Mercado Santa Clara

Always I have heard that in order to really know a city and the people, you have to visit a market and watch the locals. Quito is a big city and going to a market sounded like a cool idea.

This is not the biggest and / or oldest market. This one is located close to the Mariscal, the new area of the city, but it doesn't mean, you won't experience the local stuff here.

There you will find variety of veggies, fruits and meat. It was so nice to see some veggies and fruits for first time in life. I'm used to go to the meat market, but it was interesting to see what cuts of meat they usually have...

The market is 2 floors and in the center of the 1st one, you'd find the "food court" where you'd be able to see the traditional dishes. The stands are always crowded by local people and offer really cheap food, but full of flavor. You'll find juices, pastries, fried pork, chicken soup, fish, ceviche...

If you are in the area, I highly recommend you to visit the market and hang out with the local people. Experience the real stuff, not surrounded by tourists. You'd become an attraction to the locals as much as they are one to you.