When first thinking of things to write on my list I had originally overlooked Cardiff indoor market. The memories though of when I was in university of visiting here came flooding back. Then I knew it had to go on the list. A now grade ll listed building the market has been running since 1891 and has had many changes over the years. Located just off at Mary's street its easy to access and has tonnes to see.
I know all my pictures are of food when visiting today, but there is so much more. As a child, God knows how much pocket money I spent visiting sue's beanie babies stall. Still standing to this day many years on, she offers a range of beanie babies to suit any collectors preference. Looking for some fabric or maybe you need net curtains, there are tons on offer. Greeting cards, jewellers, cobblers, pets supplies are just a few more non-food related items on offer for all.
So its time to move onto the huge options of foods on offer within the market. From fresh produce to snacks and full cooked meals there is a wide range to explore. Whilst in university I would try to buy as much fruit and vegetables as possible, with it being half the price of the most supermarkets. When bread was not my enemy, I used to get fresh baked bread here and it would keep for days. I also used to visit what I called the nut man. A range of seeds, nuts and some pastry delights. When visiting he would offer us samples before buying if unsure of which one to choose.
Some of the fresher ingredients on offer included butchers and a fishmonger. With different cuts of meats and great prices. The fishmonger a strong favourite of my late grandma. I remember as a child her treating my dad and her too, what they called the best dover sole. Myself as I got older even sampling some conga eel whilst in university. If you are wanting the best Welsh cakes out there then Cardiff Bakestones is the answer. With traditional, diabetic, chocolate chip welsh cakes and many other types of cakes its a must have visit.
Now many new stores have developed since I last visited. One stall that fascinates me is the huge range of herbs, spices and teas on offer. Looking for a particular ingredient for that recipe the odds are they have it. Have a love for cheese then The Cheese Pantry is the place for you. Cheese snack for lunch or cheese for your cheese board. Love a scotch egg? Then Holy Yokes is the place for you oozeing yolkey goodness.
For lunch, though original it would be upstairs for a greasy spoon, but now the range has boomed. Recently new Ffwrnes Pizza has arrived and is still on my list to try. Vegetarian then don't worry, from Clancy's Vegetarian Food Emporium to Milgi Lounge Vegan there plenty to try. Fancy your self some food from around the world then look no further than Thai Asian Food or Chai Guys Indian Street Food.
With so much on offer I realised I need to visit here a lot more. Unfortunately the market is not open on a Sunday so plan your visit well. I hope if you live in Cardiff or plan to visit you make the market a place to see.