12 Mouthwatering Market Finds

Food markets, whether open-air or housed in a historic building, offer some of the most varied, colorful, and unique food experiences. Whether it's tasting something completely new and exotic from a fresh fruit vendor or sampling the best of a regional dish made at a covered market, experiences during a morning or afternoon stroll through a food market are affordable, diverting, and make for fantastic food memories.

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Farmers markets and historic food halls are prime destinations for getting a quick idea of what locals eat, grow, and cook with, from locally made Mexican vanilla found at the Mercado de la Merced in Mexico City to the freshest sushi from the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. Then, there are markets that house small cafés and food stands where locals line up and sit down for quick and delicious eats like Pinotxo at La Boqueria market in Barcelona and the Bratwurst Shop at Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne.

What's more, local food markets are the best place for travelers to find those unforgettable food finds unique to a particular place; they are the perfect hunting grounds for the best food souvenirs. Take Joycup's homemade peanut butter cups sold at farmers markets throughout Paso Robles, Calif., for example; we would never have discovered them without that fateful stroll through the market. So here are 12 mouthwatering market finds — hunt these down and you'll thank us, and then go forth unearthing even more unique foodstuffs. Then, tell us what you liked best.