Naar de markt gaan in Quito is een echte ervaring. Maar voor de local in Quito is een bezoek meer een soort traditie. De koopwaren op de markten verschillen per locatie variërend van de kust tot het Andes gebergte. Allemaal met hun eigen specialiteiten. Lekker eten en onderhandelen zijn op alle markten aanwezig.
A true tradition
To visit a market in Quito can be an experience in many ways. Most of them have been renovated by the local government and included security cameras and signage for cleanliness and easier access.
For a local “quiteño” this could be more of a true tradition. Markets may vary according to their location, but their goods resemble: flowers, fruits and vegetables from the Coast and the Andes, household goods, all kinds of meat and seafood, medicinal herbs and for cleansing (against “evil-eye” casts or deceases, and even for love!).
Big players in Quito’s history
Some markets in Quito may have witnessed the expansion of the city throughout time and the change of the city’s economy and society. Some may be up to over 120 years old and others may seem as the enormous supermarkets chain, of course keeping their own peculiar style and the true ambiance of a real market. Don’t get surprised if you find an ATM or a pharmacy, as nowadays these places occupy a very important place in the economy of the city and its citizens, provided that prices in these markets could be way more convenient than those in the big commercial stores.
The local cuisine experience
These markets, even though different in style and constructions, mostly agree with having one or several food courts with lots of Ecuadorian delicacies, alone or even combined: encebollados (dish of fish in soup with yucca and onions), ceviches, hornado (baked pork), mote con chicharrón (type of grain with crunchy pork rind), corvina (croaker fish), yapingachos, yahuarlocro, and so much more…
As for drinks, the options are almost infinite. You can have a specific fruit, or combine them and even try local traditional drinks that are not only nutritional but healthy as well, such as any type of juice with malt and egg in it. We are indeed a country full of varied types of fruits, so let your imagination and curiosity mix between coconut, orange, blackberry, strawberry, tamarind… just mention which fruit you want and you might get it! This is possible because Ecuador has so many different climatic floors (zones) thanks to its geographical position, the Andes passing through and the humidity coming from the Coast and Amazon that collide and create so many possibilities for fruits to grow.
Be “bazaric”
One very important thing not to forget… to bargain! As in a big bazar, be “bazaric” and do not forget to ask for a good price. Sometimes even that price that you have in your head (and that may seem to you to be very low) may be the right one, so do not be afraid to lower the price until it works.
People selling in the markets are already aware and very well trained in this art, so it wouldn’t be a crime if they started the price with quite a high one, as they are prepared to “show” the customers how they “give you a very good deal” and they are even playing with your perception to a point you would certainly believe you “nailed” it!
Let them spoil you
You would certainly feel spoiled in the market while you walk the aisles. A classic “venga mi bonito” (come my handsome), “venga reinita” (come my little queen) or “reycito” (little king) will cross the aisles as a crossfire of a duel (and you being their price!). So they can make you feel so special and loved and convince you to buy things. But as in real-life love: it is a giving and taking, so no problem… let them make sell you this love and exchange ask for the best price!
A local experience you cannot miss
If you are in Quito I welcome you to one of these markets. There can be many found only inside Quito, and you should definitely have to stop by one of these places and take a walk as a local through these popular markets where you could find everything you need for your daily diet, as well as peculiar articles for example oils and soaps for “limpias” (cleansings), baskets, and more!
Besides, you would have the chance to try so many exotic fruits, local delicacies and many useful stuff for your home.
Wil je ook een bezoek brengen aan de markten van Quito en beleven hoe het is om te onderhandelen met de marktlui? Neem een kijkje bij onze rondreizen Ecuador. Benieuwd op welke manieren je nog meer dichtbij de locals kunt komen tijdens je rondreis door Ecuador, lees onze insider tips op Meet the locals Ecuador.
