If you really want to get to know a different country or culture while you are traveling, visit an authentic spice market in the city. Popular spice markets are typically the heart and soul of any city; they are busy, bustling labyrinths full of tantalizing aromas and colorful mounds of spices, herbs, and local delicacies.
Here is a taste of some of the most popular spice markets found around the world.
Rahba Kedima
Location: Marrakesh, Morocco
When traveling in Morocco, the Rahba Kedima spice market in the heart of Marrakesh is a must-see. Also known as Spice Square, this famous spice bazaar is where you can find spices such as fresh cinnamon, star anise, coriander, cumin, and the most expensive spice in the world, saffron. Pro tip: when buying saffron, look for the fresh red-colored strands as opposed to the ground saffron. Also, try the traditional Moroccan mint tea while at the Rahba Kedima spice market.
Dubai Spike Souk
Location: Deira, Dubai
A highlight of visiting the old souks in Dubai is riding along the creek on the Abras. Wander from one vendor to another with mounds of aromatic herbs and spices in large baskets at every turn. Take time to speak with the vendors as not all spices are for cooking. There is also a great selection of sweets, nuts and oils in many stalls. Spices are sold both by weight and in packets. It’s okay to negotiate lower prices.
Long Bien Market
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
The Long Bien market is a wholesale market located in Hanoi’s popular Old Quarter district. Filled with fresh fruits and produce, the Long Bien market also has plenty of stalls with vendors selling fresh mint, ginger, lemongrass, coriander and cinnamon, to name a few of the local spices. This early morning market opens at 4:00 am and clears out quickly, so be sure to arrive early. If you want a truly authentic local experience and not a touristy market, the Long Bien Market is as real and authentic as it gets. Try a bowl of pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup made with fresh herbs and spices.
Benito Juarez Market
Location: Oaxaca, Mexico
This large open-air market is the oldest market in the city of Oaxaca, Mexico, dating back to 1893. Here you will want to be sure to try the many varieties of dried chilli peppers including ancho and chilhuacle chilli peppers. You can buy excellent ready-made mole paste. If you are feeling brave, try spicy toasted grasshoppers, called chapulines.
Spice Bazaar
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul’s historic Spice Bazaar is often called one of the best spice markets in the world. The Spice Bazaar dates back to the 17th century and is also known as the “Egyptian Bazaar” because it was built from riches from the Ottoman Empire that was centered in Egypt at the time. This spice market was the final stop for caravans along the Silk Route and carries famous spices from around the world such as garam masala and green peppercorns. For a sweet treat, try the local favorite Turkish delight, also known as lokum.
Khari Baoli
Location: Delhi, India
Located near the famous Red Fort, the Khari Baoli spice market dates back to the 17th century Mughal period in India. Asia’s largest spice market, Khari Baoli offers countless local and exotic spices, herbs, and grains, as well as dried fruits such as mulberries and dates. Some of the must-try wares at the Khari Baoli market are turmeric, allspice, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, black salt and unrefined pink salt.
Tips when shopping for spices:
If you purchase whole spices and grind them, you will get a fuller flavor. Whole spices also stay fresher longer. Don’t buy in bulk unless you plan on using that specific spice often. When you buy good quality spices, a little goes a long way. Stored correctly (in glass jars with an airtight seal in a cool, dark cupboard,) herbs can last up to a year, such as nutmeg and peppercorns, but spices such as cumin and cardamom lose their flavor more quickly. Herbs such as rosemary, thyme and oregano should ideally be used within 6 months.
Consider trying small amounts of spices in a blend that you cannot purchase locally.
Ask for permission before taking a photograph of the spices.
