Food Courts Around the World That Put Ours to Shame
Waaaay Beyond Your Local Mall's Food Court
Americans think they’ve cornered the market when it comes to fast food, and especially food courts in malls, airports, markets, and other locations. But other countries put America to shame when it comes to places where you can get quality, delicious food. Let’s look at some of them.
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Tramsheds, Sydney
Built in 1904 as the Rozelle Tramway Depot, Tramsheds is now an uber-hip version of the food court, housing some 11 restaurants and cafes, as well as retail shops. There are also events such as cooking classes and pottery classes held here.
In terms of food, you’ll find everything from fine French dining to Chinese cuisine to Japanese delights.
Markthalle Neun, Berlin
Located in the historic Kreuzberg Railway Station, Markthalle Neun has been feeding Berlin since 1891. Amid the vendors selling fresh fish, vegetables and fruits, artisanal chocolates, and piping hot pretzels, you’ll find spots to snarf up handcrafted meatballs, dim sum, smoothies, and traditional spaetzle.
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Takashimaya Times Square, Tokyo
While the mega department store Takashimaya Times Square offers 35 different restaurants on its top two floors (out of 14 levels!), the real fun is on the food floor in the basement. Here you’ll find 130 stations in areas including delicatessen/bento, confectionaries, bakery, liquor and wine, and fresh meat and vegetables.
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Miaokou Night Market, Keelung, Taiwan
Night markets have long been popular with hungry locals and visitors, and Taiwan’s Miaokou Night Market is no exception. Try local flavors like eel, scallion pancakes, pork rib soup, and sausages, followed by bubble ice.
Markthal, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Rotterdam’s Markthal is a riot of scents and sounds and a fantastic place to pick up both groceries and lunch. Enjoy Indian, Greek, and even American food, or try tapas, hot pot, or ramen.
Mercado de Produtores, Rio de Janeiro
Also known as Uptown, Mercado di Produtores is one of the very few remaining food courts in the area. You’ll find bars, restaurants, and artisanal products for sale. And when it comes to food, you’ll find much more than local delicacies like empanadas and grilled meats. Vendors also serve up ceviche, sandwiches, crepes, burgers, and sweets, as well as beer and cocktails.
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Torvehallerne, Copenhagen, Denmark
This food market is known as Copenhagen’s dining room and features fresh ingredients in innovative dishes. Torvehallerne serves up not only Danish delights but also international flavors like tapas, sushi, pizza, burgers, and baked goods.
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Mercato Centrale
Florence, Italy
Located in the historic San Lorenzo Market, the Mercato Centrale manages to take the American concept of a food court to an elevated level. With vendors offering everything from buffalo mozzarella to fresh pasta, the hard choice is deciding where to eat. And if Italian food isn’t what you’re craving, there are also American-style barbecue, fried snacks, vegan food, and sandwiches.
Östermalms Saluhall, Stockholm
By day, Östermalms Saluhall is the place to shop for fresh seafood, veggies, fruits, meats, cheeses, and baked goods. By night, it’s the spot to dine. There are a dozen restaurants here, each offering its unique flavors. From charcuterie boards to American steaks to Lebanese dishes, there’s something for everyone.
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Merkatua San Martín, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Not only does Merkatua offer a food hall full of fresh produce, meats, and prepared foods, but it also has a keen eye on sustainability and reducing food waste.
Order a sandwich at one of the delicatessens or pick up some traditional croquettes, charcuterie, and cheese, and you’ve got the perfect makings for a picnic.
Mojo Market, Capetown, South Africa
At Mojo Market, there are 30 vendors selling foods like biltong, ramen, flatbreads, poke, and dim sum. But there’s much more to keep you there. Watch live sporting events or live musical performances, and enjoy cocktails, wine, and beer at one of five bars. And with a hotel located right next door, you don’t even have to worry about driving home afterward!
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Mercado La Merced, Mexico City
While it may seem overwhelming, this labyrinth of food stalls provides a fantastic opportunity to try some of the best street food in Mexico City (though consider going with a guide who can help you navigate). Don’t be shy about sampling multiple dishes like tlacoyos, huaraches, quesadillas, caldo de gallina, and more.
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Time Out Mercado da Ribeira, Lisboa, Portugal
The Time Out Mercado prides itself on curating every dish that is served, offering nothing less than the best quality. Over two floors, you’ll find 40 vendors selling pasta, seafood, steak, and Asian dishes, some of which are prepared by Michelin-starred chefs.
Food Society, Paris
Predictably Parisian chic with a touch of industrial hipsterism, Food Society is the newish open-concept casual dining experience everyone’s talking about. With 15 food kiosks, three bars, and a grocery section, you can enjoy fried chicken, sushi, pizza, empanadas, burgers, and salads.
Siam Paragon, Bangkok
If you want a fantastic example of an actual food court in a mall, head to Siam Paragon in Bangkok. Actually, this mall has much more than just a food court; it also houses a food hall, as well as a separate food hall just for takeaway food. You’ll find cheap local eats as well as sit-down fine dining options, and everything in between.
Perhaps the days of the traditional American food court are numbered. Would you give up the smell of greasy fried chicken mingling with Chinese stir fry and pizza to try one of the options on this list?
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This article was originally published on Cheapism
