Mercat del Ninot

JD and I first visited Barcelona together some 8 years ago; the trip wasn't very long but we managed to squeeze in most of the main sights then so this time, we decided that we would just chill and wander the streets. On our way from our hotel to one of the main shopping streets in the city, Passeig de Gràcia, JD spotted what looked like an outdoor market so we took a detour to have a look. On closer inspection, the stalls were not selling anything particularly interesting but then we came across a door leading into a food market and that's when we realised that we had stumbled across a gem. The Mercat del Ninot does get a mention in the guidebooks but not marked down as a must-see (compared to say, La Boqueria). However, if you happen to be in the Eixample area, I do recommend you pop and have a sneak peek. The amount and variety of produce on offer is just amazing and if I ever had the opportunity to invest in property in Barcelona, I would make sure that I was within walking distance to this place. The market looked like it catered to locals mainly but luckily, they didn't mind too much having a pesky tourist (ie. moi, JD likes to keep a low profile whenever possible!) walking around wide-eyed and taking the odd pic ;) (be mindful of those shoppers with trollies and you should be OK!!)

This popular fish stall is run by 2 ladies who look very similar - am thinking sisters at least, if not twins!! (See poster at the back of the stall) I was hoping to get a picture of them together with the poster but alas, it was not meant to be. You might just about make them out with their "perms"(!!) - on the far right and the other on the left, just behind the weighing scales......they were even wearing matching outfits!!! :)  

 Very curious to see these "albino" looking prawns/crayfish - wonder what they taste like?

 Calçots!

At the bar where we had breakfast this morning, our waitress mentioned that they had bocodillos with fuet - at the time, I had no idea what she was talking about so I went for the safe option of jamón ;)

Having passed by this stand, I now know that fuet is some sort of dried sausage and upon further research , found that it is particular to Catalunya! :)

 The tomatoes that are hanging in bunches are the special ones used for pan amb tomaquet, I think? Bon profit!! :)