I discovered a market in Plovdiv today. I have such an affinity for shopping and perusing local markets, I knew I would find at least one here. This used to be only one day a week, however now everyday is the Thursday Market except Sundays.
Getting There
Not hard to find at all. Google is your friend here. If you are staying anywhere near old town, this will be within walking distance for you. I was only a quick 20-minute walk away. Iโll attach a google map link here.
Local Fare
I had no expectations for this market, never having visited Bulgaria before. Iโll say it is not the prettiest market. Most of it is inside an older building with tall ceilings. About half the vendors were open, the other half of the stalls were covered in tarps.
The products available are very much local and in season, which is brilliant. It gave me the opportunity to see what is being farmed here or close by. There are several stalls with dried goods and nuts, most things I did not recognize, especially the dried plant products.
Other stalls had fresh produce, hardly no imported fruits or vegetables. I wasnโt looking for mangoes anyways. ๐
Berries
What I did find in abundance was gorgeous fresh and perfectly ripe berries! You bet I bought bags of these. Big juicy strawberries, blueberries and the sweetest and softest raspberries I have ever tasted.
The vendor was really helpful in letting me purchase specific amounts. He spoke a bit of English which was also super helpful. I have not encountered much English speaking in the city at all. Of course this is completely fair and not a complaint what so ever. It should be me that is struggling, for I am the foreigner coming into their community.
Flowers
Oh, the glory and beauty. Two sides of the exterior of the building were lined with flower stalls in addition to a small portion of the interior. The blast of bright vibrant colours was dreamy.
Again, what I love to see is the local way of arranging a flower bouquet. This always interests me where ever I travel. So different than what I see in Canada.
Did you know that Bulgaria produces 70% of the worldโs roses? Yeppers, and they are perfectly in bloom right now!
I will return to this sweet local market for sure. Perhaps on a weekend day next time to see if more vendors are open. Most people were friendly to me. I find the Bulgarianโs quite shy and quiet, just like myself. We are kindred spirits. What a grand start to the day!
