There are several top-notch food markets in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, all worth visiting. For a good introduction to the region’s foods and crafts, though, the bustling Mercado Ignacio Ramirez, known to most people as simply the central market, is a great place to start.
Locals shop here daily for fresh produce, meat and chicken, as well as fresh flowers. Adjacent to the artisan’s market, it is also a good place to begin learning about handicrafts of the region. Vendors and shoppers come in from nearby towns and the countryside to make a day of it. Tidy food stalls offer beverages, snacks and simple meals.
This permanent, covered market is located one block from the Plaza Civica with its equestrian statue of Ignacio de Allende.The market is open daily, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Abundant vegetables, flowers and more
I visited the central market as the introduction to a day of cooking with Chef Paco Cárdenas. We had a chance to sample, as well as look at, the beautiful food; and he introduced us to some of his favorite vendors.
This friendly family offers a wide range of Mexican pantry basics, from every dried chili imaginable to cooking oils, spices and dried hibiscus flowers.
After a tasting, they helped me select the best dried chilies to take home from my holiday.
Drinks, snacks and lunch
Clothing and handicrafts
Visit the San Miguel Mercado (morning is best) to:
- Replenish your stock of dried goods and home-produced pantry items, from herbs to frijoles
- Source very fresh local produce, such as avocado and nopales (cactus paddles)
- Taste street food, only the “street” is an indoor one
- Pick up reasonably priced items from regional artisans
- Buy flowers for your hostess or yourself
More time, and ready to branch out? Try these other, highly recommended markets: the vibrant open-air Tuesday market, with hundreds of vendors; and the Saturday organic market in Parque Juarez.
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This post is a contribution to Nancie McKinnon’s Budget Traveler’s Sandbox Travel Photo Thursday. Hop over there and enjoy links to a variety of photos and stories on her site!
Great photos! I thought those avocados were aubergines, they are so huge. Your photos really show the colour of the market. I wish I was there.
Thanks folks! The avocados were the first I’d had that do not need to be peeled. Makes em even better!
I could spend an entire day here…
I love going to markets when I travel and when I’m home.
I didn’t realize those were guavas — ours have a deeper color. And the cheese reminded me of cauliflower. I also love the idea of packaging the soup ingredients. Neat!
Food–I love how it surprises! I too did not expect the guavas and garbanzos…and the beans, tossed with spices, turns out to be a perfect cocktail snack, as well!
Yum, yum… lots of delicious food in your photos. I had no idea that’s what fresh garbanzo beans look like. And that roasted corn is making my mouth water.
Hi Anita,
Thanks for the wonderful tour of this gorgeous market, and thanks for connecting at Travel Photo Thursday!