The Most Amazing Markets in the World

This farmer’s market in the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, gets its name from the deserting soldiers who sold their weapons here during the Russo-Georgian War of the 1920s. By now they’ve long swapped pistols for fresh fruit and vegetables, traditional cheeses and locally reared meat. Perhaps best of all is the vibrant selection of Georgian spices and world-class array of local wines, often made using ancient fermentation techniques that outdate all other wine-making countries. Parts of the market have a real old-world feel to them. It can get a little bit chaotic but it’s also super authentic and an experience not to be missed in Tbilisi. On our Georgia and the Caucasus trip you’ll get a guided tour of the market with a local chef, who’ll help you pick out the best ingredients needed for our cooking class back at the chef’s own home!

Our Taste of Taiwan trip puts a lot of emphasis on this island nation’s extraordinary culinary culture. That includes a tasting session in a world class tea factory and an authentic cooking class, but Taiwan’s food scene is undoubtedly best explored in one of its many incredible night markets. Our trip includes a visit to Fengjia Night Market in Taichung, but our personal highlight is Raohe Night Market in the capital, Taipei. This 600m (1,968ft) neon-lit street market is a bustling hive of activity come nightfall. Bouquets of flowers and unique works of folk art add a little colour, while smell and taste is more than catered for, with countless excellent street vendors serving up classic dishes like sticky rice dumplings and fish cakes, washed down with a refreshing pearl tea.