Do you like
traditional markets? I love them. In Poland, they usually sell fresh
fruit and vegetables, local produce, such as oscypek (sheep cheese),
and much more. The food there is much better than in supermarkets
and the vendors are very friendly and chatty.
That's why I
couldn't miss the Festival of Cracow's traditional markets called
'Krakowskim Targiem,' which took place yesterday (12th Oct) in Plac
Nowy in Cracow. The name is a play on words: 'krakowskim targiem' is
a Polish idiom meaning 'a compromise' but literally it means a
Cracow's ('krakowskim') traditional market ('targiem').
Even though
this summer and autumn have abounded in food festivals in Cracow, I
think 'Krakowskim Targiem' was the most colourful and varied one.
The stalls
were full of beautifully arranged autumnal fruits of the earth,
especially round-bellied pumpkins and juicy grapes. There was also a
plethora of forest mushrooms. I especially like saffron milk caps
(called 'rydze' in Polish) fried in butter, which are a simple but
delicious dish.
The most
eye-catching stand was probably the one with exquisitely carved
fruits and veggies. I really love the cute courgette roses.
Apart from
food, there were also a few stalls with hand made jewellery, antiques
and other birck-a-brac. Maybe someone bought this cute little nesting
box?
The air was
filled with the smells of smoke and delicious hot dishes, such as
pierogi (Polish dumplings) and Moroccan specialities. Unfortunately,
there were so many people who also wanted to taste the free food that
I didn't manage to push myself forward. Maybe I'm too shy? :/
But I did
manage to buy a jar of heather honey, a wooden spoon, some traditional
cottage cheese, a punnet of sweet raspberries, and coffee spices with
cardamom. As always, I spent more money than I'd intended but at
least I've got some tasty souvenirs from the fair.
And for
those who didn't manage to visit the festival, I recommend the
traditional markets in Cracow, which are open all year round,
especially Stary Kleparz, Plac na Stawach and Plac Nowy. Shopping at
the market can be great fun. :)
Website: here
