Cheapeats, Inc. Blog

Some of the best and cheapest eating you can find are in outdoor markets. Samples everywhere you look. Cheese, fruit, avocadoes, cookies…you name it. And best of all, they’re FREE.

Being a New Yorker, I love hitting the famous Union Square Green Market, but folks that’s nothing in comparison to the FABULOUS outdoor markets that London has.

Borough Market located under the famous London Bridge, was first on my list. This massive market is quite an operation. There are aisles and aisles of local farmers, butchers, bakeries and creameries selling their wares but also so great eating.

After a bit of munching on these free samples, I was ready for lunch. There are so many dining options offered, but a line outside a sandwich stand caught my eye, and decided to give it a try. The menu was short and sweet. Pork, Roast Beef  and Turkey.  I ordered the Turkey sandwich, but this isn’t any ordinary sandwich. It’s Thanksgiving on a roll. Moist and juicy turkey with dressing (stuffing) and topped with cranberry sauce. How did the Brits learn so much about Thanksgiving? Who cares..it’s delicious. So filling, I saved half for later. Price £4.00 ($6.32)

After feasting on my delicious lunch I walk by a stand selling Olive Oil. The Olive Oil Co. sells every flavor imagineable. Garlic, lemon, rosemary..you name. After a few dips of bread in the variety of oils, I buy a bottle of lemon and basile. £10 each ($15.81US) I’ve been putting these oils on and in everything, that I’m almost out. Do you ship to the US?

On a Saturday, Notting Hill is where you want to be, which is home to the Portobello Market. Dozens of antique dealers, artisans, art and food stands display and sell their works of arts. Quite a feast for your eyes and belly. One of things I loved the most, were the stands with these massive Paella pans, cooking authentic Spanish Paella. Kind of puts our hot dogs and hamburgers to shame. For more info.

Covent Gardens is an outdoor Flea Market times 1000. The indoor mall features clothing stores, footwear and restaurants but the outdoor market is where it’s at. During the day, you can stroll and meet the local artists, confectioners and artisans selling their wares, but in the evening is when the entertainment begins. Brits take their outdoor performers very seriously. They’re passionate about their performance and aren’t humble to ask for participation or a donation.  My favorites were the Michael Jackson impersonator and the comedic and very talented symphony orchestra.

Definitely check out these markets. They have so much to offer and they’re FREE.

Happiness, $25 and under.

Tags: Borough Market, cheapeats, Cheapeats London, Covent Gardens, Hobbs Meats, Jubilee Market, London Bridge, Notting Hill, Olive Oil, Olive Oil Co, Outdoor Market, Paella, Portobello Market, Portobello Road

This entry was posted by Rosemarie on Wednesday, April 27th, 2011 at 8:44 pm and is filed under London, Street Food, Travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.