Thanks to “the gastronomic variety and the quality and quantity of fresh products offered by its stalls”, the Boqueria market in Barcelona has been recognized as “the best in the world”, ahead of the Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo and the Borough London Market. This has been confirmed by the annual Global Tastemakers Awards, from the publication Food
The president of La Boqueria, Jordi Mas, has highlighted that it is a market “to feel the essence of the product and the human character of the professionals who work.” According to Mas, it is a market “to enjoy the culinary experience and richness in all its essence” and at the same time serves as “an international speaker of the greatness of Barcelona.”
The iconic market designed by the Catalan architect Josep Mas i Vila in 1840 is currently visited by between 20,000 and 60,000 people a day. The space that used to house a convent has an area of 2,500 square meters and inside there are more than 300 stalls with all kinds of merchandise. From fresh fruits and fish, to sweets and portions of paella to enjoy on the go. The increase in tasting areas and the gradual disappearance of traditional food stalls over the years reflect an undeniable reality: today, the market receives more tourists than locals.
After the pandemic, the merchants association presented a strategic plan to modernize and adapt the market bases to their current context. Among the proposals presented, the opening of stalls adapted to new trends stood out, with a focus on vegan and vegetarian products, take-out ready-made food options, snack shops, and establishments “more experiential and less dedicated to sales.”
Completing the list of the best markets in the world, according to the Global Tastemakers Awards, are the Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo and Borough Market in London in second and third position. They are followed by La Merced in Mexico City, Nishiki Market in Kyoto, English Market in Cork, Jemaa El Fna in Marrakech, Marché des Enfants Rouges in Paris, Lau Pa Sat in Singapore and Campo de’ Fiori in Rome.