Don’t let the name fool you. Tsvetnoy Central Market is, in fact, a department store. Okay, now you’re confused: why is it on Spotted by Locals? That’s because of Russian designers and food. 

At the 5th floor there is fresh produce market. My personal favorite is the farmer’s dairy stall, selling a variety of fresh cheeses, including goat cheese (yum!) and the cottage cheese made from baked milk (double yum!). Baked milk and the products made from it have a light brown tint to them and the signature slightly sweet-and-sour taste with caramel notes. If you’ve never tried it, this might be the time to get something; if you have, you don’t need persuading. Also noteworthy are the spice stall, looking vibrant and smelling good, the meat and charcuterie section, and a row with flavored whipped honey.

There is also Urban Food Market at the 6th floor, featuring cafes that offer Dagestani, Indian and Vietnamese street food.

And at the ground floor, there is clothes, accessories and home decor items by Russian designers. I usually come here when I’m looking for a present, and wander around the ceramics, china, clay, wood, and hip eyewear, and the edgy clothing, until I find something cool.