Mercado de Mostenses Madrid

This fabulous covered Madrid market ticks all the boxes - central; both traditional and international; well priced... check, check, check! Add to that incredible variety and the freshest of fresh produce and we have a winner!

I've been shopping here for many years. I used to live close enough to pay a visit most weeks, but these days it's not as convenient, so I usually go there to eat some really great Peruvian/Chinese fusion food. As well as Peruvian food, there are Ecuadorian restaurants, Italian, Spanish... We're talking filling, abundant, economical. I think it's just the thing for hungry explorers.

My favourite stalls here are the Chinese greengrocers that have some weird and wonderful veggies (for me they are anyway!) If you are an adventurous cook, you'll find what you need here. Also, there is a fishmonger's on the ground floor that has fish you can't see anywhere else. If you are brave, they sell it even cheaper if you buy it whole - don’t worry they’ll fillet it for you too!

This place and markets like it are the real Spain, not necessarily the most glamorous, but good, so good. And while you’re there, check out my other spot Cafetería Lili.