The Central Markets are one of the hubs of the town!
Brooke Bishop
What is in them?
Generally, the Farmer’s Markets, or Ferias in Spanish get the most attention when it comes to buying fresh inexpensive food. But most towns have another option, the Central Market. These markets sprouted up as the towns they are located in grew. The Central Market’s are usually open 7 days a week and not only offer affordable produce, meats, and cheeses, generally they also have sodas, cobblers, bakeries, and the list goes on. The bigger the city the bigger the mercado.
Not only is the Central Market a great place to shop, it is also the hub of the town. Venders chit-chat with each other and the customers. If you stop at a vendor more than once they will generally remember you and sometimes freebies!
Most of the vendors at the Central Markets have been there for more than 20 years. Rather than sell their lease on the stall, they usually pass them down to the kids. Some stalls have been owned by the same family since the beginning.
Central Markets are usually good places to grab a good cheap bite to eat. It is Tico food, but for the masses so it is just like “mom makes”! Empanadas, Casados, Gallo Pinto, Sopa Mariscos, Arroz con Poll, all of these classics are fresh, fast delicious, and cheap.