…Travel

From Tokyo to New York: Our Favorite Food Halls Around the World

By Fred Edward on February 28, 2024

When traveling, there's nothing quite like immersing yourself in the local culture, and one of the best ways to do so is through food. While restaurants offer a taste of the regional cuisine, food halls provide a vibrant, dynamic experience that encapsulates the culinary essence of a place in a single space.

Food halls have undergone a renaissance in recent years, evolving from simple marketplaces to gastronomic destinations. These modern hubs showcase a diverse array of culinary delights, ranging from traditional street food to gourmet delicacies, all under one roof. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply looking to indulge your taste buds, visiting a food hall while traveling is a must-do experience.

Here is our list of the best food halls we’ve visited during our travels:

1. Time Out Market. Lisbon, Portugal

Time Out Market brings together some of Lisbon’s best chefs and restaurants under one roof, offering a diverse culinary experience. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and sample some of the region’s best delicacies.

2. Mercado de San Miguel. Madrid, Spain

Mercado de San Miguel is a bustling food market housed in a beautiful iron-framed building, offering a variety of Spanish delicacies and tapas.

3. Tsukiji Outer Market. Tokyo, Japan

Located in Tokyo, Tsukiji Outer Market is a bustling area surrounding the former Tsukiji Fish Market, offering a wide selection of fresh seafood, produce, and street food.

4. Grand Central Market. Los Angeles, California, USA

Situated in Los Angeles, California, Grand Central Market is a historic food hall with a diverse range of vendors offering everything from tacos and sandwiches to spices and specialty ingredients.

5. La Boqueria. Barcelona, Spain

La Boqueria is Barcelona's most famous food market, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings. Visitors can wander through colorful stalls selling fresh fruits, seafood, cured meats, and tapas, experiencing the essence of Catalan cuisine.

6. Mercato Centrale. Florence, Italy

Situated in Florence, Mercato Centrale is a bustling food market offering a wide range of traditional Tuscan foods, fresh produce, and artisanal products, as well as a second-floor food court with various dining options.

7. Foodhallen. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Located in a renovated tram depot, Foodhallen offers a vibrant mix of food stalls, where visitors can sample Dutch specialties, international cuisine, and craft beverages in a lively atmosphere.

8. Nishiki Market. Kyoto, Japan

Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," Nishiki Market is a historic culinary hub spanning several blocks. Here, visitors can explore countless stalls offering fresh seafood, traditional sweets, pickles, and local produce, providing a sensory journey through Kyoto's rich culinary heritage.

9. ICONSIAM Food Hall. Bangkok, Thailand

Located within the ICONSIAM luxury shopping mall along the Chao Phraya River, this food hall showcases an array of Thai and international cuisine, including traditional Thai dishes, seafood, sushi, and desserts, amidst a stylish and modern setting.

10. Borough Market. London, England, UK

As one of the oldest food markets in London, Borough Market is a gastronomic landmark brimming with history and flavor. Here, visitors can discover a vast array of artisanal products, street food vendors, and specialty ingredients from around the world.

11. Chelsea Market. New York City, USA

Chelsea Market is a bustling food hall housed in a former Nabisco factory in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood. It features an eclectic mix of vendors offering gourmet treats, artisanal foods, and international cuisines, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts in NYC.

12. Pike Place Market. Seattle, Washington USA

Situated in Seattle, Washington, Pike Place Market is one of the oldest continuously operated public markets in the United States, featuring fresh seafood, produce, artisanal foods, and local crafts.