Markets in Lima

Markets of Lima

The hustle and bustle in the markets of Lima

Great variety of vegetables, fruits and everything possible

The markets show a lot about the local conditions of the different countries. So who wants to learn more about the traditions, the cultivated foods and the habits of the population? They must visit a market. The fruits and vegetables that are offered, or other things that are not so easy at home, leave a strong impression. For example, Peru is known for its potato varieties, ranging from yellow to violet and black. The situation is similar with corn cobs. Some varieties are almost white, others red to purple. The markets of Lima are distributed in different neighborhoods and, therefore, depending on where the starting point is, sometimes on foot or by taxi or bus. As a general rule, foods are cheaper in the market than in supermarkets. That and the variety are sometimes a small problem: he would like to try everything.

Mercado Numero Uno Surquillo

Mercado Numero Uno in Surquillo

The characteristic blue or red entrance signs labeled Mercado 1 in Surquillo are not to be missed. Inside, the artful, colorful constructions of tomatoes, aubergines or potatoes and the strands hanging from the ceiling with onions, corn on the cob and peppers delight. Likewise, fruit, whose names may not even be known in German-speaking countries, adorn the displays. Fish stalls delight with boxes full of shells, crabs and cuttlefish. What may seem odd to northwest Europeans is the presentation of the meat products. There are whole pigs, or their feet on trays, followed by a selection of offal and chicken. In this market, the question is not what there is, but rather what does not exist. Probably nothing. The artichokes are the size of children’s heads, the spice stalls smell of it, meter-high cinnamon sticks are leaning against the wall, next to baskets with lentils, cornmeal or rice. In fact, rice and potatoes are the most important side dishes of Peruvian cuisine. Hardly a court gets along without them. The market is located in Surquillo, just a few minutes walk from the center of the Miraflores district. Another special feature of this market is that on Sundays outside the market halls the “Bioferia” takes place, a market selling only organically produced products.

Address: Mercado Uno in Surquillo, Av. Paseo de la Republica / Ecke Leoncio Prado, Surquillo, Opening hour: Each day Mo-Sa 07:00-19:00, Su 07:00 – 16:00

Mercado Numero Dos in Surquillo

A little less noticeable is the Number Two Market, also located in Surquillo, not far from Mercado 1. This market offers a wide variety of products, from plastic tubs and brooms to furniture and antique fabrics. There are many butchers. If you want to change a pair of pants or a shirt, you are in the right place. As in the other markets, it is quite lively and noisy.

Lizardo Montero, Surquillo, Opening hour Monday – Saturday 08:00 – 21:00, Sunday 08:00 – 21:00

Mercado Central in the city center

Mercado Central in the city center

A few streets southwest of the main square of Lima, the Plaza Mayor, is the central market. He is the largest in Lima and takes a whole block. In addition to fruits and vegetables, of course, fish and meat are offered. By the way, but for that you need an opportunity to cook: guinea pigs are the specialty of Peru. Like quinoa or amaranth. In fact, these today come from us as a particularly healthy cereal even from the time of the Incas. As in the other markets, of course, there are stalls where you can buy cooked food. But the market hall itself does not offer everything: throughout the building, dealers have also expanded with clothes, toys, pets and other things that one needs or does not need.

Address: Jirón Ucayali 615, Cercado de Lima, Opening hour Monday – Saturday 07:00 – 21:00, Sunday 07:00 – 18:00

Asian delights in the Chinese Market

Chinatown in Lima? Yes there are. The small neighborhood where Chinese immigrants settled in the 19th century is located next to the Central Market. In the market, there is everything that is needed for Asian cuisine. By the way, the chefs from Peru and China have joined here. The result is called “Chaufa”, a dish with fried rice, vegetables and meat. In this market, the environment is no longer typically Peruvian, where to go and talk with clients and sellers in their native Asian languages.

Address: Diverse Shops Jiron Ucayali / Ecke Paruro Opening hour Monday – Saturday between t0 9:00 – 22:00, depend of the Markt

For fish lovers: the terminal Pesquero Callao

Lima is next to the sea; A fish market is not surprising at all. But what is surprising is the variety. Lima’s largest fish market is located in Villa Maria del Triunfo, on the outskirts of Lima. Here, in addition to the Peruvian housewives and restaurants and supermarkets in large quantities. It does not matter if it’s shark, octopus, crab or clam, everything is there, brought fresh from the big and small fishing boats. Amazing what species of fish frolic in the oceans in this part of the world. Some of the creatures seem quite strange … It is not surprising that another national dish in Peru marinated ceviche, raw fish or seafood in lemon juice and chili. And maybe it’s interesting: more than 70,000 tons of fish are sold in the Pesquero terminal every year.

Address: Av Pachacutec / Ecke Av. Maria Parado de Bellido, Villa María del Triunfo Each day Mo-So 07:00-13:00

Gamarra

Gamarra – clothes, clothes, clothes ….

Gamarra is the textile center of Lima and is located in the district of La Victoria. There, almost all dealers specialize in the manufacture and sale of clothing and other textile products. According to its own Gamara website, about 20,000 manufacturers, retailers and stores offer their services here. In any case, the fact is that you will find everything here. It is sold in department stores and retail stores. Disorder and volume are an experience in themselves. What may be unknown to visitors is that retailers approach potential customers, want to sell, at any cost, and do not always shake easily. If you still want to buy a traditional Peruvian hat for the cold winter at home or a few shirts, this is the place for you.

Address: Avenida Aviacion / Ecke Jiron Hipolito Diverves Shops Opening hour between 09:00 und 21:00, depend of the shop

The black market Las Malvinas

What would a big city be without a black market? The Falklands is located southeast of the center of the city on the outskirts. From electronic devices to branded clothing and sports equipment, everything is here, used and new on occasion. Retailers not only sell, they also buy everything that seems promising to market visitors. How legal is this, is questionable, but be careful with the term black market: the seller does not appreciate when the market is known as such. They see themselves as normal second-hand traffickers (or at least they want to be seen that way).

Address: Av. Argentina 608, Cercado de Lima, Opening hour Monday – Sunday 09:00 – 21:00

Small but nice: the Jesús María market

This market in the district of Jesus Maria is known for its stalls selling fresh ceviche. By the way, ceviche is prepared differently in each home, according to the family recipe or the existing ingredients. There is no specific rule, only fresh fish is mandatory. The market is relatively small and only known by the locals. Puro Peru, and a place worth seeing.

Address: Av República Dominicana 194, Jesús María, Opening hour Monday – Sunday 09:00 – 18:00

Tip for the market purchase

Always ask for a better price, like “something menus”. Soon you will notice that the price can go down to 30%. Especially if you are clearly recognizable as a foreigner.