New York City has long been famous for diversity, entertainment, and liberty. The melting pot for many cultures is hard to physically see with a single trip or a few days of the visit. Community markets are one of the best spaces for tourists to try out the multicultural experience. So we split up into three and dive into our separate adventures visiting three different markets around the city.
Essex Street Market
Since January 1940, the Essex Market has been a magnet for “independent pushcart peddlers” and a social hotspot for residents and tourists. Vendors came from various backgrounds of Lower East Side’s Jewish and Italian immigrants to sell virtually everything: potatoes, meat, and clothing.
Now, in 2021, the Essex market continues to serve its mission to foster a community in its neighborhood and a haven for small businesses. Because of Founder Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia’s work on the Essex Market, 140 vendors can sell fresh and affordable products in NYC’s most historic public market.
Peeking through the window, I was reminded of my childhood: looking through a window to see the numerous dazzling lights and people walking around the markets. As I walked in, I was instantly met with the rustling bustle of NYC. No, I was not rushed into a subway by a pack of people, thankfully. Instead, I was greeted with smiles from each vendor as they prepared their stands: nose-tingling spices, fresh fruits, and tables awaiting customers. Spotting a green container at the corner of my eye, I was surprised to see my childhood drink, Milo, at the top shelf of a market. Asking the vendor about the product, I found that he had sold Malaysian products since his father had owned the store.
The store vendor wanted to have a little of his home in his new home, Essex Market. As I looked around the market, I realized that each stand shined a different identity, symbolizing the very diversity that embodies New York City. Walking in, every person can find a home and community in this wonderful Market.
@88 Essex St, New York, NY 10002
Japan Village Market
Located in Industry City, Brooklyn, Japan Village debuted in November 2018. Founded by Tony and Takuya Yoshida, the village carries the intent to celebrate Japanese culture through the diaspora of Japanese food, products, and architecture. In the markets, visitors can find what a New Yorker would say is one of the most authentic Japanese restaurants in the city. They can also find a Japanese Supermarket providing customers with all sorts of things they may need, from tea bags to condiments to house care products.
Of course, viewing images of the village online and reading about the wonders of the landmark isn’t enough. Visiting the village, I strolled around the market, the different areas, and into neighboring attractions in Industry City. I even ordered a bowl of Udon and Soba there to see for myself. The Kamo Nanban Soba noodles were bouncy, smooth, and easy to swallow. More importantly, its well-brewed broth compliments the bounciness of the noodle and makes you grab one bite after another uncontrollably. Sansai Udon’s broth had an interesting sour taste, which was a smart decision considering the sweetness of the various vegetables like mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and seaweed.
Overall, the food experience was the best that anyone could ask for on their first visit. The atmosphere of the village was tranquil and busy at the same time. Looking around, you can see the tape of strangers’ lives playing out right in front of you, but not in a way where you are panicking, instead, you are the audience that sits back to watch it play out. I would recommend visiting this market at least once if not on a daily basis as it seems like many of the people there do, on their lunch breaks or spare time.
@ 934 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Canal Street Market
Canal Street Market is a curated retail market and food hall located at 265 Canal Street. The market is one street away from the ultimate shopping heaven, Soho.
If you’re tired from hours of shopping or too hungry to reach your destination in this direction, then Canal Market is definitely worth a visit. The Food Hall is open seven days a week, 11 AM - 8 PM. There are 11 different cuisines that incorporate cultures worldwide, from Japanese rice bento and Ippudo Ramen to Peruvian Ceviche and Lebanese street food.
Check out their amazing website if you’re interested to see what they have to offer!
I arrived at the market right at 11 AM, visitors were walking and out but the hall was mostly empty due to the early timing and weekday limitations. Most of the cuisines are open and the bubble tea Boba Guys are extremely popular while the other cuisines are still setting up. The interior decor of the market is elegant and perfect for photos, most notably the dining area at the back with interesting wall prints and unique furniture.
From pre-covid experience with this all-year-round market, this is the perfect place in the Chinatown/Soho area to experience diverse food cultures at one location other than food festivals.
@265 Canal Street New York, NY 10013
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